Billie Jean Knowles Powell

Mrs. Billie Jean Powell, 82, of Augusta, Georgia, passed into eternal rest on Monday, July 4, 2016 from complications due to a prolonged illness. Mrs. Powell, born December 9, 1933 in Bonifay, Florida was the daughter of Vester Knowles and Janie Lee Knowles, and a 1950 graduate of Bay County High, Panama City, Florida. She was married to Van A. Powell on October 11, 1953. A mother, grandmother, homemaker, artist and art instructor, Mrs. Powell was a resident of Augusta since 1964. Billie Jean touched the lives of many, including that of former first lady Mamie Eisenhower who thanked her for her friendship in correspondence dated March 1971. Mrs. Powell is survived by her loving husband, Van A. Powell and sons, Phillip Powell of San Francisco, and Bentley Powell of Augusta, and her grandchildren, Taylor, Parker and Peyton Powell. A Remembrance Service will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Oaky Grove Baptist Church, 54 Oaky Grove Church Rd., Wrightsboro, Georgia, 31096. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Powell's honor to Alzheimer's research. Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel has charge of funeral arrangements.