RICH SQUARE – Mrs. Florence Benthal Powell, age 100, died on Saturday, March 19, 2011 following an extended illness.  She was a native of Northampton County.

Mrs. Powell graduated from Rich Square High School in 1927 and Chowan College in 1931.  She taught school for a brief time and worked at Peebles Department Store for some fifteen years.

She was married to Belin R. Powell on May 10, 1937 and they lived in Cape May, NJ.  It was following the death of her husband and the failing health of her mother that brought her back to Rich Square in 1946. Rich Square was her home until illness required her to move to Raleigh to be with her daughter.

Preceding her in death are her mother and father, Martha and William Benthal, seven sisters and one brother.

Surviving is her daughter, Mary Overby of Raleigh; one grandson, Greg Overby; and three great grandchildren, Leslie, Brandi and Samantha Overby.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at the Rich Square Baptist Church in Rich Square with the interment following at the Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square.  Officiating will be the Rev. Bob Rogers.

The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at the Rich Square Baptist Church Fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rich Square Baptist Church, PO Box 589, Rich Square, NC  27869.

Sykes Funeral Service of Rich Square is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.sykesfuneralservice.com