SOUTHPORT — Joanne L. (Rinker) Powell of Southport, North Carolina, passed away on February 26, 2025.
Born on March 4, 1934, in Springfield, Ohio, daughter of Franklin O. Rinker and Nellie Marie Gram Rinker. Graduate of Springfield High School in 1952, attended Wittenberg University (Chi Omega sorority). Baptized and confirmed January, 1955, at Grace Lutheran Church. Married John C. Powell on March 19, 1955. Moved to Dayton, Ohio in 1956. John and Joanne were married almost 46 years.
While living in the Dayton area, Joanne volunteered in community, school and church activities. She was a Girl Scout leader, avid gardener, loved attending live performances, working in church pantry, bell choir, Epiphany Chorale and Dayton Music Appreciation Chorale Club Chorus, and a poll worker for 37 years. Since moving to Southport in 2015, Joanne has been a member of Saint Peter Lutheran Church.
Preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother, Robert Rinker. Survived by two daughters, Lisa (Don) Brenner and Beth Linton, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, 11:00 AM at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 4843 Southport-Supply Road SE, Southport, NC with Pastor Jason Huebner officiating. Family will receive friends at the church one hour preceding the service.
Memorial donations may be made to the John Churchill and Joanne Lee Powell Fund, Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing, 600 Portland Avenue, Suite #4100, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Benefactors of the fund are Epiphany Lutheran Church (music support), Dayton, OH and Saint Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church (music support), Southport, NC. Joanne’s cremains will be buried at Rockafield Cemetery at Wright State University, Dayton, OH.
“No storm can shake my utmost calm while to the Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of Heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing!”
Online condolences may be made here.
