Mary Powell Obituary, Death – On Friday, July 28, 2023, Mary Lou Mathews Powell, who had reached the age of 84, died away. She was the daughter of Claude Nelson Mathews and Julia Mary Frances Hineline Mathews, both of whom passed away before she was born on July 17, 1939 in Douglas County, Nebraska. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Loretta Ida “Sis” Mathews Bennett, Claudia Mathews Reimes, Donna Jean Mathews Moore, and Janet Mathews; and her brothers, Darold “Babe” Mathews Sr., Everett “Whitey” Mathews, Clifford “Corky” Mathews, Donald “Bud” Mathews, James “Jimmy” Mathews, and LeRoy “Buss” Mathews.
Mary Lou, who had been a member of the Englewood Baptist Church for a significant amount of time, has a kind and open demeanor. She loved her friends, her church family, and particularly her daughter, and she was known as “Mama Bear” affectionately. She placed a high value on her family. She cherished the time she got to spend with her loved ones, especially her girlfriends during their weekly lunch outings
After beginning her career in accounting with the United States Internal Revenue Service, Mary Lou went on to work for the North Carolina Department of Revenue, where she remained until her retirement after a total of 25 years of service. Following her retirement from the state, she began working for M&M Tax Services, where she remained until she made the decision to focus more of her attention on her family. Mary Lou was actively involved with the Skill Creations of Pinetops, which is a group home in the area that provides assistance to children who have developmental disabilities. Mary Lou was a kind and loyal wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many people. She will be much missed by all those who knew her and will never be forgotten by those who did.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 62 years, John David “J.D.” Powell; her daughter, Renee Powell; her sister, Carol Chabirus; her brother, Dwain “Huck” Mathews (Rita); and a large number of nieces and nephews. Mary Lou also leaves behind a dog named Lucy.
On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM, a Funeral Service to commemorate Mary Lou’s life will be place at Englewood Baptist Church located at 1350 S. Winstead Avenue in Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804, with the Reverend Charles Taylor serving as the officiant. At the conclusion of the ceremony, burial will take place at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Before the funeral service begins at 1:30 PM, there will be a visiting held in the Sanctuary of Englewood Baptist Church from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
