LAURA POWELL Obituary

Laura PowellLYMAN - Laura Lou Powell, 64, died Sunday, May 5, 2013, at home after a struggle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Claude and Bettie Powell and wife of the late Henry A. (Hank) Wilson. Laura is survived by two sisters, Lorna Burrell (Danny) of Campobello and Lisa Powell of Columbia, as well as a brother, Russell Powell (Connie) of Hartsville. After graduating from Winthrop with a degree in guidance and counseling, Laura taught physical education for 28 years at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, S.C. Her duties included coaching tennis, track, volleyball, gymnastics and cheerleading. Laura received state and national recognition as a tennis coach, helped to organize the first statewide tennis coaches association and began the first Rock Hill School District physical education program for students with special needs. She was an avid tennis player for 32 years and spent her retirement officiating college tennis matches and both junior and adult sanctioned tournaments. Laura was an active member of Zoar United Methodist Church where she served as treasurer. The family will receive friends from 6 to 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Zoar United Methodist Church, with a brief service to be held at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zoar United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 333, Greer, SC 29652. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Published by The Herald on May 7, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Prayer for comfort during their time of need for all the family and friends. Memories of Coach Powell will go on forever.

Amy Smith

May 16, 2013

My heart goes out to the family of Ms. Powell. She was truly a wonderful person and a great coach. She was my coach at Northwestern High School in the 70's. Her smile and zest for life was contagious to all around her. My prayers are will all the family at this time. God Bless you all.
Pam (Kirkland) Faulkenberry
Rock Hill, SC

May 14, 2013

Laura Powell was one of my mentors... I cheered at Northwester & was on the gymnastic team, but her lessons reached much further. She believed in me like no other & made me feel like I could do anything. She is definitely one of the 'greats' in the lives of so many students and friends. I hope her family will find comfort in the fact that she will be remembered forever by so many lives that she touched......

May 10, 2013

COACH POWELL WAS A GREAT LEADER AND PERSON.SHE WILL BE MISSED. TERESA BUTLER
CLASS OF 1980

May 10, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Laura's passing. She gave her all to Northwestern. She was a great PE Dept. Chr, , teacher, curriculum developer and coach. I was privileged to know and work with her.
Paula J. Alderfer

May 10, 2013

She was my track coach at Northwestern. She was very tough on me and know that I had special gift. She will be missed by me. Cathy Crawford-Coates

May 9, 2013

My condolences to the family. I know how hard it is when a sister passes away. There is always an empty space in your heart.

Quince Brown

May 9, 2013

She was my pe teacher back in 1986. She was a nice lady. I am sorry to hear about her passing.

Timberley Nies

May 9, 2013

Coach Powell was always tough but fair. She demanded alot from me as a tennis player and as a person. She believed whole heartedly in two things; sportsmanship and playing hard. I won the state tourny my senior year because of her leadership and friendship. I didn't always like how hard she pushed me, but she always showed great respect for me and for others. I am a better person because I knew her. Rest in peace Coach Powell! And may God bless your family.

Beth Hoskins

May 9, 2013

My condolences are with Laura's family and friends. She will be missed in the officiating world as well as personally.

Yvonne Farrar

May 9, 2013

Coach Powell always believed in me and was such a pleasant coach on and off the track and tennis court. I enjoyed having her coach me as well as mentor many at Northwestern High School- i will always remember her-Thoughts and Prayers to her family.

May 8, 2013

i was one of t hose girls that hated pe and gave her a hard time about everything from dressing out for gym to walking the mile instead of running. she never took any of my teenage crap and put me in my place each and every time. she taught me that there would always be someone looking to make sure i followed the rules. my condolences to her family and friends.

Jennifer May-Potter

May 8, 2013

In addition to being a caring colleague at Northwestern, Laura and Hank sang in the choir at Woodland United Methodist Church where we still walk more quietly on their gift of carpet in the choir loft. She did not let friends go easily and we do not let her go without leaving a big empty space.

Gayle Lanford

May 7, 2013

Coach Powell was an incredible mentor, coach and friend to many athletes at Northwestern High School. I loved playing tennis under her leadership and will always cherish the great memories of her and our tennis team during my years at NW. With thoughts and prayers.

Debbie Anders

May 7, 2013

Lisa. love and prayers to you and all the family. May the Lord give you strenth in your time of sorrow.

Pam DeHart

May 7, 2013

I'am praying for the friend n family Mrs Powell was the best Teaches that i ever had

Patrick Douglas

May 7, 2013

My prayers are with the family at this time. I was a student under Ms. Powell in the mid 70's at Northwestern. She was such an amazing woman and made all of us want to achieve more with our lives. I was blessed to have such a wonderful teacher and lady in my life. God Bless.

Terri Blackwood

May 7, 2013

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