Obituary of Helen Winter Powell

CHARLESTON - Helen Winter Powell, 97, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina. Born in Sumter on July 4, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Jacob Leslie Powell and Madelaine Shipman Powell.

A proud graduate of Edmonds High School's Class of 1948, Helen went on to graduate from the Tuomey Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. She dedicated her career to caring for others as a private duty nurse at Tuomey Hospital, where her compassion and gentle spirit touched countless lives.

Helen had a gift for making both places and people feel special. As Mini Park Chair for the Evening Garden Club, she helped make Sumter more beautiful. In later years, she embraced fun and friendship as an active member—and even a Queen—of a Sumter Red Hat Chapter. An award-winning floral designer, she had a remarkable eye for beauty and a talent for creating welcoming spaces.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures: tending her garden, baking for family and friends, and opening her home with warm hospitality. Helen was especially known for her legendary pound cakes and cheesecakes, treasured family recipes that continue to be shared from one generation to the next. She was a devoted aunt who delighted in creating memories with her nieces and nephews, whether spending summer days picking peaches or sharing adventures on land and at sea. Her laughter, generosity, and adventurous spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her nieces, Linda Barnes Chinnis, Tammy Barnes Gottshalk, Nancy Powell Nugent, Mary Elizabeth Powell Cooper, and Judith Powell; and by her nephew, Danny Allan Barnes.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Nellie Elizabeth Powell and Leslie Ann Powell Barnes; her brothers, Richard Cecil Powell and Jacob Clarence Powell; and her nephews, Richard Cecil Powell, Jr. and Stephen Sugg Powell.

Graveside services will be held at 11am Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Sumter.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers in Sumter and Charleston who loved Helen for her spunk, grace, and resilient spirit, especially the compassionate staffs of Riverside Health and Rehabilitation, Ashley River Healthcare Center, and Crescent Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.