Mrs. Phyllis Bowman Powell, 84, Jonesborough, passed away Friday, July 27, 2018 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born in Washington County and lived most of her life in Jonesborough. In addition to her parents Joe and Amy Bowman, Mrs. Powell was preceded in death by her two brothers: J. Kreed Bowman and Derek Bowman.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Hobart Powell of Jonesborough; she is also survived by: her three children: Lori Powell Thumler (Fritz) of Knoxville; Hobie Powell of Johnson City; Jim Powell of Sulphur Springs; four grandchildren: Abbie Thumler of Knoxville (fiancée Cliff Robins of Knoxville); Alexander Thumler of Knoxville, Walker Powell of Johnson City, Caroline Powell of Johnson City; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and family.
Mrs. Powell graduated from ETSC in 1955 with a degree in P.E. She was a founding member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She was a retired educator with the Washington County School system. During her educational profession, she served in numerous capacities including: coaching high school girls’ basketball in Branford, Florida, being a cheerleading sponsor, and starting a Peer Counseling program for and by students at David Crockett High School where she served as a guidance counselor.
Throughout her lifetime she was an active member of Jonesborough United Methodist Church where she served faithfully on numerous committees. She remained active after her retirement working as a volunteer with several organizations such as Contact Ministries, the Jonesborough Storytelling Festival, and the U.S. Census Bureau.
She enjoyed travelling with family and friends and was always eager to try new things.
Funeral services for Mrs. Powell will be held 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at Jonesborough United Methodist Church with Pastor Karen Lane officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. prior to the service.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Sulphur Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Jolyon Bowman, Bo Bowman, Joe Bowman, Andy Bowman, Alexander Thumler, and Walker Powell.
Memorial donations may be made to Jonesborough United Methodist Church 211 W. Main Street Jonesborough, TN 37659.
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Powell's passing. It was an honor and a blessing to me to know her and to know the family. She always greeted people with such grace and compassion and I always looked forward to seeing her smile. Mrs. Powell and her whole family have had a tremendous impact in this area and it will be long lasting. I will continue to pray for the family. Mrs. Powell is rejoicing now as she is with the Lord.
Mr.Powell I'm so sorry for your loss
but I know you & your wife are saved
so even tho we miss them we'll all be
togethe one day in God's time.I
remember Mrs.Powell bringing us
Russian tea every Christmas she was
always so thoughtful and so sweet. My
thoughts and my prayers will be with
you and your family God bless love
Connie little and family
Mr.Powell I'm so sorry for your loss
but I know you & your wife are saved
so even tho we miss them we'll all be
togethe one day in God's time.I
remember Mrs.Powell bringing us
Russian tea every Christmas she was
always so thoughtful and so sweet. My
thoughts and my prayers will be with
you and your family God bless love
Connie little and family
I am very sorry for your loss.
07/31/2018
David & Vickie & Jordan Sell - Ace in Jonesborough
We were so sorry to hear of Phyllis’ passing. We only found
out tonight and wanted to offer our sincere condolences. We
will keep Mr. Powell and the entire family in our prayers.
Please let us know if you need anything at all.
07/31/2018
Lisa Chase and Camp Childers
Dear Hob, Lori, Hobie, and Jim,
Phyllis was such a kind and gentle person. Her gift and the gift she
passed to her children, the ability to help everyone feel welcome, at
ease, and confident. Always to be remembered the sharing of
wonderful times, delicious food, and her laughter. Sending love and
strength your way.
07/31/2018
Anita Phillips Davison
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Powell"s passing she was an amazing
woman and touched so many lives. She will be missed.
Hobe, Lori, Hobie & Jim, I cannot possibly express myself in a manner that would come close to stating my feelings regarding the loss of your wonderful wife & mother. She always treated me like one of the family, and I felt like she was as much a sister to me as you, Hobe, are my brother. I love all of you and am disappointed that I did not find out about her passing in time to be there. Know that I will have you constantly on my mind for days to come.
07/31/2018
Debbie Ottinger
My heart is with all of your family during this
difficult time - she was a wonderful lady full of
love and laughter - it was a pleasure to share
some time with her, may GOD give you strength for
the coming days - Love and Prayers
So very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Powell was an
amazing woman and her positive influence on
countless students is a lovely legacy. Praying
for comfort for you all in this time of loss.
07/30/2018
Tammy Holtsinger Peterson
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Powell’s passing. She was a sweet
woman who I thought a lot of while in high school. She will
always be in my fond memories of high school years . Praying
for all the family...
07/30/2018
Chet / Zinnanti Family
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs.Powell such a wonderful person.I remember all the great times our families had together. Thoughts and prayers are with the Powell family.
I am so sorry to hear of Phyllis' passing. She was a wonderful lady who helped so many of us get through high school.
07/30/2018
Emma Constable
Sincere sympathy to your family for your loss.
Coach Powell, Lori, Hobie, Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. No words can express what a special lady Mrs. Powell was. She was one of a handful of people, from those early high school years, that positively impacted my life. I was a member on her first team of Peer Counseling students. Her compassion, mentoring and friendship were the building blocks to a better future for me. I am a better person for having known her.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Powell family. As
hard as it is to lose such an Angel on earth, Heaven has
definitely gained one. Mrs. Powell was ALWAYS such a
nice person with a genuine heart. I will continue to pray
for this wonderful family.
When I think about the blessings I have encountered in
my life, knowing and developing a friendship with the
Powell family has to be near the top. Mrs. Powell was a
wonderful mother, wife, teacher, and dear friend to a lot
of people. May God provide the family with comfort as
they reflect on the everlasting memories of such an
incredible lady!
07/29/2018
Jack Leonard, Jr
So sorry for your loss! She was such a wonderful and sweet
lady! I will always treasure the great memories of our families
together. I am sure she and Mama & Dad are having a great
time catching up in heaven!!!
07/29/2018
Richard Williams
Hobart,
Thinking of you and praying for peace and
comfort...
Mr. Powell, I’m sorry for the loss of your dear, precious wife.
May God give you comfort, peace, and strength at this difficult
time and in the days ahead. Prayers and thoughts with you
and your family. Hugs and love.
Lori, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. We will be thinking
and praying for all of you.
07/29/2018
Janelle walker wardenDear Cousins
Dear Cousins
Sad news ; however I am sure Phyllis is out of her suffering.
I am going to miss seeing her on my next visit to Tennessee. Prayers for the family will continue for days to come. Blessings
to all.
07/29/2018
Rae Jean Bettmeng (Rechenbach)
Lori and family-
So sorry for your loss. Mommas are very precious people. Although
my time knowing her was brief many years ago... I have sweet
memories of her being such an encouragement to you Lori. To know
without a shadow of doubt that our mom's are sitting at the feet of
Jesus is the greatest blessing during days like this. Know that I am
praying for you in the days to come.
07/29/2018
Sue Bridwell Tyner
Hobert,
So sorry to see in the paper that Phyllis has passed away. She was one of my favorite people at Sulphur Springs School and you were also one of my favorites. You have some hard days ahead but with God's help you will make it through.
Again my condolence. Love you both.
Sue Bridwell Tyner
07/29/2018
Marsha Rodefer Fleenor
Powell Families,
Very sorry to learn of your loss. Phyllis was a
wonderful person and I always enjoyed seeing her
when we were growing up and had all the Powells to
our house in Kingsport for a family dinner. We had
a great visit with them in 2006 at a family
wedding in Nashville.
07/29/2018
Paulette Milligan
Lori, I am so sorry that you have lost your Mom. Parents are
hard to lose no matter how old we get. Love you and hoping
your memories and your love of God helps you through. Love
you and sending you hugs.
So sorrow for the Powell family
I really have some fond memories
of Mrs. Powell! Great lady and
will be missed!
Lori, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I did not have the
pleasure of knowing this special woman but it sounds like she
was a gem. Sadly she will be missed!
I’m sure you and your family have a tremendous amount of
wonderful memories.
Love you all! Sorry I will be in New Mexico this week. I’ll be
thinking of you. Will miss Phil’s humor, caring and family
knowledge. Love Dana
07/28/2018
Susan Leonard Painter
What a beautiful person! Too many childhood memories to
count. Heavens gain and our loss. My love to the entire family.
07/28/2018
Martin Ledford
Mr. Powell,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your wife. I will be praying for
you and your family.
Martin Ledford
