Marian Joy Santiago Howell, affectionately known as Marijoy or Joy, 54, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, after a courageous, 5-year battle with renal cell carcinoma shortly after one of the most beautiful sunsets in Fairhope, Alabama. She was surrounded by friends and family as she took her last breath.

Marijoy was born on May 6, 1971, at Marian General Hospital in Georgetown, Guyana. She spent the first 8 years of her life in Nassau, Bahamas, where she formed lifelong friendships before moving with her family to Meridian, Mississippi, where her parents practiced healthcare.

Marijoy attended St. Patrick Catholic School from 3rd to 6th grade before graduating from Meridian High School in 1989, where she was part of the Meridian Wildcat Band and spent summers as part of the Meridian Swim Association. Marijoy then went on to get her registered nursing degree from Meridian Community College in 1995. She began her career at Rush Foundation Hospital before transitioning to work for Sta-Home Health.

In 1996, Marijoy married William Michael Howell (Billy) at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Meridian, Mississippi. For 15 years, Marijoy and Billy made Meridian their home and raised two daughters, Mackenzie and Mallory. In 2011, Marijoy and Billy moved to Goshen, Kentucky, before settling in Fairhope, Alabama for the past 12 years where she finished her nursing career at CenterWell Home Health. Nursing was more than just a career for Marijoy, it was a calling.

She left a lasting impression on every life she touched. Marijoy was a devoted wife, loving mother, and soon to be grandmother “Lola” to Eleanor Joy. Her kind, gentle, and caring spirit was evident to all who knew her. She loved to travel, cheer on her daughters in their extracurricular activities, catch sunsets on the bay, watch golf, Alabama football, and Duke basketball.

Above all, she loved God, her family and friends, and always put others before herself. She truly was the epitome of “Joy” (Jesus First, Others, then Yourself).

Marijoy is survived by her loving husband Billy; her daughters, Mackenzie Goodlett (Noah) and Mallory Howell; her mother, Aurora Perez Santiago; her sister, Mary Rose Downing (Rob); her nephews, Harrison and Hayden; niece, Hallie Rose; sister-in-law, Lorrie Perry (Brody); nieces, Mikaela and Bella; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Brenda Howell. She is preceded in death by her father, Dr. Danilo Padilla Santiago.

The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial for Marijoy will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Meridian, Mississippi on Saturday January 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. followed by lunch and fellowship at St. Patrick’s Family Life Center. Graveside inurnment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens at 3 p.m.

Marijoy wished for her funeral to be a celebration of life and asked that attendees honor her by wearing vibrant colors.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Patrick Catholic School, 2601 Davis Street, Meridian, MS 39305 or Luann’s light c/o Southern Cancer Center, 29653 Anchor Cross Blvd, Daphne, AL 36526. (For Donation of choice, please add “Donation in honor of Marian Howell” on the memo line).

Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.