Josephine “Jo” Howell Garland, 89, of Drexel, went to her Heavenly Home on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at her residence after a period of declining health.
Mrs. Garland was born Aug. 11, 1936, in Mitchell County, a daughter of the late John and Minnie Buchanan Howell. She was retired from the textile industry and after retirement assisted her daughter with her hair salon, meeting and making many new friends. She loved the Lord and served as a faithful member of Icard’s Grove Baptist Church where she helped with the senior citizens meals and a former member of the WMU.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Sparks, Lillian Clayton, Helen Buchanan, Naomi Reynolds; and a brother, James Howell.
Those left to cherish her memory are son, Lyle Garland (Tamara) of Thomasville; and a daughter, Lori G. Greene (Eric) of Drexel, and her twin sister, Madeline Jean Usery (Charles) of Lowell, NC. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Ashley Ingram (Brian) and Megan Garland; great-grandchildren, Taylor Garland and Landon Garland; step-grandchildren, Chuck Bartlett (Mia), Curt Bartlett, Shane Bartlett (Kerri); step-great-grandchildren, Caroline Bartlett, Madie Bartlett, Lily Bartlett, Lucas Bartlett, Thomas Bartlett, Eloise Bartlett, McKayla Ingram and Nicholas Ingram; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Josephine “Jo” Garland will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese, with the Rev. Lee Joyner officiating.
Entombment will follow in the Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Carolina Caring and all of her caregivers, “All God Sent,” for the excellent care given Mrs. Garland.
Memorials may be made to Icard’s Grove Baptist Church, 3097 Icard Grove Ave., Connelly Springs, NC 28612 or Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.
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