Vernie 'Howard' Everett passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones on January 25, 2022 at the age of 76.

Howard was born December 10, 1945 to the late Vergie & Vernie Jack Everett. He lived in Laurel his whole life. He graduated from Myrick High School in 1969 and went on to attend Jones College where he earned a degree in Auto Mechanics in 1971. At the age of 24, he served as mechanic in the Army stationed in Ft. Polk, Louisiana. After serving, he continued working as an auto mechanic until 1979, when he became a diesel mechanic. Howard enjoyed the great outdoors, riding four wheelers, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. He was also an avid member of the M & C Hunting Club, where he loved to spend his weekends and retirement with one of his best friends, Kenny Gaugler.

Howard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known for his jokes, jovial personality, and his storytelling. Sitting next to him in any situation was guaranteed to be full of laughter. He loved drinking coffee outside and plotting how to get his next deer. He never met a dog or child that didn't love him immediately or an 18-wheeler he couldn't fix. Howard was the kind of person you could call if your car broke down, even when it was hours away, and he would always show up to help and give you the literal shirt off his back. Howard will be greatly missed by family and friends but leaves a legacy of integrity, strength, and true Christianity through actions and the life he lived.

He preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Faye Flynt (V.A.), Maurine Waldrup (Johnny), and Nell Temple (Billy).

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joann Everett; his three children, Michael Everett (Shannon), Sheena Everett Sharp (Matt Pankowski), Joshua Everett (Victoria); eight grandchildren, Jennifer Broussard (Brett), Jade Lurz (Andrew), Kaighan Sharp (Davion Moore), Landon Sharp, Jackson Sharp, Rymingtan Everett, Elijah Everett, and Beaux Everett; five great- grandchildren, Ivy Broussard, Kailyiah Moore, Jonah Broussard, Camden Lurz, and Zaidyn Moore; brother, Morris 'Paul' Everett (Eileen); and a special niece Ann Ervin.

Serving as pallbearers are Andrew Lurz, Brett Broussard, Terry Ford Jr., Ricky Sharp, Davion Moore, Christopher Wilson, Heath McDonald, and Honorary Pallbearer: Darren 'Sonny' Chisholm.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel and the Burial will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Mickey Kelley will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. (601) 649-3342

The family of Howard Everett wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Open Door Baptist Church in Laurel and Pastor Mickey Kelley for their fellowship and comfort during this time. Thanks also to Encompass Health Hospice staff who provided amazing care to Howard and going out of their way to make sure the family felt at ease during his final days.