Emma Josephine Childs Powell, 95, of Covington, Virginia, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016 at the Brian Center in Low Moor.

Jo was born October 22, 1920, in Fincastle, a daughter of the late James G. and Mary Riddlebarger Childs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, John Leslie Powell; a daughter, Susan Saul, four sisters and two brothers.

She was an employee of the former Leggett Department Store in Covington for many years.

Jo was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was a charter member of Temple Baptist Church. She was a member of the Women's Mission group at Calvary Baptist Church and dearly loved all her friends in the group.

Mrs. Powell loved to garden, cook and entertain during the holidays. She was a devoted homemaker, mother and grandmother.

Surviving are her daughter and special son-in-law, Rosemary and Charlie Simmons, of Covington; two beloved grandsons, Brian S. Simmons of Roanoke and John D. Saul and his wife, Lori Beth, of Dublin; her beloved great grandson, John D. Saul, Jr., of Dublin; the ladies in her Mission Group; neighbors Steve and Brenda Wilcher of Covington, friends Harvey and Debbie Persinger of Covington, Erik Showalter of Roanoke; Virginia Tucker of Covington; nieces, nephews and her cat and companion "Muffy".

The funeral service will held Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dean Bowser officiating assisted by the Rev. William M. Hartsfield.

The interment will be made in Alleghany Memorial Park.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service time on Monday at Arritt Funeral Home and at other times the family will be at the home of Charlie and Rosemary Simmons at 1206 Potts Creek Road.

The family suggests that memorial donations in Mrs. Powell's name be made to either the Calvary Baptist Church, 113 N. Willis, Ave., Covington, VA 24426 or to the Covington Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 588, Covington, VA 24426.