07/13/2017
Geraldine (Gerry) Powdrill, 78, of Timpson, Texas passed away on July 12, 2017 in Nacogdoches, Texas. Born October 8, 1938.
Geraldine was born to Lessie Hughes Lovelady and Elliott Lovelady in Blytheville, Arkansas. She was raised by her stepfather, Rual Shepherd and Lessie Lovelady. Geraldine graduated from Burdette High School in 1956. It was that summer that she met Howell Lee Powdrill at the Eaker Airforce Base in Blytheville. Lee known as “Tex” and Geraldine married on October 8, 1956. Her Arkansas family did and continues to call her Geraldine and her husband Lee, was always known as “Tex,” being from Texas.
Gerry and Lee lived in San Antonio and settled in Huffman, Texas when Lee was transferred with the FAA with the opening of the new airport in Houston. They raised their family on Lake Houston. At that time Gerry was a full-time housewife and mother; the hardest job ever and she excelled at it. She worked outside of the home for a short time at Home Telephone Company in Humble, Texas, but returned to her full-time job as housewife.
Gerry and Lee retired to Timpson in the 1980’s. Gerry was a member of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church where she served as Church Secretary. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and she took special pride in organizing and overseeing crafts at Vacation Bible School for many years. She loved coming up with new ideas each year and spent many hours getting the materials ready for the art classes.
Gerry was very active in ladies bowling and it was part of her life for over 40 years. She was a member of the Sassie Lassies team where she traveled to tournaments and won several championships as well as a state championship. She enjoyed canasta, bunco, and getting together with her friends often. She also had a quick mind and tried to always watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
Gerry had a green thumb and could stick just about anything in dirt and the next thing you knew she had a beautiful plant growing. She tended to her flowers and for many years had gorgeous roses and many flower gardens. She loved to travel and she and her husband went to Haiti, St. Thomas, and the Virgin Islands on a cruise. She enjoyed a trip to Hawaii and it was the flowers there she talked about most often. There were the trips with her square dance group through the years, and the trip to London with her daughter Melody. Gerry was a wonderful cook. There really wasn’t anything she couldn’t master. Anyone that ever had her cooking often asked for her recipes, which she was glad to share. Some of her family’s favorites were her hot water cornbread, chicken and dumplings, Lessie dressing, peas and cornbread, and tator tot casserole.
Gerry and Lee’s passion was their time they spent with their square-dancing group, and the Do-Si-Do Club. They had danced back in the 60’s, took a break while raising their children, and then after retirement took up square dancing again. They made many lifelong friends and traveled to dances all over the country. No one could twirl Gerry around the dance floor like her husband Lee. She got to be a mother twice, raising her two children and then she raised her two granddaughters, Kara and Kylie whom she loved very much. She often talked about them to friends. Gerry loved God, loved her family, and loved life. She was a strong woman. She was Geraldine, Gerry, Miss Gerry, Mother, Best Friend, Nannie, and now she is an Angel.
Gerry was a beloved wife to Lee for over 48 years. She is preceded in death by her spouse, Howell Lee Powdrill; mother, Lessie Hughes Lovelady Shepherd; father, Elliott Lovelady; step-father, Rual Shepherd; brother, James Lovelady; and nephew, Michael Eldridge.
Left to cherish her memories and carry on her legacy is:
Her daughter: Melody Dannette Powdrill of Shreveport, LA
Son: Keith Brian Powdrill of Timpson, TX
Granddaughters:
Kara Dannette Powdrill of Timpson, TX
Kylie Lynn Powdrill of Timpson, TX
Sisters-in-law:
Marcia Kesterson and husband Hollis of Longview, TX
Louise Hudson of Timpson, TX
Nephew: Jimmy Lovelady of Fayetteville, AR.
Others left to treasure our sweet Gerry are cousins and extended family, her church family, and friends. She will be greatly missed and will always be loved.
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.
Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.
