KILMARNOCK—Carol Hawkins Powell, 67, passed away at home surrounded by family members on March 24, 2024.
She is preceded in death by her father, Edward G. Hawkins Jr.; her mother, Shirley L Darst; stepfather, Dr. Major Darst Jr.; and in-laws, Dr. Watson and Hermie Powell Jr.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, William E. Powell; three daughters, Alexis A. Keiser and her husband, Thomas F. Keiser, Lauren J. Rice and her husband, Christopher J. Rice, and Christine W. Powell and her husband, Noe Herrera Jr.; her stepmother, Judith Hawkins; four grandsons and one granddaughter; four sisters; two brothers; brothers in-law; sisters in-law; and many nephews and nieces.
Carol was born in Mt. Holly, N.J., on November 7, 1956, and landed on a horse farm in Lumberton, N.J., where the family grew up mucking the barns and at one point taking care of 15 horses. She was a member of the 4H Club and had a successful jumping career in competitive equestrian events in N.J., where she developed her can-do attitude and love for animals.
In later years, she decided to attend Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, knowing she could continue to ride until she met her husband Bill at a VMI event—and the horse went back home. After graduating from the University of Richmond in 1979, Carol and Bill were married and soon thereafter Bill’s career took them to Lancaster, Pa. There they lived a love story of adventures, travel and beach time with family and friends.
She especially loved taking on older fixer upper homes that were neglected and making something beautiful from them. She loved gardening and raising her three beautiful daughters.
Upon Bill’s retirement, Carol took on her final project and moved to the Northern Neck, creating a lovely retirement home on the Chesapeake Bay. She loved having a destination for her children and grandchildren to gather, calling the retirement home Camp Powell. She cherished those times—watching grandchildren fishing, sailing, or swimming off the dock. But mostly she loved sitting on the porch laughing and playing games with her family around her. They called her Mimi, Carol Casserole, or Momma Duke.
She will be enormously missed by her family and friends because she made their life so full of joy and beauty. Carol will always be remembered for her infectious smile, quiet demeanor, quick wit and especially a loving and open heart for everyone she met.
The family would like to thank the whole Hospice of Virginia team, and all our friends who gave her such great support at the end.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Carol’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on April 20 at Grace Episcopal Church, 303 South Main Street, Kilmarnock, that will be followed by a reception in Grace House, the parish hall. A reception to celebrate her life will be held in Lancaster, Pa., at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Hospice of VA Hope Foundation, 1924 Tappahannock Boulevard, Tappahannock, VA 22560.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
