Melanie Powell

Melanie Ruth Powell NORTHPORT Melanie Ruth Powell, age 51, of Northport, died October 20, 2013, in Tuscaloosa County. Services will be 3 p.m. today, October 25, 2013 at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Matt Smith officiating and Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lester Richardson and Gene and Ruth Williams. Survivors include her daughters, Megan Powell and Bailey Powell of Northport; sons, Phillip Boyd (Leah) and Blake Boyd of Northport; stepson, Josh Powell (Pritha Gupta) of McCalla; sisters, Carmen Neal Sheppard (Kevin) of Richmond, Va. and Nicole Neal Cook (Keith) of Kennesaw, Ga.; stepsister, Lisa LuQuire of Tuscaloosa; stepbrother, Rusty LuQuire of Tuscaloosa; parents, Kay LuQuire (Russell) of Tuscaloosa and James Neal (Tammy) of Mobile; and grandchild, Braxton Boyd (Nonna's Little Noodle). Melanie was born on February 13, 1962 in Indianapolis, Ind. She attended Central High School in Tuscaloosa and earned her LPN and RN from Shelton State Community College. Melanie worked for many years as a nurse, the last 16 years for the University of Alabama, most recently at Brewer Porch Children's Center. Melanie was known for her compassion, generous heart and her deep love for her family, especially her children and grandson. She was a terrific cook, loved shopping and spending time at the beach. She loved animals, especially her dog and any other dogs that needed loving attention. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Brewer Porch Children's Center, 2501 Woodland Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 or one's favorite charity.