Mrs. Colleen “Corky” Cooper Howell, age 86, of Jasper peacefully passed away Sunday August 23, 2015 at home.

She is survived by her daughters Kim Lovern of Auburn, GA; Angie Hanes of Braselton, GA; and Richie (Jeff) Henke of Jasper; sisters, Faye Stillwell of Marshall, NC and Wraye (Randy) Rhyne of Valdese, NC. Nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Dick Howell; daughter, Patti Requejo; mother and father, Bertha and Howard Cooper; sisters, Pat Cooper and Betty Nicholson.

Corky proudly served her country as a nurse in the United States Air Force where she met her husband, Dick, and moved to Jasper. After Dick’s early death, she raised her four daughters and continued a long nursing career of 50 years in this area, working to improve the health of the citizens of Pickens County. In the early years, she worked with public health nurses to help immunize the children in the school system. She worked at RT Jones Memorial Hospital, Roper Hospital, served as Director of Nursing at Pickens General Hospital for 18 years, and finally retired from North Georgia Medical Center in Ellijay.

Corky loved to read, play cards with friends, and travel – meeting new people all over the world. She was especially fond of Alaska and its beauty. There she cared for the natives in a nursing home.

A memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Grandview Lake Clubhouse on Grandview Road with Reverend Max Caylor officiating. The family asks that you dress casually and comfortably.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pickens County Animal Shelter; 3563 Camp Road; Jasper, Georgia 30143.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory in Jasper.