Rachel Powell Carswell

On November 23, 2025, Rachel Powell Carswell, 85, of Morganton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness. Rachel was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kirby Edward Powell and Nell Brown Powell; husband, Milburn “Bud” Carswell; brother, Randall Kirby Powell; and son-in-law, Willis Sadberry.

Those left to cherish her memory include daughters, Suzanne (Allan) Apperson and Sally (the late Willis) Sadberry; grandchildren, Lilly Apperson and Samuel Sadberry; sisters, Judith (the late Luey) Fulbright and Carol (Tom) Yow; sister-in-law, Patricia Powell (the late Randall); and many nieces and nephews.

A woman of deep faith, Rachel was an active member of the Baptist Faith until her health no longer allowed. She faithfully taught Children’s Sunday School, the Adult Ladies’ class and Vacation Bible School.

From a young age, Rachel knew she wanted to be a teacher. She dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and helping children discover the joy of reading. After graduating from Drexel High School, she earned her teaching degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1961. She devoted 38 years of service to the Burke County Public School System, teaching at Forest Hill Elementary, Drexel Elementary, Rutherford College Elementary, Hildebran Elementary, George Hildebrand Elementary, Chesterfield Elementary and Hallyburton Elementary. Her passion for teaching and her unwavering commitment to her students earned her Teacher of the Year honors at both Rutherford College Elementary and Chesterfield Elementary.

Rachel’s love of reading extended well beyond the classroom. Over the years, she built a personal library of children’s books that she lovingly collected and shared. She also curated a large and treasured collection of The Night Before Christmas books, each one carefully chosen or gifted by family and friends. These collections remain a beautiful testament to her lifelong dedication to literacy, imagination, and the delight of a good book.

The family will Receive friends from 12 until 1:30 P.M. Wednesday November 26, 2025, at Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese.

Graveside Servies will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Frances Tate and Rev. Rocky Hartman officiating.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Autumn Care of Drexel, Amorem Hospice, and the medical-surgical staff of the 6th floor at UNC Blue Ridge for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.

Memorials may be made to Amorem, Burke Hospice, 1721 Enon Rd, Valdese, NC 28690 or Samarians Purse.

An online obituary and guestbook is available at www.heritagefuneralservice.com.