September 23, 2021, 93, Goldsboro –
Edna Edwards Powell, 93, closed her eyes to earth’s shadows and awakened in Heaven’s glorious light on Thursday, September 23, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family in the comfort of her home. Edna was born in Richmond, Virginia on June 5, 1928 to the late Minson and Nora Gray Edwards. She was married to Robert William Powell, Jr. and Harold M. Bailey, both of whom preceded her in death.
Caring for family and home were two of life’s greatest joys. Edna held great pride in a well-kept home and worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of her family were met. From meeting life’s most basic necessities to summers spent on the water in Swansboro or Emerald Isle, Edna’s call to care for her family went hand-in-hand with her call to service for her Lord and Savior. A great deal of love and pride-filled Edna when it came to the members of her family.
Always active in First Baptist Church, Edna dedicated abundant time and effort to the church’s ministries. She was a loyal and invaluable member of the church choir, served as a deacon, and was a regular participant in Wednesday night suppers with her family in attendance. On Sunday mornings you could always expect her family to be seated on the right side of the sanctuary, the third row from the front, where Edna could easily keep an eye on her children during the service. She would, on occasion, have to come to join them from the choir loft if she felt like their behavior (or maybe their misbehavior!) was in need of her presence. Edna remained physically active in her faithful service to her church well into her late 80’s.
Born with a spirit of gentleness and kindness, Edna was a genuine Southern Belle who possessed all the admirable traits that come with such a title. Vibrant and full of personality, she was easy to talk to and a joy to all she met. Immaculately dressed and flawless in her appearance, Edna always looked her best. Simple yet elegant, her outer beauty was a mere reflection of the character of her soul.
A service to celebrate Edna’s beautiful life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Goldsboro with Rev. Dr. Glenn Phillips officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. A private graveside for the family will be held in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Edna is survived by her children, Edward E. Spence of Goldsboro, Nora Spence Bulow of Goldsboro, Mamie Spence Weatherspoon and husband Jeff of Raleigh, Edna Edwards Dougher and husband John of Raleigh and Valerie Bailey Murphy and husband Rob of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Holly Spence Bender, Scott Spence, John Dougher II, Blair Dougher Holland, Zachary Dougher, Nicole Camy Smith, Chris Camy and Kari Weatherspoon; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Bob’s daughters: Louise Powell King, Leigh Powell Menditto and husband Brian and Susie Powell Howell and husband Jerry; and grandchildren, Matthew King, Adam King, Anna Larsen, Spencer Menditto, Joey Menditto and Morgan Howell.
A big blessing in the life of Edna Powell was her dear neighbors, Alicia and Jay Artis along with their daughter Addison, who all became like extended family. The family wishes to thank caregivers Cathy Smith and Patricia Collins for their years of loving service to “Mrs. Powell”, and to the special nurses and aides from Pruitt Hospice.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to First Baptist Church, 125 S. John Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
