Constance Rudisill Powell

Connie was a beloved wife to Sam for 62 years, starting their journey in high school, nurturing it while in college, and marrying one week after college graduation. She was a loving mom to her three daughters, Angie (Scott) Utesch, Pam (Kent) Johnson, and Leslie (Rhett) Boudreaux. Her love and care just increased as her family grew to include grandchildren, Sarah (Evan) Hill, KJ Johnson, Nate (Liz) Utesch, Andrew Utesch, Anna Utesch, Kiel Boudreaux, Sabrina Boudreaux, and Steven Boudreaux. And she considered herself blessed to add great grandchildren to the mix, Cassidy and Kathryn Hill.

Born in North Carolina to Everette and Eloise Rudisill, Constance Eloise Rudisill joined this world on September 23, 1941, with her dad’s job allowing for moves within the state, finally settling in Charlotte where she graduated from Central High School (Class of ’59). Majoring in education and Spanish, she graduated in three years from Lenior Rhyne College (Class 0f ’62), where she was involved in starting the first on-campus national sorority, Sigma Kappa, and served on student court. Once married, her adventurous life took her and her family up and down the east coast. In all those moves, she worked as a preschool teacher and eventually became office manager at a local doctor’s office. Eventually life brought her family back to NC to raise their kids and be close to extended family. In all the moves, one thing that remained constant was belonging to a church family. She often served as the pianist in the churches, and loved playing and singing the old hymns.

As a team, Sam and Connie got very involved in whatever the kids got involved in, serving as swim team lane judges, Cary High School band parents and chaperones, and general chauffer until the girls got their driver’s licenses. Connie was a “First Lady” of sorts two different times, as Sam served as President of the Cary High Band and the Cary Kiwanas club. Once she became a Grandmomma, all those years as a preschool teacher came in handy, making her amazing at creating fun activities with her grandchildren. A summer favorite for all was “Grandma Camp”, a memory-making time full of lots of love and laughter. Connie loved writing cards and letters to her girls, their families, and her many friends. We treasure these precious writings even more after her passing.

As her body declined these last several months, we are thankful to The Landing in Wilson and the caregivers with Minnie Care Services who loved and cared for her so well. We are also thankful for the friends and family who have prayed for her during this time.

Those she loved will miss her smile, love, laughter and care; yet are thankful that she has passed on such a great legacy that will impact generations to come. We are also thankful she is healthy and whole in the presence of Jesus.

If you desire to send gifts in her memory, please do so to one or both of the following non-profits that were near to her heart: Operation Christmas Child and/or Legal Services of North Florida (where Leslie serves as Executive Director).