Suzanne Warren (Sowers) Powers passed peacefully, surrounded by family, in Community Hospice Warner Center in Fernandina Beach, FL on September 27, 2026.

Sue was born on June 23, 1935 to parents Ruth (Ketner) and Lowell Sowers of Lonaconing, MD. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother, Marnet, her husband Ernest Powers, and her brother Lowell Sowers, Jr. She is survived by her three children (Patti, Laurie, and Drew), grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Patti and John Craddock, their three daughters and families, Suzanne (Annie) and Joseph with children Enzo and Arlo, Cara and Jackie with children Jonathan and Jordan (due in a month), and Erica and Jeremy; Laurie and Chuck Norwood, their son and family, Nathan and Haley with child Camden, and their son Brandon; and Drew and Mary Powers and their children Zyler and Avery.

Sue started life with moxie, as one of the first incubator babies at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She grew up in the small western Maryland town of Lonaconing and spent numerous summers at her father’s family farm in Clear Spring, MD. Her childhood was steeped in the love and friendship of her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins in addition to her parents and brother—a family trend that shaped her and that she passed down to her own children and grand-cherubs. After high school, Sue moved to New York City and worked in the Trans World Airlines office, enjoying countless visits to Broadway. While there, she met the love of her life, Ernest Powers, and they married in 1958. Sue and Ernie eventually moved to their home of 35 plus years in College Park, MD, where they raised their three children.

Sue was an early childhood specialist. She was integral to starting the preschool and daycare at First United Methodist in Hyattsville, MD, also teaching there. At another Methodist church, she initiated and was the director of a daycare there as well. And later on, she retired from facility daycare work to provide live-in care for her grandsons, Nathan and Brandon, in Highland, MD.

Sue’s joyful disposition, as well as her kind flexibility and calm spirit, were attributes helpful as an early childhood specialist—and also made her a beloved second mom or G-ma to so many kids. Her homes in College Park and Highland, MD were favorite play places for kids and hangout spots for teens. Sue’s vivacious soul and her capacity to love and demonstrate endless compassion was also carried into her many volunteer activities. From leading youth fellowship groups to church women’s circles and taking part in foreign student exchange programs and the Mt. Zion United Methodist Women—Sue was continuous in the mission of caring for others. She was also active with Stephen’s Ministries into her late 70s, supporting people of all ages. And her inherent love was also felt by all of the dog companions throughout her life.
Sue came to Fernandina Beach, FL in 2019, residing with her daughter Laurie, and her husband Chuck. She was an active participant in the County Council on Aging’s Club program before moving to The Retreat at Osprey Village. She was fortunate to have wonderful care and support to keep her thriving, despite progressing dementia. Sue’s boundless love, joy, and compassion carries on within the people whose lives she touched in her 91 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Sue on Friday, October 9 at 2pm in Maxwell Hall at Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL, 32034. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Sue’s commitment to children, consider a donation to the Lamb Early Education Center.

Please make your checks out to Memorial United Methodist Church and in the memo line write: For Lamb Ed Center in memory of Sue Powers.