LAURENS, S.C. – Helen Rebecca McDowell Powell, 86, of 331 Bethel Church Rd. and widow of Charles Pinckney “Pick” Powell, Jr., passed away at Laurens County Hospital, Thursday, August 23, 2012.

Born in Edgefield, she was a daughter of the late Jesse Parker and Betty Glausier McDowell. A homemaker, Mrs. Powell was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

She is survived by her children: Edmond Powell (Margaret); Ledman Powell (Linda), Sara Burgess (Howard), Faye Yates (James), Jean Campbell (Doug), all of Laurens; a brother John Purvis “Pete” McDowell of Edgefield; 12 grandchildren: Chuck Powell, Helena Sisk (Phillip), Michael Powell, Sherry Burgess, Brent Yates (Linda), Edward Burgess (Stacey), Shawn Robinson, Joy Self (Jason), Brook England (Chris), Eric Robbins (Victoria), Joseph Powell (Laurie), and Janice Powell; numerous great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Jewel McDowell; a granddaughter, Christie Ballew; and a great granddaughter, Lindsey Smith.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 25, 2012, at Bethel Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. James K. Hamilton and Rev Tim Pigg, followed by interment in the church cemetery.

The family will be at the home of her daughter, Faye Yates, 331 Bethel Church Rd., Laurens and will receive friends in the Bethel Baptist Church Social Hall from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Saturday.

Condolences may be expressed at www.thekennedymortuary.com.