Memorial service held for Landon Powell’s daughter

A memorial service was held Wednesday night for the infant daughter of former USC catcher Landon Powell at Grace Church in Greenville.

Four-month-old Isabel Faye “Izzy” Powell passed away last Friday after succumbing to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare blood disorder.

Her obituary in the Raleigh News & Observer stated that “Izzy fought a courageous battle. Her family feels that Izzy was sent here for a divine purpose and her impact on those who loved her but never met her can never be measured.” She is survived by her parents, Landon and Allyson, as well as her older brother, Holden, and her twin sister, Ellie.

Landon Powell, who grew up in the Raleigh area, played from 2001-04 at USC, where he earned All-American status before being drafted in the first round by the Oakland A’s. Powell, 30, who now makes his off-season home in Greenville, signed a free-agent contract with the New York Mets earlier this month.

Powell, who played three seasons in the major leagues (2009-11) with the A’s before spending last season with the Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate, has dealt with his own health issues. His liver disease, which means he could need a liver transplant, has made him active in the cause of organ donation in recent years.

The Powells ask that in lieu of flowers for Izzy, memorials may be made to Donate Life SC, 104 Meyers Drive, Greenville, SC 29605. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com, the website for the Thomas McAfee Funeral Home in Greenville.

This story was originally published January 30, 2013 at 9:41 PM.