Marilyn Smith Sowell

Marilyn Smith Sowell, 71, of Columbia, AL passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at her residence after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Corley officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park with Robert Byrd directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11:00 a.m. Saturday.

Mrs. Sowell was born June 17, 1943 in Bainbridge, GA and lived the early part of her life in Donalsonville, GA where she owned and operated her beauty shop for 10 years. She has been a resident of Columbia, AL since 1980. She was employed with Farley Nuclear Plant where she was a member of the Local Union 784 for 12 years until she retired in 2001. She was an avid gardener, loved to fish, and ride horses. Her grandchildren lovingly called her "Honey" and she cherished spending time with them. She was of the Baptist faith and the family would like to give a special thanks to First Choice Hospice, especially Jenny, Shalonda, and Zakeia; as well as special thanks to her sitters, Berstine Oliver and Tina Worlds. Mrs. Sowell was preceded in death by her parents, A.W. Smith and Emma Ruth Smith; her husband Douglas Eugene Sowell; brothers, Larry Smith and Greg Smith.

Survivors include her children, Suzanne Sowell of Columbia, AL, Desiree Michael Haselden of Columbia, AL, Teri Ward Ashley of Donalsonville, GA; grandchildren, Karson Erp, Morgan Erp, Luke Erp, Emma Haselden, and Acea Haselden; sisters, Helen Buck Turner, Karen Billy Kimbrel; several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Mitch Smith, Jeff Smith, Shannon Lassiter, Karson Erp, Chad Higginbotham, and Acea Haselden.