ROCKINGHAM — Mary Lucille Bowen Powell, 91, passed into her eternal rest peacefully with her family holding her hand at her bedside on May 5, 2020 at Moore Regional Medical Center.
Born in Rhine, Dodge County, Georgia, on Feb. 16, 1929, a daughter of the late Mary E. and Willie J. (Bill) Bowen. She worked in textiles at Beaunet Mills - Avondale Mills in Rockingham, and retired after 42 years at age 62. She was a member of East Rockingham Freewill Baptist Church but had been unable to attend for many years due to health.
She was married to Benjamin P. Powell Sr. for 63 years, who passed away in August 2008.
Survivors include a daughter, Mary Lou McPherson and Mollie of the home in Rockingham; a son, Ben P. Powell Jr. (Susan) of North Myrtle-Little River, South Carolina; three grandchildren, Amber Powell Reynolds of Rockingham, Benjamin Powell III (Shannon) of Charlotte, and Christy Cromer (Wesley) of Socastee, South Carolina; six great-grandchildren, Brittney Vazquez (Santi), Aliyah Reynolds, Brady and Addison Powell, and Nicolette and John Wesley Cromer Jr.; two great-great grandchildren, Bentley Goodwin and Delaney Vazquez; a brother, Willie (Jack) Bowen (Bridget) of West Columbia, South Carolina; and many special nieces and nephews. She loved her family with all her heart.
In addition to her parents and husband, Lucille was preceded in death by her sister, Eucal Bowen; her son-in-law, Terry McPherson; and her great-grandson, Gavin Powell.
The family would especially like to thank the staff at Pruitt Health and Dr. Patel of Rockingham, and Drs. Casey and Michaels of Moore Regional for all their compassion and excellent care.
Watson-King Funeral Home, Rockingham, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contribution may be made to East Rockingham Freewill Baptist Church, 189 Airport Road, Rockingham, NC 28379, the American Heart Association, or Meals on Wheels (part of the Richmond County Aging Services).
Due to the COVID-19 virus, a graveside service will be held at Northam Cemetery Extension.
