Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

CARRSVILLE — Elizabeth “Libby” Powell, 82, of Carrsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020.

She was born to the late Edgar B. Wiggins and Ruby Lee Franklin on Oct. 7, 1937, in Georgia. She was predeceased by the love of her life of 52 years, Carl C. Powell Jr.; her brother, John William “Johnny” Franklin Jr.; and her sister, Julia Vasser Hedgspeth.

Libby spent many years as a devoted wife, mother and most special aunt. She then became a loving, dedicated grandmother and great-grandmother.

Later in life, she pursued a career as a secretary in the Southampton County School System. She worked her way up the ladder by becoming the secretary to the superintendent at the Southampton County School Board Office, where she eventually retired after many years of service.

She is survived by her three children, Robert E. Powell (Rhonda), Carlene P. Echols (Alden), Lisa P. Perry (Mike); her special niece, Marie Franklin Johnston (Jeremy); her grandchildren, Tori (Chad), Rob (Cassie), Lindsey (J.C.), Cliff (Maryann), Ashley (Jared), Aaron, Bryce (Brittany), Danielle (Kyle), Barrett (Amber), Matthew and Becca; and her great-grandchildren, C.J., Emma, Jackson, Eden, Logan, Connor, Charlotte, Hayden, Lucus, Grayce, Emmalyn, Dotty, Braxton Kennedy and Olivia.

Libby was an avid gardener. She loved flowers, cutting her grass and just working in her yard. It was so perfect, it could have been a page right out of Southern Living! She was also an immaculate housekeeper. Nothing was ever too clean! Our Dad used to say her tombstone should either be a lawnmower or a vacuum cleaner, as she never met one she didn’t love. She was also a phenomenal baker. We would certainly be remiss not to mention her love/addiction to sweets and fountain Pepsi, which she has passed on to generations.

She is leaving a huge void in all of our hearts. There are so many cherished memories, “words of wisdom” and silly moments that we will hold dear. At this time, we are reminded of the enormous impact one life can make. Although she may be gone from us physically, she will remain in our hearts and memories forever. This was only her “Temporary Home.”

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, in Wright Funeral Home, with the Rev. Curtis Faison officiating. Burial will follow in Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the funeral home, and suggests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.