May Ruth Powell

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Thomas M. Powell; father, Caleb Roland Cole; mother, Mennie Bett Fitz Cole; brothers, Bruce Cole, Marvin Cole; and sister, Margaret Evans. She is survived by her children, Susan J. Powell-Proctor (“Ric”), Joseph C. Powell; and grandchildren, Steven J. Powell, Thomas J. L. Powell, Shelby Cardman (step-grandchild).

May was born in 1945 at Stuart Circle Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. She grew up on a farm in Hanover, Virginia, where she learned the value of hard work. She enjoyed school, especially reading and had fond memories of her sitting under the walnut trees, eating plums, and enjoying a good book. May married her sweetheart, “Tom”, in 1963, and while he served in the US Navy, she pursued her Associates in Nursing, graduating from the Medical College of Virginia in 1965. She worked as a CNA while in school and after graduation, worked at MCV Hospital, becoming a charge nurse on the orthopedic floor. She later became a private duty nurse in home care. May retired from nursing and with her husband, Tom, founded Powell Enterprises 50 years ago, of which she was a part owner and secretary.

May always made it a point to serve others with compassion and to "Go the extra mile."

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 18. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.