Cornelia "Connie" Mae Powell Simpson-MinkCornelia "Connie" Mae Powell Simpson-Mink died unexpectedly at her home in Austin, Texas, at the age of 78 on September 18, 2012, of a pulmonary thromboembolism. Connie was born December 1933 in Carrizo Springs, TX, to Billie and Ida Mae (Oliver) Powell. She graduated from Carrizo Springs High School in 1952, later attending Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, and the University of Texas at Austin. Her early employment included Texas Council of Churches, the University of Texas at Austin Department of Music, and Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX (before Hurricane Celia chased her back to Austin). Connie worked over 20 years at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, retiring in 1992 as a Retirement Counselor/Analyst. Connie was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and an active member of the United Methodist Women. She was a fervent Travis High School Band Booster (made chalupas at Aqua Fest booth in the 1980s), volunteered countless hours at the Faith Food Pantry, Brown Santa, and Parker Lane UMC thrift store. After retirement she enjoyed travel, flying lessons, and playing catch with her grandson. She was predeceased by her parents Billie (1978) and Ida Mae (2006) Powell, first widowed by William "Bill" M. Simpson (1982) then by Wesley S. Mink (2007), and by her brother W. Duane Powell (1995). She is survived by her daughter, Lara Simpson and husband Alan Mattingly of Pearland, TX, grandson Ian Simpson Mattingly of Pearland, TX; sisters Caren and husband Dean Atkins of Hot Springs Village, AR, and L. Elaine and husband William "Bill" Van Horn, III, of Austin, TX; sister-in-law Mary Powell of Round Rock, TX; aunt Frances Horn of Austin and Leakey, TX; nephew Jeffrey Atkins of Hot Springs Village, AR, niece Elizabeth and husband James Morrison of Cedar Park, TX, nephew William and wife Viola Van Horn, IV of Austin, TX; nieces Deana Atkins of Dacula, GA, Sarah and husband Wade Brown of May, TX, and Suzanne Felux of Austin, TX; cousins John and wife Jo Ellen Oliver, Jr., of Athens, GA, Gary and wife Christiana Horn of O'Fallon, MO, Darrell and wife Pam Horn of Abilene, TX, and Sheryl Horn of Austin, TX; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended cousins. A memorial service is planned at Parker Lane United Methodist Church, 2105 Parker Lane, Austin, TX, 78741, October 27, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., with reception to follow. A private columbarium interment will later be performed at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Houston, TX. Memorial tributes may be made to Parker Lane United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. James 1:25. Special thanks to Elaine and Bill Van Horn, Buster and Karen Cavin, Lilian Arrington, the reunion group (including Fran, Jayme, Laree, Shelley, Rochelle, Joann, Marie), the TRS luncheon ladies, Austin Fire Station #17, and other friends, neighbors, and family who helped Connie be the independent spirit she was to the end.
Published in Austin American-Statesman from October 19 to October 21, 2012
Condolences to her family and friends.
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