Ola Mai Wilson Howard, 94
A retired employee of Genesco, a member of the Northside FCE Club and Reflectors of McMinnville First Baptist Church, where she was a member for 79 years, she was the daughter of the late Joe Firm and Mattie Pennington Wilson. She was married to Asa Thornton Howard, who preceded her in death in 1983.
During World War II, she was employed with Martin-Marietta Aircraft Company in Baltimore, Md., where she applied decals inside of B-26 bombers as the aircraft came off the assembly line. She enjoyed growing flowers, making quilts and traveled extensively.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Betty DeBerry, Ellen Bishop and Verna Tanner; four brothers, Herman Josh Wilson, Hobert Wilson, Everett Wilson and McKinley Wilson, and grandson, Brent Lindsey Howard.
She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Joe Lane and Betty June Howard, Jim and Janice Howard, and Ronnie and Betty Howard, all of McMinnville; grandchildren and their spouses, Barry Lane and Sharon Howard of Franklin, Peri Howard and Derek Howard, both of Charleston, S.C., Patti and Todd Salter of Selmer, Kevin and Allison Howard of Smithville, and Greg and Ashli Johnson of Cookeville; and great-grandchildren, Kurt Kesey, Kodi Kesey, Christian Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Patric Salter, Tate Elder, Amanda Salter and Christina Howard.
A celebration of her life was held Saturday at McMinnville First Baptist Church with Bill Martin officiating. Burial followed at Gardens of Memory.
High Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.