Louise Francis Howard

Mary Louise Francis Howard, 88, of Greenville, died Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Born in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late Salem B. and Nellie Green Francis. Mrs. Howard attended Greenville Women's College. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a member of the St. Mary's Woman's Club. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed early-morning walks. Surviving are children, Marilou Sullivan and husband, Rocky, of Isle of Palms and Gerald K. Howard and wife, Jeannie, of Greenville; two grandchildren, Kelly Howard of Greenville and Kristen Wyche and husband, Charlie of Greenville; four nieces, Aurelia Francis Corbett, Camilla Francis Hertwig, Elizabeth Francis, and Carolyn Francis Bryant; and two nephews, Jamile J. Francis Jr., and Michael Francis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Jamile J. Francis, Sr., Samuel J. Francis, and George A. Francis. A Vigil Service will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Springwood Cemetery. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Fannie Willis and Georgia Willis for their kind and compassionate care for Louise. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Foundation, 1 St. Francis Drive, Greenville, SC 29601. The family will be at the residence.