Mary Catherine “Kitty” Stewart Howell, of Mount Pleasant, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away on October 14, 2025.
Kitty was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina, on July 22, 1943, to the late John and Catherine Stewart Sr. She graduated from Columbia College in 1964 and earned a Master’s Degree from The Citadel. Kitty dedicated her career to sharing her passion for literature as a teacher and librarian in Beaufort and Charleston County Schools, East Cooper School, Colleton Preparatory Academy, and Porter-Gaud.
Kitty had a lifelong love for learning and books. She was an avid reader and a founding member of the Literary Guild of Greater Charleston book club. She enjoyed working in her yard, appreciating nature, and was a Master Gardener. She relished walking in nature and the mountains. To her grandchildren, she was simply “Gran,” a name that holds a special place in their hearts. Kitty found immense joy spending time with her loved ones and hosting gatherings for her wide circle of friends and family. Her warm hospitality and loving spirit will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Madison Howell, and her children: Cam Howell McAdams (West) of Sumter, South Carolina, and Buck Howell (Marie) of Walterboro, South Carolina. She was a cherished grandmother to John Fletcher, Scott Fletcher, Callie McAdams, Douglas McAdams, Jane McAdams, Ann Howell, and Maddie Howell. Kitty also leaves behind her siblings Ann Monroe (Jim) of Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Charles Stewart (Tamera) of Brooksville, Florida; brothers-in-law Bill Howell (Gail) of Walterboro, South Carolina, and Lad Howell (Sissy) of Beaufort, South Carolina; and sisters-in-law Boo Poole (Terry) of Denmark, South Carolina, and Laurie Stewart of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Kitty was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Howell, and her brother, John Stewart.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, at 1 p.m. at Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street, Walterboro, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ruffin Methodist Church 19362 Lowcountry Hwy, Ruffin SC 29475.