Evelyn Lee Cogdill Powell

Asheville - Evelyn Lee Cogdill Powell, 87, of Asheville, died Thursday, October 21, 2004 at Pisgah Manor following a long period of declining health. A native of Madison County, she resided in Buncombe County most of her life. Evelyn, the eldest of eight children born to John Fate and Lear Elizabeth Cogdill in 1917, was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Joseph Powell, who died in 2001; sisters, Agnes Cogdill, Lucille MacLeod and Mazel Heiner and a brother, John Cogdill. Mrs. Powell is survived by her son, Joseph Powell, Jr. of Asheville; daughters, Marie Hicks of Alexander and Barbara Rogers of Weaverville and Leesburg, Va.; sisters, Gladys Cogdill and Patsy Ford and brother, Richard Cogdill all of Asheville. She will be missed by her 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and by all her nieces and nephews. Evelyn was a hard worker all her life. She hooked rugs with her mother for the Asheville Floor Covering Company and worked at Asheville Cotton Mill while her husband was away during World War II. An expert seamstress, she held jobs at several local manufacturing plants: spent a number of years working in the textile industry in Atlanta and at one time moved to Washington, DC where she sewed American flags. Although she enjoyed her time in other locations, nothing made her happier than returning home to all her family and to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. A lover of country music, Evelyn enjoyed playing the guitar and singing along with some of her favorites like Jimmy Rogers, the Carter Family, Ernest Tubb and Elvis Presley on the radio. She had a keen sense of humor and a sharp wit. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother and was completely dedicated to all her family. She especially derived a great deal of joy from the grandchildren and great-grandchildren left in her care. When in her fifties, Evelyn fulfilled her dream of learning to drive and took a series of long trips to Florida with her family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home with the Rev. Tom Lomax officiating. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. The family would like to give special thanks to the management and staff of Pisgah Manor in Candler for their loving care and kindness during the last three years. Memorial donations in Evelyns name may be made to: Pisgah Manor, 95 Holcombe Cove Rd., Candler, NC. 28715.