Mary Edith Branton Powell- Send Condolences
April 16, 2011
Mary Edith Branton Powell
Mary Edith Powell, 90, answered the call of God and passed away peacefully in her Rocky Mount home on April 16, 2011. Mary Edith was born in Gates County, North Carolina on March 14, 1921 to her late parents, Louise and Martin Branton. She was the last living one in her family, having lost her parents, sisters Ruby Summerfield, Clemmie Garris, Ethel Tribble, Becky Flesher; and brothers, Willie Sherman, Charlie, and Thomas Branton.
Mrs. Powell is survived by her husband of 70 years, John Douglas Powell; her two children, John Douglas Powell, Jr. of Spring, Texas and Sheila Powell Martin of Rocky Mount, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren- Jim Pittman of Rocky Mount; Doug and David Powell of Spring, Texas; and Jan Powell Robillard of Raleigh, NC. She was also a proud great grandmother to Lindy, Emory, and Jack Pittman, as well as Will Robillard. Mary also cherished the love of her granddaughters-in-law, Janie Mac Pitman, Liz Middleton Powell, grandson-in-law, Andrew Robillard, and son-in-law James T. Martin, Jr. The family is also grateful for the loving care offered by Sherry Silver, Judy Kitrell, and the doctors and nurses of Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital.
Mary Edith graduated from Cypress Chapel High School in Suffolk, Va. and was in training to be a nurse at Portsmouth General Hospital when she fell in love with her husband, Doug. After marriage and children, she worked for the FFV company and later at Sears Roebuck on High Street for over 25 years.
Mary and Doug were members, over 50 years, and Deacons Emeritus at Port Norfolk Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Va. Mary was an active member of the Esther Class and thoroughly enjoyed her Circle, visiting shut-ins, Wednesday night suppers, prayer meetings, and any activity that involved her church family. When Mary and Doug moved to Rocky Mount, they joined First Baptist Church and have been active there for the past 6+ years.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at her home church, Port Norfolk Baptist Church, 401 Broad Street in Portsmouth, Va. Everyone is invited for lunch in the Pitts Memorial Fellowship Hall after the service.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Port Norfolk Baptist Church, 401 Broad Street, Portsmouth, Va. 23707. Cards may be sent to 3770 Loblolly Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
May you rest in peace Aunt Mary Edith, you were one classy lady.
Love you.
Jim Powell
rusty2retired@aol.com
In the few years that I had the privelage of knowing Meme, one thing was evident. She had a strong love for her family and husband. I pray Doug and I are blessed to have the love Meme and Papa endured! May she rest in peace!
Liz Middleton Powell
lizmiddleton@yahoo.com