Juanita “Nita” Davis Covington Howell, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on December 26, 1939, in Pensacola, Florida, Nita was the beloved daughter of the late Dan and Esther Davis. She was married for 22 wonderful years to the late Charles “Butch” Howell Jr. of Pascagoula, Mississippi. Following a dedicated career, she retired after 20 years of service at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula.
Nita found her greatest joy in her family. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories through family gatherings, delicious home-cooked meals, and her famous sweet treats. She also enjoyed traveling, sewing, listening to music, and sharing her love and generosity with those around her. Her warm spirit, kind heart, and unwavering devotion to her family will be remembered by all who knew her.
She was a faithful member of Arlington Baptist Church on Market Street in Pascagoula, Mississippi, where her faith remained an important part of her life.
Nita is survived by her loving daughters, Renee Covington Eldridge of Mobile, Alabama, and Kristi Covington Rosier and her husband, James, of Bay Minette, Alabama. She leaves behind four cherished grandchildren, Zachary Eldridge and his wife, Sade, of Mobile, Alabama; Rachel Touchstone and her husband, Jacob, of Mobile, Alabama; Gabrielle Pettigrew and her husband, Jacob, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Dion Rosier of Bay Minette, Alabama. She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her three stepsons, Michael Howell and his wife, Candice, of Pascagoula, Mississippi; Jeremy Howell and his wife, Lindsey, of Tampa, Florida; and Matthew Howell and his wife, Summer, of Gulfport, Mississippi.
Nita is further survived by her sisters and brother, Trisha Davis of Pensacola, Florida; Rita Foster of Milton, Florida; and Danny Davis and his wife, Charlotte, of Cantonment, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Esther Davis; her husband, Charles “Butch” Howell Jr.; and her sister, Johnnie Mae Davis.
During her illness, Nita was comforted by the many visits, prayers, and expressions of love from family and friends. She passed peacefully with her family by her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, strength, and cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
In accordance with her wishes, her life will be celebrated in a private gathering with her immediate family.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family. Expressions of condolences for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com.
Beautiful tribute to Ms.Anita.although we never got to spend a lot of time with her in her last days,the time was very sweet. We will miss her.your old neighbors,Dianne,Charlotte, and Wayne.