Letha Powell, 95, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Letha was born in Livingston, Texas on July 21, 1931. Her source of joy was found in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; serving beside her husband of 73 years, Clarence; spending time among her family (especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren) and friends; and patiently hand-stitching her next quilted creation to be given to an upcoming baby, family member, or friend.

Her myriad of other interests and obsessions ranged from birds & flowers, to drawing & painting, and composing songs. Letha learned to identify almost any backyard bird not only by their colors, but by their call and song. Many times, she could be heard conversing with a visiting bird in her East Texas twang.

Later in life, Letha discovered she had the talent for quilting. She delighted in mulling over patterns, browsing shops for the perfect material, cutting, piecing and stitching together the blocks and cover, then lovingly hand-stitching each of those blocks until these scraps of color became a work of art. So much of her completed craft was given to family and multiple generations of friends to treasure. If you plan to attend Letha’s memorial and were gifted with one of her quilts, her family would love you to bring your quilt with you to add to the “stitched bouquet” that will serve as the flowers to be displayed at her service.

Letha is survived by husband, Clarence Powell, son, Dick Powell (Nancy), daughters, Karan Blankenship and Sara Barefoot (Robert); grandchildren, Anne Valenzano (Frank) and Nathan Powell (Amanda); Letha Currin (Chris) and Cori Stancil (Stephen); great grandchildren, Abigail, Ethan & Deacon Valenzano, Ethan & Jack Currin, and Meredith & Emilia Powell.

Letha was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie and Charley Dowden; brothers Charley B., Keenan, Robert, and Johnny Dowden, sisters Beatrice Smith, Carrie Lee Dowden, Leazer Dowden, Melba Peterson, daughter Donna Powell, and son in law, Dennis Blankenship.

Our deepest appreciation and gratitude are extended to the staff of Somerset Gardens and ACG Hospice who so lovingly cared for Letha these last few years and weeks. You have treated our mom like she was your own - a gift beyond measure to her and all of us.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 14, 2026, in the East Venue of North Monroe Baptist Church (210 Finks Hideaway Road, Monroe La 71203) followed by a memorial service at 11:00 A.M. in the same location. Dr. Bill Dye and Rev. Frank Valenzano will officiate under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home or North Monroe Baptist Church Missions.