Goldine Howard, a former mayor of Wallins, died Thursday at her residence after a long battle with cancer.

Howard, 62, took over the reigns of a turbulent city government after two mayors had been impeached. She served out the rest of Clifford Bailey's term and was eventually elected to serve another four years (1996-2000).

Wallins resident Burl Saylor, who served on the city's water board during Howard's time in office, described her as one of the city's best mayors.

"A lot of the projects you see today got started under her," Saylor said. "She was outspoken, but she sure got the job done."

Saylor said one of Howard's best accomplishments was straightening out the city's delinquent water bills problem.

Saylor's wife, Tommie, who served as District 5 Magistrate while Howard was mayor, remembered her as a strong leader.

"She was wonderful ... strong ... committed to her city and its residents," Tommie said. "She always told it like it was, but, in the long run, was respected for her fortitude. Goldine was a wonderful mayor and a very good friend."

Howard, who was a homemaker and believed in the Holiness faith, is preceded in death by her parents, Greenberry and Dosha Henry Vaughn; a sister, Cloretta Browarsky; and a brother, Bobby Vaughn.

Survivors include her husband, Kelly Howard, Wallins; a daughter, Sherry Webb and husband, Tommy, Wallins; a stepdaughter, Kelly Shell, Wallins; a stepson, Chuck Howard and wife, Michelle, Harlan; five brothers: Johnny Vaughn and wife, Lillian, Putney; Gary Vaughn and wife, Betty, Norwood, Ohio; Benny Vaughn and wife, Margie, Dayton, Ohio; Odel Vaughn and wife, Ann, Wallins; and Darius Vaughn, also of Wallins; two sisters: Francine Osborne and husband, Bill, Greenville, Tenn.; and Gerline Parsons and husband, Joe, Norwood, Ohio; five grandchildren: Misty Brewer, Leslie Shell, Chrissy Howard, Keith Brewer and Brandon Webb; and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held today in the chapel of Mount Pleasant Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Danny McCreary officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Cemetery.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Blanton, George Pearle Saylor and Haskel Saylor.

Mount Pleasant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.