CATHERINE GAYLE POWELL
May 17. 1967 – May 10, 2026
Catherine “Cathy” Gayle Powell, age 58, of Andalusia, passed away May 10, 2026, following a valiant battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Born in Mobile on May 17, 1967, to Robert and Cheryl Powell, Cathy grew up in Mobile and later in the Friendship Community of Butler County. She graduated Ft. Dale Academy in Greenville and also Auburn University, receiving a BFA degree in graphic design.
Following her marriage, she moved to Andalusia where she worked briefly for the American Red Cross before returning to school at Troy State University where she received a Master’s in Education Degree. She would spend 10 years teaching first grade at Red Level School before moving to Andalusia Elementary where she taught Talented and Gifted Education for 10 years and received an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of South Alabama. She would complete her teaching career in the following 12 years as the Art and Music teacher at AES where she thrived. It was her joy to become the first National Board Certified teacher in Covington County while teaching at Red Level, and to be honored as the Teacher of the Year by both schools and then as the Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year.
A creative and talented individual, Cathy enjoyed drawing, painting, singing, and performing from an early age. She lent her voice to weddings, funerals, the church choir, and community productions. She was a founding member of ReAct Theatre & Arts where she had roles in Ladies of The Jury, Charlotte’s Web, and directed Willie Wonka. She also had the leading role in Mamma Mia, directed the musical Annie, and initiated the Show Choir at Andalusia Elementary. Her artistic ability was shared to many in the community through the creation of her “Happy Art” pet portraits and other paintings. In addition to her school art classes, Cathy taught private art classes and camps during the summer as well as afternoons after school. Through her time as a teacher in the regular classroom, talented, gifted, music, art, and theatre, she influenced hundreds of children, youth, and adults to explore creativity and their talents.
A member of the First Presbyterian Church, Cathy was actively involved in church life as an ordained elder and member of the adult choir. She will be remembered for the many musicals and activities she coordinated for church children.
As a former Butler County Junior Miss and first runner up to Alabama’s Junior Miss, Cathy was a supporter of the Covington County program serving on the board of directors a number of years before leading Junior Miss/Distinguished Young Woman as chairperson. It was a special delight of hers to see both her daughters selected as Junior Misses and for her to encourage other young women to be their best selves.
Cathy has been honored for her contributions to school and community through her selection as Kiwanis Citizen of the Year, Rotary’s Spirit of Andalusia, and recently, by selection as the recipient of the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce President’s Award. In addition, her painting of “Hydrangeas” will grace the cover of the Andalusia High School 2025-26 yearbook, Memolusia.
Cathy’s joy was family and time spent being together whether at home, traveling, or at the beach. She always enjoyed “giving” especially at Christmas where Santa continued to visit every Christmas Eve leaving elaborate displays across the living room floor. She dearly loved her granddaughter, Betty, and cherished the seven months she and Allyn lived with her and Roger while Hank was deployed. She also was overjoyed to know two grandsons were on their way.
Even during her illness, Cathy continued to uplift those around her through “Cathy’s Book Club”. Because she used illustrated books for children to illustrate lessons in school and art classes, she invited friends and former co-workers to bring a book and read to her. This was a particularly joyful time for her to visit and hear “gossip” as she had lost the ability to speak. Her “book club” was documented on Facebook after every visit and after just over 100 guests that chapter was closed.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 36 years, Roger; their daughters and sons-in-law, Allyn Powell Walters (Hank) of Ft. Drum, N.Y., Lauren Powell Harris (John) of Birmingham; granddaughter, Elizabeth “Betty” Campbell Walters of Ft. Drum, N.Y., father, Robert L. Powell, Sr. of Greenville; brother, Robert L. Powell, Jr. (Darlene) of Adairsville, Ga.; sister, Debbie Powell Maddry (Steve) of Huntsville; sister-in-law Katie Lynn Powell of Andalusia; nephews, Wes Powell, Chase Powell, Steven Maddry, Kyle Powell, and Nicholas Powell; niece, Megan Maddry; great niece, Bentlee Powell; and close family friend, Nancy Long.
Cathy was preceded in passing by her mother, Cheryl Rae Thomas Powell.
A celebration of life service was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Andalusia on Monday, May 18, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Timothy Trent officiating followed by interment at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery. Guests were invited to wear colorful clothing as a tribute to Cathy’s talent and creativity as an artist.
Visitation was at Chantilly House, 402 South Three Notch Street, Andalusia, Sunday, May 17, from 4-6 p.m.
Foreman Funeral Home is in entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 223 South Three Notch Street, Andalusia, or to ReAct Theatre & Arts, P. O. Box 1665, Andalusia.
The Powell family is deeply indebted to their family, their church family, their many friends and the community for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and tributes shown in a multitude of ways during this difficult journey. We are also indebted to the care from Dr. Reid Kerr and staff, Dr. JoAnn Smith and staff, the UAB ALS clinic, Centerwell Home Health, and Aveanna Hospice, particularly our nurse, JoAnna Straughn. We are forever grateful.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.
