GREENSBORO — On Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, our mom, Darlene P. Powell, 84, known by many as “Ms. Darlene,” passed away after a short illness at Beacon’s Place, Greensboro, N.C. She was born Dec. 24, 1932, in McDowell, W.Va., the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Okie “Brown” Perdue. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William A. Powell, “Mr. Bud.”
She is survived by her three children, Deborah Huneycutt (Robert), W. Barrett Powell (Sawyer) and Alan B. Powell (Lisa); eight grandchildren who were the love and light of her life; and three great-grandchildren.
Ms. Darlene touched many lives with her humor, her encouragement and her resolve. She nurtured not only her family but her larger community in various ways. She was a hospital volunteer at Dosher Memorial Hospital, a member of the Garden Club and Junior Woman’s Club of Southport, N.C. She also worked behind the scenes in her husband’s law office in Shallotte, N.C.; was a Girl Scout and a Boy Scout leader; and was an active member of her beloved church, Jennies Branch in Shallotte.
Upon moving to Greensboro, she became a goodwill ambassador welcoming and helping new residents adjust to living at the assisted living facility Verra Springs and the independent living facility Heritage Greens. Because of her quest for life, she was one of a few chosen to appear in a teaching video titled “Aging.” Upon moving to Friend’s Home, she tried to continue to welcome and encourage others even as her health declined. She always lived her life looking for the beauty in life, the beauty in the world and the beauty in the individual.
A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 10, at Friends Home Guilford, Greensboro. A visitation will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, at Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte. A private family burial will follow.
Her family would like to thank the employees and caregivers of both Friends Home and Heritage Greens for the love and care they provided. We would like to thank the angels of Beacon’s Place and Marie Anyogu for their care during her illness and to the many who visited, called and prayed, especially her “adopted daughter,” Sue Elliot.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any local hospice.
Share online condolences with the family at brunswickfuneralservice.com.
