Helen Hill Powers

Mrs. Helen Hill Powers, age 89, of Waverly, TN, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 19, 2015, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Dr. James (Jimmy) Morris Powers, Sr. She is survived by her children, Jarene Ballengee (Byron) of Charleston, WV, Dr. James M. Powers, Jr. (Laura) of Brentwood, TN, Dr. Laraine Powers of Johnson City, TN and Lisa Powers of Nashville, TN; grandchildren Jeffrey Schweer (Verna), John Schweer (Rebecca) Gigi, Hollan and Jamie Powers; great grandchildren, Nevaeh, Nalayna, Namara and Bentley Schweer; brother Homer Hill, sister Berta Perkins and sister-in-law Lillian Hill. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Lillie Hill; sisters Hazel Groom and Hester Gardner; brother Hubert Hill. Mrs. Powers was born on January 18, 1926 in Franklin, TN. She attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN where she met her husband, Dr. James Morris Powers of Waverly, TN. She later transferred to Peabody College (now part of Vanderbilt University) and received her Bachelor of Science majoring in education and home economics. Mrs. Powers taught home economics at Hartsville High School in Hartsville, TN and fourth grade at Charjean Elementary School in Memphis, TN. Also, she briefly taught fourth grade in Waverly, TN. She was an active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder for many years, and was deeply involved in the CPW women's group. She was also a leader in the Humphreys County annual World Day of Prayer event for over 45 years. Helen was very involved in her community; Waverly Women's Club (serving four terms as president), Humphreys County Home Demonstration Club. She valued the importance of education. As a strong supporter of the Humphreys County Center for Higher Education, she led fundraising efforts to provide financial assistance to deserving students through the 21st Century Educational Foundation. Helen was a role model for many people who knew her. She loved to share stories about living in Germany for two years while Jimmy was in service during the Korean Conflict. Helen loved playing bridge with her dear friends for over sixty years. Helen and Jimmy cherished the many years they spent in their summer home on Kentucky Lake. She was devoted to her husband and children. She enjoyed spending time with her Hill relatives and the Powers family. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be Tuesday, 4 - 8 p.m. and Wednesday, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. with service to follow at 1 p.m., at the Luff-Bowen Funeral Home in Waverly. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Helen's life. The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Alive Hospice for their loving care during Helen's final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to the 21st Century Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 444, Waverly, TN 37185, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 109 N. Church St., Waverly, TN 37185, and Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203. LUFF-BOWEN FUNERAL HOME 2400 Hwy. 13 North Waverly, TN 37185 Telephone 931-296-2437 Obituary Line 931-296-3500