Vivian M. Powell

Mrs. Vivian M. Powell, age 94, entered into rest on Monday, January 1, 2024. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at Miller Rivers Caulder Funeral Home located at 318 East Main St., Chesterfield, SC. The family will receive friends following the service.

Vivian was born on November 27,1929 in Bethune, South Carolina.  She was the daughter of the late Ora Dell Ingram and late William McLaughlin. She met the love of her life, the late Charles Travis Powell, while he was working on a bridge in Bethune. She was in a rocking chair hanging out with friends on the porch of the Bethune Hotel when she toppled over and Travis came to her rescue.  It was love at first sight. She married Travis in 1948 and continued to reside in her hometown where they raised their two children. Travis embraced Vivian’s hometown and they loved serving in the community. They were married 64 years.

Vivian worked at McBee Manufacturing for fifty years before retiring to a life of flowers and fellowship with friends. She loved taking care of her large flower gardens and sharing the beauty with her church and friends. She attended Bethel United Methodist Church where she crafted the beautiful flowers and foliage from her gardens into beautiful arrangements that graced the altar and vestibule every Sunday.  Travis and Vivian were always working together in their community.  Vivian often cooked amazing meals or sweet treats that the two would deliver to shut ins and those that were sick or grieving. They both were involved deeply in their church and community. Vivian continued to be a servant to others after the passing of her husband. Her home and yard were a beautiful testament to her love of nature. On Saturdays she and her son could be seen working side by side in the gardens she loved and cared for. Vivian worked in her gardens and attended her beloved church for the last time in 2016 when she moved to an assisted living facility in Georgia where her daughter worked. 

Vivian was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, and “Mema.”  She welcomed the arrival of her first great-grandchild in 2022. Vivian always had a smile on her face and a kind word for all. She had a sweet, infectious laugh that she shared often. She was a true southern lady, gentle and kind, strong and determined, gracious and giving.  She will be greatly missed by her family and the many she called friends.  We rejoice knowing that she is with her Lord and ​Savior, whole and healthy. We are sure she is basking in the glory of the Lord and holding the hand of her beloved Travis.

Vivian is survived by her son, Dr. Charles Travis Powell, Jr. (Anita) of Pageland, SC, Daughter, Lynn Rice (Bob) of Madison,GA, granddaughters: Ashley Powell of Waynesboro, PA, Casey Powell Lowry (Dillion) of Murfreesboro, TN, Lyndsay Powell Fetter of McDonough, GA, grandsons: Charles Travis Powell III of Charlotte, NC and Alexander Fitzgerald Edwards of Watkinsville, GA, Great grandson, Aidan Michael Fetter.

Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 191, Bethune, SC 29009.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Powell family.