Daphne Elizabeth Winstead Powers

Franklin - Daphne Elizabeth Winstead Powers, died on January 23, 2010, at her residence in Cowee Valley, at the age of 84, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. She was a native of Elm City, NC. She was the daughter of the late John Clayton and Pallie Rickman Winstead. She was preceded in death by her husband, W.S. Powers, and her sister, Lou Ree Winstead Batts.

She grew up in Elm City and lived there until she went away to college. She was a graduate of Louisburg College and Woman’s College (now UNC-G). After college and marriage, she moved to Lumberton, NC. Her mother was a native of Macon County, and she spent many childhood memories here with family. She always wanted to live in the mountains and was able to do so since 1987, when she retired here to be near her extended family.

She was employed with the Farm Credit Association in Lumberton for 33 years. She held many positions with the association. She enjoyed her work and her co-workers were blessed to know her. She was a member of Barker’s United Methodist Church, Lumberton, NC, and was very active in her church until she moved full time to the mountains. She has attended and supported Cowee Baptist Church, the church of her forefathers, since being in Franklin.

Faith and Family were the most important things in her life. She had the most uplifting spirit in all circumstances. People came to cheer her up, but left cheered up themselves. Her positive attitude in all things will be remembered by all. One was blessed to know her.

She is survived by her daughter; Brenda Powers Walker, of the home, and her son; Wayne Powers and wife, Jane, of Durham, NC. Also surviving are granddaughters; Kimberly Walker of New York City, NY, and Johelen Walker Courliss, and husband, Ben, of Durham, NC. Her twin great-granddaughters, Natalie and Abigail Courliss, were the light of her life. Her sister, Joyce Phillips, of Franklin, NC, and her brother, Dr. John Winstead, and wife, Linda, of Mesa, AZ, also survive. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews will miss her also.

The family acknowledges the kindness of caregivers who have provided special care: Jessie Wilson, Helen Lynn, Kathy Medford, Gail Lemaster, and Hospice. We thank you.

A celebration of her life will be held at Cowee Baptist Church on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends at the home and from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Cowee Baptist Church before the service. The Reverend David Powell and Reverend Jerry Moore will officiate. Burial will be in Cowee Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ben Courliss, Tommy Fouts, Bill Fouts, Guy Fouts, Charles Womack, and Arnold Rickman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to either of the following: Cowee Baptist Church, Hospice, or Friends of Rickman Store (Little Tennessee Land Trust.)

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.