Funeral service for Mrs. Elaine Woods Powell, age 96, of Fayetteville, TN will be conducted at 3 PM on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at Higgins Funeral Home with Dr. Jon Hathcock officiating. Burial will take place at a later date next to her husband, William Royall Powell, Jr., in Wake Forest Town Cemetery in Wake Forest, NC. Visitation with the family will be held at 1 PM until time of service at 3 PM on Thursday at Higgins.
Dorothy Elaine Woods Powell was born at home on February 22, 1923 in Smithland, TN. She was the first of seven children born to the late Thomas S. and Vespher Bostick Woods. She passed away on September 10, 2019 in Fayetteville, TN. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, William Royall; son, William Thomas Powell; and brothers, Thomas Edward Woods and Ross Woods.
Elaine dedicated her life to the Lord at the age of 9 and was baptized in the Elk River at Shiloh Bridge near Smithland. She finished eighth grade at Smithland School and graduated from Flintville High School in 1941. In 1945, Elaine graduated from Maryville College with a major in French and a minor in history. Upon her marriage to William Royall Powell, Jr., she moved to Wake Forest, NC where she lived for 56 years.
While living in Wake Forest, she was a member of Wake Forest Baptist Church for 55 years where she served as a Deacon and 32 years as Junior Girls’ Sunday School Teacher. Elaine was in the banking industry and enjoyed being part of civic organizations such as DAR, Woman’s Club, Garden Club, and the Wake Forest College Birthplace Society. Following retirement, she had the pleasure of serving as docent at the North Carolina Executive Mansion and at the Raleigh Visitors’ Center in Raleigh, NC.
In 2001, Elaine moved back to Fayetteville, TN to be close to her extended family. She was an active member of the DAR and the UDC, first in North Carolina and then in Tennessee. Even after her health declined, she still held a strong belief in patriotism for our country.
Survivors include her sister, Emogene Taylor and Faye Walker; brothers, Ray Woods, and Orville Woods; and numerous nieces and nephews who will hold memories of her close to their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Dorothy Elaine Woods Powell.
15 Comments To "Elaine Woods Powell"
#1 Comment By Lynne Baxter On September 10, 2019 @ 9:55 pm
Ray and family,
I am so sorry for your significant loss. Ms. Powell was such a blessing to be around. She always used to say she wanted to go back home to NC.
I will pray that God will give you all comfort during this time.
I know she will be missed. ?
#2 Comment By June Harmening On September 10, 2019 @ 10:11 pm
Sending love and sympathy
#3 Comment By Judy Holt On September 10, 2019 @ 10:25 pm
Praying for the family
#4 Comment By Marilyn Haendel On September 11, 2019 @ 12:17 am
Ms. Emogene we were very sorry to her of your sister passing. Your family is in our prayers.
John & Marilyn Haendel
#5 Comment By Kristin M. Armitage On September 11, 2019 @ 1:11 am
Elaine was one of the sweetest, kindest person I’ve known. She will be missed by every one who knew her. RIP sweet Elaine. Love Kris
Prayers for her family.
#6 Comment By Karen Gilliam On September 11, 2019 @ 2:26 am
My sincere condolences to the Woods family at the loss of your loved one.
#7 Comment By William R Askins Jr On September 11, 2019 @ 2:40 pm
My late mother, Dean Smith Askins, graduated with her from Flintville, TN high school in 1941. She was a great lady, and I was fortunate to know her. I cherish the photo of that class.
#8 Comment By Imogene and Faye On September 11, 2019 @ 6:45 pm
So sorry for your loss
#9 Comment By Randy and Dorothy Taylor On September 11, 2019 @ 6:48 pm
So sorry for your loss
#10 Comment By Phil Kemp On September 12, 2019 @ 1:55 am
Sorry to hear of Mrs. Elaine’s passing. She was such a sweet person. I always enjoyed her talks about The Old South and the Confederacy that she gave at several SCV meetings years ago.
#11 Comment By Joyce Kelso Johnson On September 12, 2019 @ 1:58 am
Ray, Kay and Family I am sorry about your sister, Elaine. I do not care old someone is it is hard to loose someone. You all are a close family and I know you have good memories.
#12 Comment By Rexine On September 12, 2019 @ 11:45 pm
Ray, Faye, Imogene & Orville, sending sympathy to you & your extended family. May God Bless you during your time of bereavement. Love, Rexine & Jock
#13 Comment By Danny Craig Medlen On September 13, 2019 @ 2:37 am
Prayers for the family! ANNA, she was one of my favorite homecare patients ever!!!
#14 Comment By Jake Shaw On September 13, 2019 @ 3:38 pm
Aunt Faye:
Sorry. about your sister death.
Jake Shaw
#15 Comment By Mary Partin On September 14, 2019 @ 2:44 am
So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.
Mary & Teresa Partin, Billy McGehee