Kerri Lyn Howlett

Kerri Lyn (Payne) Howlett, daughter of Kerry Ferrel Payne and Rae Lynne (Goforth) Payne, entered this world January 4, 1981, in Springfield, Missouri. She entered her heavenly home on Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 42 years. As a young girl, Kerri grew up in Richland, Missouri where she attended school and graduated from Richland High School with the Class of 1999. She continued her education at Missouri State University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and later finished her Master’s Degree in Education at Drury University. After graduating from Missouri State University, Kerri worked for a short time for the Division of Social Services before beginning her teaching career. Kerri taught for her alma mater, Richland IV School District and after several years, she transferred to the Waynesville R-VI School District to teach Special Education at the Waynesville Middle School. During her teaching career, Kerri made many good and special friends that felt like family. Due to her teaching career, Kerri was a member of the MSTA (Missouri State Teacher’s Association) for many years along with being a member of the Waynesville CTA. On December 29, 2006, Kerri was united in marriage to David Thomas Howlett in Richland, Missouri. They shared over 16 years of marriage together and were blessed with one son, Payne Thomas Howlett. Her family was very important to her, and she treasured all the times they could spend together. In her spare time, Kerri enjoyed playing card games, playing Trivia, shopping, going to movies and concerts, swimming, and playing golf. She was an avid reader, especially true crime novels and shows, and was a member of the Girls Book Club that she enjoyed immensely. As a young girl, Kerri made an important decision in her life and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Richland on July 21, 1991. Since her baptism, she has been a member of the church and helped many years with Vacation Bible School. Kerri will be sorely missed, but lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to call her family and dear friend. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband: David Howlett of the home; one son: Payne Thomas Howlett of the home; mother: Rae Lynne Payne of Richland, MO; one brother: Christopher Blake Payne (Rachel Kaufman) of Richland, MO; mother-in-law: Millie Howlett Brotherton (Paul) of Nixa, MO; sister-in-law: Sandra Howlett (Cali Milligan) of Moline, IL; brother-in-law: Mark Howlett of Richland, MO; many other special aunts, uncles, and friends. Kerri was preceded in death by her father: Kerry Payne; father-in-law: Clay Howlett; sister-in-law: Sharon Howlett; and brother-in-law: Matthew Howlett. Even though she is gone from our sight, Kerri’s love of family, life, and her servant’s heart in teaching, will live on in our hearts forever. In Lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to the Kerry Payne Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Kerri Lyn Howlett and may be left either at First Baptist Church of Richland or Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Kerri Lyn Howlett

January 4, 1981 - June 4, 2023