Avis Elizabeth Powell died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on June 17, 2020.
She was a wonderful beloved wife, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed. Avis was an inspiration and joy to her family and everyone who knew her. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed cooking for those she loved. She loved all of her family and the simple things in life. She also loved flowers and worked as a florist when her children were young. She was proud to serve as president of the Fort Walton Beach Garden Club. Avis was born on September 13, 1920 to Cleo and Oscar Moore in Crestview, Florida. She was a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County. She is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, and two brothers (Bonnie Cadenhead, Bertha Mason, Lorene Garrett, Gene Moore, O.C. Moore). She is also preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Circuit Judge Gillis E. Powell, Sr. She is survived by her children, Gillis E. Powell, Jr. and wife Cheryl, Ava Susan Powell and husband Dan Stewart, Dixie Dan Powell and wife Teresa. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lacey Powell Clark (James), Ginny Powell Ebbert (Wally), Beau Powell (Bridget), Dixieanna Powell, Audrie Powell, and Dixon Powell, as well as great-grandchildren, Grayson Clark, Gwyneth Clark, Sophie Stewart, Elizabeth Stewart, Noah Powell and Emma Powell. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Avis loved the Lord and she was a longstanding, dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church in Crestview, Florida. A private family ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 24. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home. Flowers will be appreciated and accepted. The family wishes to thank her dedicated caretakers through the years they cared for Mrs. Powell, Betty Lovett (Tom Lovett -deceased) for 50 years of service to Mrs. Powell and the Family, Judi Brown, Jennifer Holmes, Hanah Brown, Ann Gregory, Karen Berry, Rosiatter Baker, Hong DiGiacomo, Edith McKoy, Jocelyn Romualdo, Jackie Smith, Vickie Scrase, and Roger Reynolds for all of their devoted service, and Lyla Peacock for all of her assistance throughout the years.
The family will plan a celebration for Avis on what would have been her 100th birthday on September 13, 2020.
Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com
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