Alva Lee "Dutch" (Sowell) Bennefield Todd was born March 13, 1935, in San Augustine County, Texas, Norwood Community to the late Alvin N. Sowell and Vivian Lee (Goodman) Sowell.  She passed from this life in the late hours of Sunday evening, November 4, 2018, in San Augustine.

She retired from Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative  after 42 years of service.  She was a long time member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Norwood.  She was known as a wonderful cook, and loved to shop with friends.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother. 

 

She is survived by her daughter, Gwenda Hanzel and her husband Jessie Oliver; Grandson, Andy Ray Hanzel, Step-granddaughter, Stacy Oliver Smith; great-grandchildren, Kolby, Haylee Jo, Kaylee Ray, and Haygen, along with great-great grandchild, Chloe, Brothers, Leonard Sowell and his wife, Lutherine and Raymond "Buck" Sowell and his wife, Gayle, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

 

She was preceded in death by her husband Ray Bennefield and later husband, T.V. Todd; Brothers,  Freddie Sowell, Coleman Sowell, Jiles Sowell, Winfred Sowell, Jack Sowell, Sisters, Dorothy Sowell and Ola Murray, and her loving dashound "Hannah".

 

Serving as Pallbearers, Rusty Sowell, Raymond Trent Sowell, Jason Lane Sowell, Roger Sowell, Paul Sowell, Mike Murray and Kolby Hanzel,  

 

Special thanks to Colonial Pine Nursing Home Staff, Brandi, Heather, Leah, Rachel, Chasity and Angie. 

 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials and donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.