Marion Liddell (Peteet) Howard

February 3, 1940 – December 4, 2022

Marion Liddell Peteet Howard of Greenwood, died peacefully on December 4, 2022, in Memphis, TN, following a long illness. 

Daughter of Gayden Bennett and Dewitt Clinton Peteet, Marion’s early life began on Crockett Street in Greenwood, where so many life-long friendships were made. 

Marion graduated from Greenwood High School and Delta State University. Determined to get her degree in Business Administration, she commuted and studied at Delta State University while also working full-time for the Social Security Administration, retiring in 2003 after 38 years.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 68 years. Over the years she served as Deacon, Elder, Sunday School teacher, and served on various committees. After serving as committee chairman for the 150 Sesquicentennial celebration, she spent countless hours organizing the history for permanent display, creating the Heritage Library. In 2006 she was the recipient of Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership. 

Marion served as Executive Director and President of Main Street Greenwood and worked on numerous projects for the downtown area. She loved history and served as President of Museum of the Mississippi Delta. She was later honored as Director Emeritus. She was a founding board member and chair of the Greenwood Tree Board and was recognized by the board in 1990 for her leadership in securing tree grants and tree maintenance. In 2008, she was honored by the Greenwood Lions Club as Outstanding Citizen. She served as a board member for the Chamber of Commerce and was honored as 74th Parade Marshall for Greenwood’s annual Christmas Parade. In 2011, she was recognized as one of the top 20 community volunteers by the Delta Business Journal.

Marion was past regent of the Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of the National Society of Magna Charta Dames, and past President of the Early Families of Leflore County. She also served as president of the Greenwood Garden Club.

In addition to her parents, Marion is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hal Howard, her brother, Dewitt Clinton Peteet, Jr., two nephews, Dewitt Clinton Peteet, III, and William Marshall Peteet, II. 

She is survived by her son, Rhyne Liddell Howard (Mary August) of Greenwood, two daughters, Sharon Denise Howard of Little Rock, AR, and Robin Dulaney Howard of Memphis, TN, her sister, Leone Gayden Peteet Schwartz (Frank) of Forrest City, AR, and four grandchildren, Robert Rhyne Howard of Greenwood, Michael David Lusco Howard of Jackson, MS, Justin Howard Tippit of Benton, AR, Marigayden Tippit Buie (Adam) of Billings, MT, son-in-law, Bill Tippit of Benton, AR, a niece, Julia Peteet (Andrew Solomon), and great-niece, Clara Hunt all of Portland, OR.

Marion’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Methodist Hospice House in Memphis for the exceptional care extended to Marion.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 20 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church parlor followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary.

The family request memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 300 Main Street, Greenwood, MS 38930.

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