Elizabeth Eberle (Betsy) Johnson Powell

Elizabeth Eberle (Betsy) Johnson Powell, age 101, of Little Rock. Pre dawn Christmas Day brought Betsy her gift of eternal life, one she accepted gracefully. Born October 19, 1909 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, her parents were Willis Witherspoon and Elizabeth Eberle Johnson, whose grandfather was an early settler of Fort Smith. Betsy graduated from the National Cathedral School and attended Randolph Macon College. After working in Washington during the early part of the Depression, in 1937 she married William McRae Powell, who predeceased her just short of 60 years of marriage. They raised three sons, Peter, David, both of Little Rock, and Bill of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. They survive her, along with their wives, Sue, Liz, and Pam respectively, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Blessed with charm and a quick wit, she enjoyed many friends on her long journey. But she once said she also seemed to attract both drunks and dogs, neither of which she particularly cared for. Although an infrequent church attendee, throughout life she nevertheless devotedly read her Bible, Billy Graham columns and other religious materials Betsy was a member of the Junior League of Little Rock, the Country Club of Little Rock, Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, numerous book and card groups, and assorted PTAs, scout dens, and car pools. Betsy surely approached a longevity record with her last years' stay in the Health Care Center at Presbyterian Village, whose care her family deeply appreciates. The family will hold a graveside service. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Village, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Westover Hills Presbyterian Church or a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.