Erin Paige Powell

Erin Paige Powell, of Cabot, age 35, started her new journey on October 14, 2015. She was born on May 26, 1980 in Wynne, Arkansas to Rick and Linda Powell. Erin earned the nickname of "Scoop" as a young girl, using her Quincy investigative skills to know everything about everybody. This continued into her adult life, where she always wanted to be in the "know." Erin had always been persistent and competitive. If people told her that she couldn't do something, she would surely prove them wrong. Erin didn't have any pretenses; she knew what she thought, and she owned it. Erin did clerical and customer service work for years. She had a real interest in her customers and made them feel valued. She had the ability to sense when others were in need, always cheering for them, encouraging them, and lending them an ear. Like in The Velveteen Rabbit, Erin was "REAL." Erin had a strong sense of justice, a huge heart, and a smile and laugh that were infectious. She made friends easily and kept them for a lifetime. Her friends considered her to be loyal, empathetic, generous, fun-loving, and brave. She left a lasting impression on those she encountered. Making folks laugh was a priority for Erin, and like her sister, Rachel, she shared her large sense of humor freely. Although Erin was strong-willed, she was also fragile, for she was as quick with a tear as she was with a laugh. However, if she had a choice of crying or laughing – she chose to laugh. Erin faced many battles, including Graves's disease in college and breast cancer in 2013. Erin shared her father's tender heart and dry sense of humor, her mother's wit and intelligence, and inherited a heavy dose of sarcasm from both. Erin's daughter, Brielle, was a source of joy and the most important person in her life. She was proud that her daughter shared her intellect and curiosity and always told her: "I love you to the moon and back." Erin always looked forward to her annual trips to Riverfest with her favorite Aunt whom she loved very much. Survivors include her daughter, Brielle Gray Schmidt, parents, Rick and Linda Powell, sister, Rachel Powell, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on October 17 at Cabot United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends at 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Erin never met a stray cat she didn't want to adopt, so in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local shelter or to a charity of your choice. Cremation arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.