Mrs. Nell Powers Eleazer

COLUMBIA- The long and productive life of Nell Powers Eleazer ended on June 7, 2015. She was a dignified and elegant lady throughout her 107 years of life in Columbia, SC. The daughter of Calvin I. Powers and Ruth Grimsley Powers of Columbia, Mrs. Eleazer had two brothers: W.L. Powers Sr. and Rev. Jerome Powers. There were three sisters: Miss Ruth Powers, Mrs. Thelma Cox, and Mrs. Mary Lilley. Surviving are several nieces: Diane Norris, Kathy Koteles, Wildred Powers, Mildred Lilley, and Nancy Jeffers. There are many great nieces and nephews and their children surviving as well who loved and adored their amazing Aunt Nell. Mrs. Eleazer was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church where she had served the Circle Six, the King’s Daughters, Women’s Methodist Union, and participated in the Senior Magnifiers Choir. She loved the church and her wonderful friends there. At twelve years of age, Ms. Eleazer (then Powers) began working at the Silver’s Department store. Not long after beginning her work, she was promoted to supervisor at a very young age. After marrying Mr. Irby Eleazer of Columbia, she was offered a job at the SC Revenue Office and became Supervisor of the File Room. Mrs. Eleazer was often asked “her secret for a long life.” Her answer was that she had no stress because she believed that her Lord looked over her and took care of any problems she might have. After her husband died in mid-life, Nell lived alone for the remainder of her life. An avid reader, she also enjoyed baking her signature coconut cake, attending exercise classes three times a week at the Lourie Center, church activities, and going to lunch daily with her beloved niece Diane Norris. She continued to drive safely up to age 100! Upon the occasion of her 105th birthday, Mrs. Eleazer was recognized by Willard Scott on the NBC TODAY Show, then in 2014 State Senator Joel Lourie presented Mrs. Eleazer with a plaque to honor her. Even at the time of her death, Nell was still living at home without daily in-home health care. A visitation will be held Friday, June 12, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the parlor of Main Street United Methodist Church, with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Transitions, 2025 Main Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201.