Freida Virginia Powell, 88, of East Lake, passed away Wednesday May 16, 2018 in Ooltewah, due to Alzheimer’s. Freida was a resident of East Lake for many years, where she will be remembered as “The Bicycle Lady.” She rode her bicycle every day until the age of 85, when the doctor insisted on taking it away. Prior to that, she remained independent and feisty, taking care of friends and neighbors who could not do for themselves. Doing chores, picking up prescriptions, food and running errands on her bicycle kept her active until she could no longer find her way home. She enjoyed her circle words, along with listening to her country music, either in her recliner or on the porch, where she loved to swing.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene Wilson; second husband, James Russell Powell; son, Paul Powell; siblings, Columbus Ed Ford, Frank Ford, Myles Ford, Willard Ford, Bobby Ford, Mary Elizabeth Floyd, Lillie Beaddie Austin and Lucille McCulley.
Survivors include daughters, Connie (Jimmy) Evett, Sandra Wood and Lisa Troxell; son, Phillip (Joy) Powell; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Lakewood Memory Gardens South, with Rev. Tony Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends from noon-2:30 p.m. in the funeral home parlor.
Special thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga East team and Dr. Stephen M. Adams at UT Family Practice Center.