Krystal Ann Vowell

Krystal A. “Smiley” Vowell, 47, of Friendship, MD, died tragically on Sunday, July 12, 2026 with her husband while enjoying a ride on the back of his Harley-Davidson. She was born in Sacramento, CA to Frederick (Fred) L. Wittschack and Diana (Dee) S. (Christiansen.) After graduating from Southern Senior High School, she received her MSDE certification as a lead preschool teacher and spent time working with AACO Parks and Rec., local families and daycares, enjoying her work educating early learners. Wanting to change professions, she became the Operations Manager for SJ Johnson Propane and Fuel where she found another family with the employees and community members they serviced during her 13 years with them. After a sabbatical she became part of the Real Estate industry where she was the Office Manager and mentoring under longtime friend, Jacki Ferko, with Straight Source Real Estate Brokers and in the process of becoming an agent.

Her first marriage blessed her with her first-born son; Robert Wood Jr. and she still had a special relationship with the Wood family. Although Krystal and Matt knew each-other since childhood, they did not reconnect until 2009, when her family quickly grew to include his children; Kenny (Lacey) and Mattalyn (Jason) and then, they later had their son, Dakota. They finally married on 5/14/2021 at their home in Friendship, MD. She loved the grandbabies, Kolby and Westlee Lowe, and was waiting for them to give her their own unique name. She further adored and spoiled her niece, Samantha Landon.

Krystal will always be remembered for her radiant smile and love of life. Her greatest joy was spending time with her boys, sister, family and friends, riding free on the back of Matt’s Street Glide, 4-wheeler or side by side and was always willing to help anyone that needed it. She loved playing softball and soccer in school and passed her passion for sports on to her son, RJ, where more family was created with the Huntingtown Hornets, PF Eagles, SCYA and full circle back to the Southern Bulldogs family; seeing her on the sidelines and in the stands supporting her son, along with the football and basketball families they created. With the addition of Matt’s son & daughter, she was introduced to their love of horses and off-roading which was passed on to their youngest son.

Krystal and Matt created their own home at her family residence where they could help support her parents. As a tight knit family, anyone who ever knew her would always hear the words “I Love You” and it was always felt “To the Moon and Back.” Her radiant smile and amazing hugs were always available. She loved working on their saltwater tanks since the time RJ was little and watched Nemo for the first time. You could always find her in the garden and supporting Dakota’s “McVowell Farm” entrepreneurship raising chickens and ducks, currently waiting for the new ducklings to hatch.

Always an animal lover, you would see them bring their beloved dog, Dagger, to football games, camping trips or hanging out with family and friends. Sadly, him and their other dog long time dog, Chance, also passed within this past year. However, the love of fur-babies added dogs Spike and Rambo, along with Cali, their newest feline addition.

For the past 8 years, she found yet again another family through Matt’s club, The Kingsman, giving her a lot more brothers and soul sisters where she enjoyed the freedom of riding on the back of his Street Glide as his “Old Lady, Smiley.” The past 3 years she was the President Groot’s wife and spent a lot of time creating memories all across the county and states. She greatly enjoyed hanging out with friends on various adventures.

We couldn’t have asked for a better daughter, sister, mother, grandma and friend and will miss Krystal every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Krystal is survived by both her parents, sister Jodi Landon (Danny), beloved niece Samantha, 4 children, 2 grandchildren and a lot of extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Lee Funeral Home-Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 12pm in the Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Go Fund Me to help support the children as they struggle to navigate this terrible transition and guardianship of the youngest sibling.

Krystal A. & Matthew E. Vowell's Funeral Service - Lee Funeral Home-Calvert - Owings, MD

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