Lou B. Powers

Lou Bowen Powers of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Bradley Creek Healthcare Facility. She was born on September 10, 1926, in Tifton, Georgia, to James and Veda Bowen, and was one of six children. She was preceded in death by her son, Edward Allen Powers II; her husband, T. Edward Powers; and five siblings.

She graduated from Tifton High School and Sullins College, then moved to Atlanta, where she worked for Merrill Lynch. During that time, she met her future husband, Ed Powers, while he attended Emory University Graduate School. They were married on January 22, 1949, lived briefly in Wilmington, DE, before moving to Milwaukee, WI, where their first daughter, Claire, was born. As Ed's career with Hercules, Inc. progressed, they moved every few years: to Atlanta, where their son Allen was born; to New Orleans, where daughter Peggy was born; to Savannah, GA, where daughter Susie was born and where Lou was crowned Mrs. Savannah, Mrs. Georgia, and finished in the top 10 in Mrs. America. Their journey continued with moves to Franklin, VA, Spartanburg, SC, Wilmington, DE, and finally, they settled in Wilmington, NC, where they retired and lived the remainder of their lives. Lou and Ed were married for 73 years!

Lou was known for her hospitality and welcoming nature, whether she was entertaining Ed's executive partners, hosting Camellia Society members, organizing neighborhood parties, or greeting new members at First Presbyterian Church. She volunteered with Hospice and Stephen Ministries, and was a long-time member and accredited judge of the Tidewater and American Camellia Societies. An avid bridge player, crossword puzzle enthusiast, and sudoku queen, Lou's most cherished role was as a mother and grandmother, always putting her family first. She had lifelong friends, and everyone who knew her was treated as a "best friend." She was loved by all and will be missed by many.

Lou is survived by her three daughters: Claire Renner (husband Rob), Peggy Failla (husband Sam), and Susie Hodges (husband Joe); seven grandchildren: Katie Hodges LaPenna (husband Bobby), Becky Failla Zienkiewicz (husband Mark), John Edward Hodges (wife Rae), Samuel Allen Failla, Sarah Powers Failla, and Jennifer Renner Cao (husband Ben); and step-grandson Matthew Alexander Renner. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family requests that contributions be directed to any of the following:

Tidewater Camellia Club c/o Mary Salisbury, Treasurer

6620 Wood Sorrell Road Wilmington, NC 28405

First Presbyterian Church

125 S. 3rd St. Wilmington, NC 28401

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

1414 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401, please see link below

Lou's family has entrusted her care to Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.