Vera Powell Rankin, 91, passed into the presence of the Lord Sunday, August 29, 2010 at her home with her devoted daughters at her side. She was born December 19, 1918, in Conway, S.C., a daughter of the late Napolian M. and Onie Royals Powell. All who knew her were touched by her gracious acts of kindness and generosity. Her warm smile was an encouragement to all she met. Prior to her retirement, she was a dental assistant in the Holt and McCutchen office. She was a member of the Loris Garden Club, Eastern Star and for years she served the community as a faithful volunteer at the Loris Community Hospital. Vera was an active member of the Loris First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. She served the Lord all her life by caring for and helping others. Survivors include her two daughters, Ann Rankin Hardwick (Nathan E. Hardwick, III) of Atlanta, Georgia and Patty Rankin Odom (Thomas R. Odom) of Tampa, Florida. Her five grandchildren are Nathan E. "Nat" Hardwick, IV, Alexander A. "Alex" Hardwick (wife-Debbie), and Natalie Hardwick of Atlanta, Georgia. Mark Odom (Nicole) of Bakersfield, California, and Scott Odom (Erin) of Tampa, Florida. Vera's great-grandchildren are Josiah, Isaiah and Caleb Odom of Bakersfield, California. Corban, Silas, Justice and Karis Odom reside in Tampa, Florida. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, John A. Rankin; and also by her brother, Lonzie Powell; and sister, Hazel Cox. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at Hardwick Funeral Home, from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at the Loris First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Tim Osment and Vera's grandson, Rev. Scott Odom, will officiate. Committal Services will be in the Twin City Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family would like to give sincere thanks to Regency Hospice and Vera's special caregivers, Sharon Dozier, Cindy Cox, Rebecca Faulk, Linda Rheuark, Sue Royals and all those at the Loris Nursing Home. Memorials may be made to The Loris First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 425, Loris, SC 29569. Please sign Mrs. Rankin's online guest book at hardwickfuneralhome.com or call Hardwick Funeral Home at 843-756-7001 for further information. Published in the Sun News August 31, 2010