Margaret Elizabeth Saunders Powers passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 24,2018, at Hospice House of Williamsburg. She was born on March 12, 1924, in Winston-Salem, NC, grew up in Newport News, VA, and resided in Williamsburg for 56 years. Margaret graduated from Newport News High School in 1941, and received her B.A. degree from Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo), Montevallo, AL, in 1957. She earned her M.Ed. degree from The College of William and Mary in 1966, and spent the duration of her career with the Department of the Army as a Supervisory Education Specialist in the aviation branch of the Transportation School at Fort Eustis, VA, until her retirement in 1987.
Margaret is survived by her sons: Thomas K. Powers (Colleen) of Williamsburg, and their children, Dr. Kendall Ann Mitchell (Courtney) of Goldsboro, NC, and Jordan T. Powers of Irvine, CA; and Charles R. Powers (Joyce) of Auburn, NY. She is also survived by her brother, Charles G. Saunders, Jr., of Overland Park, KS; her nieces, Patricia K. Marcum of Suffolk, VA; Lee S. Barks of Tampa, FL; Martha S. Nowak (Kent) of Olathe, KS; and nephew, Maxim A. Kowalski, Jr., (Sylvia) of Suffolk, VA, and many other family members. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Charles G. Saunders, Sr., and Lila J. Saunders of Newport News, VA, and her beloved sister, Effie Mae S. Kowalski of Poquoson, VA.
Margaret was an accomplished watercolor artist and avid wildlife advocate. She was extremely well read and loved history and genealogy. She also possessed an intense interest in politics and world events. She loved to cook and enjoyed sharing food and recipes. Margaret also belonged to numerous organizations including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Order of the Eastern Star, and was a long-time member of Walnut Hills Baptist Church. A generous and compassionate person, she gave her time, encouragement and comfort to those in need. For her love and devotion to her family and friends, her constant giving spirit and commitment to the lives she touched, she will be dearly missed.
A memorial service to celebrate Margaret's life is planned for Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA. Interment will be private. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Dr. James P. Majdic and his care team; Mrs. Kathy Nestor and her nursing staff at Sentara Hospital; her loving Spring Arbor family; her tender hospice nurses, and the staff of Williamsburg Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions would be welcome at The Heritage Humane Society, 930 Waller Mill Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185; Meals on Wheels, 227 Richmond Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185; and The Salvation Army, 216 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. Nelsen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
