Nannie Bell Sowell

Nannie Bell Sowell, beloved daughter, sister, wife,
mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Sunday,
October 20, 2024, at Jackson Madison County Hospital in
Jackson, TN. She was born on March 23, 1923, in Gibson
County, TN to the late Bennie Partee and Daisy Black.
At an early age, Nannie accepted Jesus Christ as her
personal savior and became a dedicated member of Beech
Grove Baptist Church in Rutherford, TN. She cherished her
faith throughout her life and found solace in her church
community. Nannie attended Mount Zion School in Ruther ford, TN where she received an eighth-grade education.
In her youth, Nannie worked tirelessly in the farming fields
to support herself and her family. As she grew older, she
transitioned into becoming a domestic worker in several
homes. It was during this time that she met the love of her
life, Floyd Edward Sowell. They were united in matrimony on
October 24, 1943, and together they moved from Ruther ford to Dyer, TN where they built a loving home and family.
After settling in Dyer, Nannie joined Fairview Baptist Church
and became an active member of the congregation. For
many years she served on the usher board with dedication
and grace. As time went on and she entered the later stages
of life, Nannie transitioned from serving at the doors of the
church to finding comfort in the Mother's Pew.
Throughout her working years, Nannie held various
jobs including employment at Dyer Box Factory (Dyer, TN),
Milan Arsenal (Milan, TN), and Gibson County General Hos pital in Trenton, TN where she eventually retired. Even after
retirement, Nannie remained vibrant and engaged with
life's joys. She enjoyed cooking - especially known for her
cakes - attending to beautiful flowers, caring for her be loved grandchildren, and traveling whenever possible.
Nannie is preceded in death by her loving husband Floyd
Edward Sowell; great-grandchild Demetra Mays; six sisters
Louise Mayfield, Bennie Mae Edmonds, Charlie Ruth Lee,
Estella Cannon, Novella Simpson, Martha Simpson; and two
brothers, W.B. Simpson, Willie Lee Simpson, stepsisters and
brothers.
She leaves behind a legacy of love that will be for ever be cherished by those who mourn her passing: daugh ter, Wavie Johnson married to Cornelius (son-in-law); son,
Floyd Sowell Jr. married to Venita (daughter-in-law); eight
grandchildren: Cassandra Johnson-Landry, Stacy Thorne,
Yolanda Farr, DeCarlo Murriel, Se'Aunte' Sherrie Watson,
Laron Harrison-Sowell, Niesha Sowell, Jaires Sowell, Bran don Robinson; 12 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.