Rita P. Powers

By Staff Reports

Mrs. Rita Peek Powers, 58, of Elizabethton, where she made her home for the past 15 years, and formerly of Erwin, slipped into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at Johnson City Medical Center following a courageous battle with breast cancer. 

Rita was the daughter of James and Helen Rice Peek of Erwin and was born in Richmond, Va.

Rita had formerly worked for several firms in the area as an accountant and was an owner/operator of Power’s Coffee Company, which she ran with her husband, Greg. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton where she sang in the Chancel Choir, and was a member of Circle 6 and the Believers Sunday School Class. She was also a member of the Ninth Street Baptist Church in Erwin. Rita loved to sing in the choir and had a beautiful voice. She was a member of the Appalachian Heritage Quilters and the Jonesborough Storytelling Guild.

In addition to her parents, Rita is survived by her husband of 12 years, Gregory S. Powers, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Terry and Jennifer May, Crossville, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Jackson, Jonah and Ella Jane May, Crossville, Tenn.; a step-daughter, Megan Powers, Elizabethton; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, David and Doris Powers, Bluff City, Tenn. The Celebration of Life Service for Rita will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at the First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton with Rev. Ray Amos and Rev. Rob Moor officiating. Music will be under the direction of David and Becky Hale, and Ray Bowman, soloist. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., prior to the service, and at the home at other times. Interment will follow the funeral service at Evergreen Cemetery, Erwin. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Jackson May and David Powers. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Carter County Relay for Life, c/o Lou Cooter, 400 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book or by fax to (423) 542-9499.

Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Powers family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.