Dear editor,

Dear editor,

I wanted to send a note to extend my deepest gratitude to the hundreds of people who came together and helped my family during the most difficult time in our life.

My husband, Phillip Howell, passed away on April 29th after fighting a very difficult battle with cancer. As I sent out several thank you cards to various people, businesses, and organizations I began to realize that I would never be able to thank each one of you personally for everything you did for Phillip, the boys, and I.

I only hope that this letter will reach each of you so that you might understand how extremely thankful we are! To all the merchants in Columbiana, especially you Linda at Busy Hands.

Columbiana Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff&8217;s Office (you did a wonderful job).

He would be just as proud as I was I&8217;m sure), Bernie&8217;s, Rux Carter, Seventh Heaven, Wilson P&B, Shelby County EMA, Davis Drug this is only a few of course.

A very heartfelt &8220;thank you&8221; to my extended family, Calera Police Department, I love you guys for everything. Pelham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff&8217;s Office, Tuscaloosa County, Hoover P.D., Alabaster P.D., Clanton P.D., Chilton County, and of course our State Troopers.

I wish I could name each and every person along with the every business however I know who you are and to you my most sincere thanks for everything whether it be a flower, donation, thought and prayers, they all mean just as much!

Samantha, Ethan and Clay Howell

Columbian