Paul Lawrence Sowells' Obituary
The Man – “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way”. Proverbs 37:23
Elder Paul Lawrence Sowells was born February 2, 1931 to the union of Henry Sowells and Polly Davis Sowells in West Gravel, Louisiana. He was the third youngest of 13 children and lived in the Hawthorne Community for most of his life. As a young man, he worked at Smith Construction and was able to purchase over 40 acres of land when he was seventeen years old. As a farmer he often fed the community from the crops he harvested and provided a job on his land to anyone who was a willing worker. He retired from Vernon Parish School as a Bus Driver. As an entrepreneur he established several businesses including: Red Top Cab, Sowells Variety Clothing Store, S & S Limo Service, and Sowells Medical Transportation. As a real estate developer, he was the first black man to own a building in Downtown (Third Street) Leesville, La.
The Marriage – And the Lord God Said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” Genesis 2:18
Elder Sowells was blessed to marry Jean Ellen “Jeanette” Sowells, the love of his life, on August 14, 1949. Shortly thereafter, he joined Pine Grove Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder James Edwards. During his union with Jeanette, eight children were born. He provided and cared for his wife, Jean Ellen Lee Sowells until the day of her passing August 20, 2021.
The Minister – “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the words of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” Hebrews 13:17
Elder Sowells served faithfully in the church under the leadership of ten Preachers for over 71 years. Elder Sowells happily served as a Deacon, Minister, Assistant Pastor, and then a Pastor for four years. Under his leadership, he provided a free meal every Sunday for his congregation. He also purchased a van to pick members up and dropped them off to church and doctor’s appointments at no charge. He also served as YPWW President; he was a Sunday School Superintendent and worked with the choir over the years. He also helped add brick to the church at Pine Grove which is still there today.
The Message – One of his favorites versus was “Follow me as I Follow Christ”. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
Like Apostle Paul in the Bible, Elder Sowells spent his life teaching and being an example of how to walk by faith in Christ. He was a humble man with a Christ like spirit. He knew that God was with him and was not deterred by those that meant him harm. He was a man of God that treated everyone with love, respect, and dignity. He exemplified how to love God and others, to lead a family and the value of hard work. He was not a man of many words, but his actions spoke volumes. Elder Sowells departed this life peacefully at home on Sunday, May 8, 2022. He leaves to carry on his legacy, his children: Rufus (Margie), Lionel (Beverly), Henry (Patricia), Patricia Gayden (Willie), Sandra Boyd (Joe), Alfred Ford, Mary Lothery (David), Jerry (Shantele), and Terry (Dalana). A host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great – grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Memories of family members that have preceded him in death include his loving wife Jeanette and son, Ray Sowells, his parents, sisters, and brother.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the Sowells Family at www.labbymemorial.com
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