NELL COLSON POWELL, longtime resident and former First Lady of Monroe, Louisiana, died on April 4, 2016 after a short illness.Mrs. Powell, daughter of Robert Lee Colson and Rosa Nolan Colson, was born July 30, 1925. She was preceded in death by her husband, former Mayor Robert Ellis Powell, and grandson Robert Walker Powell.Mrs. Powell graduated Northeast Louisiana University, summa cum laude, with Phi Kappa Phi Honors. She was also a graduate of Monroe Business College and Ouachita Parish High School Class of 1942.She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, The Jamestowne Society, Ft. Miro DAR, Monroe Garden Club, The Book Club, and other civic and cultural groups. Mrs. Powell was a dedicated supporter and constant user of our Public Library.Nell Colson Powell grew up in several villages in Union Parish in a large family of seven, with many associated relatives often in the household. Her experiences of the Great Depression there shaped her life-long attention to the importance of careful financial management, but also to the value of knowledge and beauty. She strove for fact-based intelligence, and elegance. Those who knew her agree that she achieved both.Mrs. Powell is survived by her sons, Robert E. Powell and William Gregory Powell, and daughter Elizabeth (Betty) Powell; grandchildren Michael, Sara, and Fryderyk Powell; and great-granddaughter Lydia Powell.Memorial services will be held at The First Presbyterian Church, Royal Street, Monroe on April 18, 2016 at 11:00 am under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home.The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years. For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.