Barbara "Nannie" Christmas Powell

Barbara Christmas Powell “Nannie” passed away Thursday at River Park Senior Living in North Myrtle Beach, SC at the age of 88. Her previous home of more than 55 years was in the Swift Creek community outside Raleigh. Born in McColl, SC, she worked in the insurance industry before keeping children in her home for many years. She loved each and every child as if they were her own. Many still kept in touch as they became adults. She was a member of Athens Drive Baptist Church for more than 60 years and was an active leader of the Youth Group for many years. She went on several mission trips with the church to Honduras. She is survived by her family; a son, Ron Powell and wife, Cathy; a daughter, Sharon McLaurin and husband, Rev. David McLaurin; grandchildren, Shannon Powell and wife, Melissa, Bethany Walker and husband, Bert, Landon Powell and wife, Allyson, Rebekah Moore and husband, James, Liz Wilson and husband, Ernie, Hannah Melton and husband, Robbie; 15 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and her dear sisters, Marian Jones and Pat Hewitt. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Homer Lee Powell; her parents, Willie and Maydelle Christmas; her brothers, Thad, Pete, Harold, Roger and Kenny Christmas; her sisters, Arlene Long, Mable Carpenter, Virginia Christmas, Dot Newsome and Sue Wimmer; and a great-granddaughter, Izzy Powell. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Athens Drive Baptist Church, 1601 Athens Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606.