Update: Powell passed away on Saturday, July 20. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 27 at 11 a.m. at Southern Grace. If you plan to attend, please email sgdwhiskeyprison@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please bring a plant that can be planted in a memorial garden.

Leanne Powell, founder and president of Southern Grace Distilleries, suffered a massive stroke last week and remains in a coma. She is not expected to recover, according to a Facebook post from her husband.

We were devastated to hear the news. Powell’s effervescent personality made everyone around her share in her love of life and whiskey. She was always quick to say yes to charities and take part in local food and drink events. She was always kind and supportive of us at Unpretentious Palate, too, and she will be missed by many.

Powell opened Southern Grace in a former prison, and the distillery’s Conviction Bourbon was recently honored with a gold medal in New Orleans. See below for an update from her husband, Drew Arrowood, posted on Facebook.

“It is with great sadness that I let everyone know that Saturday night Leanne Powell suffered a stroke. Despite all best efforts, it seems that we have reached a point that we are confident that she will not recover. She has been unconscious since the incident and there is no indication that she has experienced any pain. Giving her prognosis and knowing her wishes her primary goal is organ donation. It will take time for all processes of life to come to a natural end. We thank everybody for their thoughts and prayers over the coming days. Information about the memorial service will be forthcoming as soon as we know ourselves.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Leanne’s family, friends, and colleagues. We’ll be drinking Conviction in her honor. —Kristen Wile

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