Nathaline Powell

Nathaline Powell, beloved grandmother of Natalie P. Bluestein, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 16, 2021. She was 98 years old.

Nat was born on March 1, 1923 in Elloree, South Carolina, the second of three daughters born to Sally Rast Polin and David Earl Polin. She was predeceased by her parents, her two sisters, Georgia P. Inman and Carolyn P. Dennard, as well as her son, David Buren Powell, and her great-nephew, Matthew Key. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn P. Arndt, of Fontana, California, her beloved grandchildren, Natalie P. Bluestein and her husband, Scott, Stephanie P. Mitlo, Susan P. Pope, David E. Powell, and Brian Powell, numerous great grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, her niece, Susan K. Foxworth, a great-niece, Heather K. Tiller, and great-nephews, Bart Key and David Key, of whom she was very fond.

Nat, or Gran, as she was affectionately known by many, whether related to her or not, was unfailingly good-natured and cheerful throughout her very long life. Everyone who met her said she was one of the kindest, sweetest people they had ever met, and she undoubtedly was. She always said people have a choice each day: to be happy or sad, and she almost always chose to be happy. She was an excellent cook, a talented needle worker, artist, and crafter, and a very patient teacher for her grandchildren and their friends, many of whom found lifelong hobbies in her various craft lessons.

In her younger days, Gran traveled widely, often with one or both of her sisters, and loved seeing plays in New York, going to Gump's in San Francisco, and learning to paint in Hawaii. Her travels there also contributed to her love of Asian art and porcelain, which she collected throughout her life.

Gran raised her granddaughters, Natalie and Stephanie Parker, and encouraged and enabled their education, which was incredibly important to her, She also provided them access to a number of music, sports, art, and dance activities, allowing them the opportunity to decide which they wanted to pursue.

Gran did not enjoy being the center of attention, but her sweetness and charming personality often made her so. She did not like lots of fuss about anything, and preferred remaining in the background when possible, to allow others to shine.

She was the most amazing parent, grandparent, great-aunt, and substitute grandparent anyone could wish for, and her loss will be felt throughout the lifetimes of anyone whose lives she touched. She is already greatly missed, and will be missed by everyone who is no longer able to hear her tell them how beautiful or handsome they are when she sees them.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION, 1520 Rifle Range Rd., Mount. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464, (843) 884-3833.