Willetta (Billie) Gerrish Powell was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 17, 1923. She was called to her heavenly home on January 7, 2021.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Blanche Hall Richardson Gerrish and Arthur Cummer Gerrish, Sr.; husband, Charles Powell; one sister, Evelyn Gerrish Tucker; and two brothers, Arthur Cummer Gerrish, Jr., and Robert Gerrish.
She is survived by her three daughters, Sandra (Sandi) Daniel, Suzanne Geisenburg (Tommy), and Shirley Powell; granddaughter, Michele Reddish (Joe); grandson, Charles Geisenburg (Dawn); great grandson, Chase Geisenburg; and several loving nieces and nephews.
Billie loved spending time with her family and being involved in everything they did. With her adventuresome spirit she slid down giant slides, rode horses, played in the ocean and rode anything her grandkids did.
She grew up on a dairy farm alongside a river in Jacksonville. Growing up she rode cows, climbed trees, dealt with alligators, shot snakes out of trees and caught all of her own shrimp, crabs, fish, and oysters. This is where she developed her life-long love of nature and gardening. She enjoyed working in her garden with her flowers up to the last few weeks of her life.
She was a gifted artist as well, creating numerous professional-quality oil paintings and ceramics. She wired lamps and built clocks but wouldn’t sell any of them. Instead she gave her works away.
The Powell children were truly blessed with two giving, loving parents. They loved their family dearly and devoted themselves to providing the best care and happiness possible for their children. Even as her physical condition deteriorated, Billie maintained her independence as much as possible. She never complained about her pain but was concerned with the life and comfort of those around her. She lived a full and beautiful life, for which we are so very thankful. We know she is with Jesus now and her beloved husband of 67 years. Rest now without pain and rejoice in a life well lived.
Due to Covid, Billie will be interred after a private service in Jacksonville, Florida, at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu flowers donations may be made to any animal society or charity of your choice.
Arrangements are with Evergreen Funeral Home & Crematory 4535 Main Street Jacksonville, Florida 32206 (904) 353-3649
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