Faye Newsom Powers

Faye Newsom Powers died on July 28, 2020 at her daughter's home in Phoenix, Ariz., under the care of Hospice of the Valley. Faye was born November 6, 1928, in El Dorado, Ark., on the family farm, Rt. 5. She was the fourth of five children born to Asa Lewis Newsom and Brownie B. Newsom. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roderick Wharton Powers; her two sisters, Bernice Wilson, and Hope Robbins; and her brothers, Nolan and Billy Newsom. She is survived by her daughter Vicki Powers-Gustafson (Roger) of Phoenix, Ariz., and her nephew Bill Roderick Pierce (Sharon) of Russellville, Ark. Faye attended school in Lawson where she was a star basketball player. She completed her senior year at El Dorado High School.In the fall of 1946, she enrolled at Henderson State Teachers College where she immediately caught the eye of Rod Powers, the son of the Dean of Henderson, who was assisting at the enrollment table for freshmen. He had just been discharged from the Army Air Corps having served as Flight Officer during the war. Faye attended H.S.T.C. for two years and she was a member of Delta Sigma Epsilon sorority. Faye and Rod were married on September 16, 1948, and they immediately left for the University of Iowa where Rod was completing his master's studies. They returned to Arkadelphia upon the birth of their only child, Vicki. They moved to Little Rock in 1952 when Rod was hired by the Arkansas Democrat. In Little Rock she worked as office manager for a leading dermatology practice, Drs. Dillaha, Jansen and Honeycutt. In 1970, she and Rod moved to Modesto, Calif., when Rod was hired by the McClatchy newspapers. They spent the next 26 years exploring the beauty of California, spending time on their boat on the Sacramento Delta, and traveling the world as Vicki worked for Trans World Airlines. In 1996, Faye and Rod followed Vicki and Roger to Phoenix, moving into their beautiful new home on the Deer Valley golf course in Sun City West, easily adapting to the Arizona retirement lifestyle. They had a blessed 57 years of marriage and were truly devoted to each other. After Rod's death in 2005, Faye continued to enjoy her love of travel, especially cruising. She was an avid bridge player, hosting luncheons and bridge parties at her country club. She was an active member of the Sun City West Women's Club and Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church. She was a proud member of PEO, Chapter CL, Sun City West. The last four years of her life were a long and hard struggle with her fight against breast cancer. Her amazing beauty, smile, positive attitude, and strength brightened each day and she continued to amaze all her friends and family to the very end. Faye was loved by all who knew her, and we were truly blessed to have her in our lives. Due to covid-19 and per her request, there will be no funeral services. She will be interred at Rhodes Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Lawson, Arkansas on a later date. Please join Faye's family in sharing memories, pictures or videos on her tribute wall at www.caminodelsol.com.