Ellis Dowdy Powell
May 22, 1960 ~ April 23, 2022
NASHVILLE - Ellis Dowdy Powell, 61 passed away peacefully into the Lord's presence Saturday, April 23, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Ellis fought a courageous battle against Ovarian cancer for almost six years. She stayed the course, won the race and is now in her heavenly home. Ellis was a faithful wife, amazing mother, and the world's best "Mama E" who will be dearly missed. Ellis had the most amazing life because she had the world's biggest heart, a smile that warmed anyone who met her and most importantly always made whoever was in her presence feel so loved. From countless messages, her family has received each story recounts the love Ellis had for anyone she met and her special ability to make everyone feel loved. Through her children's friends and her substitute teaching at Red Oak Elementary, sports teams and beyond, Ellis was a second mom to many. She has left a tremendous legacy.
Ellis was born in Rocky Mount, NC on May 22, 1960. She was only the child of the late Irvin Jesse Dowdy, Jr., and Doris Marie Ellis Dowdy of Nash County. Ellis dearly loved her parents, but "Mama D" and Ellis had a special bond. She was married to the love of her life for almost 41 years, Robert Craig Powell. Her greatest achievement was her precious children: Jesse "Jess" Powell and wife, Helen, of Wilmington, and Jeffrey "Jeff" Powell and wife, Laura, of Winston Salem, her daughter, Katherine "Katie" Powell Pair and husband Reid, of Raleigh. Ellis is known for her many passions, but her favorite was spoiling her grandchildren, Andrews Bright Pair and Peyton Ellis Powell. She loved the water, boat rides, flowers, and spending time with her family and friends. To her dear friends, affectionately known as Mama E's Angels, who came daily to care for, love and attend to Ellis' every need. She cherished each one of them; Craig and the children deeply appreciate every sacrifice of time and love. Ellis leaves a legacy of family, friendship, and faith in her Lord and Savior that she created during her lifetime. She will always be remembered affectionately as "Mama E."
The family will be forever grateful for the excellent care, love and support of special friends, nurses and Dr. Paola Alvarez Gehrig of UNC Chapel Hill.
A Celebration of Ellis' life will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Red Oak Baptist Church, 5515 Red Oak Road, Red Oak, NC 27868 with Pastor Chris Fowler officiating. A visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Family Life Center of Red Oak Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ellis' memory to Red Oak Baptist Church, 5515 Red Oak Road, Red Oak, NC 27868 or Teal Diva Ovarian Cancer Support Network, PO Box 2989, Matthews, NC 28106.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
"Blessed is a woman who perseveres under trial; for once she has been approved, she will receive the crown of life which the LORD has promised to those who love HIM." James 1:12
Visitation
Red Oak Baptist Church Family Life Center
4861 Church Street
Red Oak, NC 27868
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Tuesday 4/26, 9:30 am - 10:45 am
A visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Family Life Center of Red Oak Baptist Church.
Service
Red Oak Baptist Church
5515 Red Oak Road
Red Oak, NC 27868
Tuesday 4/26, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
A Celebration of Ellis' life will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Red Oak Baptist Church, 5515 Red Oak Road, Red Oak, NC 27868 with Pastor Chris Fowler officiating.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I am heart broken over the passing of Ellis. What a wonderful & loving person, who is so loved & will be forever loved & missed. We shall see her again in heaven. My thoughts & prayers to Craig & entire family during this difficult time. Love you all. Faye Smith
Ellis is a peace and with her family that has gone before her. She’s resting in our Heavenly Father’s house. My prayers are with you all. In the days that follow rely on her love for each of you and the wonderful memories that you have. My deepest condolences to all of you. Georgia Miller Phillips
In memory of Ellis Dowdy Powell, Myra Thomas lit a candle
To thePowell family, My deepest sympathy to all of you… I know how heartbroken you are, as I am… Ellis was a fine, sweet caring friend, mother and grandmother…. I’m so glad I got to talk with her at length, a few months ago… May the Lord wrap his loving arms around each of you and give peace and comfort…..🙏❤️🙏 In His Love, Stephanie Ramey
Ellis was such a special young lady. My youngest daughter, Courtney remembers her so well. She had Courtney when she was a teacher at the Day School. Our hearts are sad with the lost of such a vibratant special lady. Sending love to all the Powell family. ❤❤❤
Dear Craig and family I was so sorry to hear about Ellis and I know there is a hole in your heart. I always got so tickled at you and her in high school. Both of you always smiling and full of love. And it sounds as though you have raised a wonderful family. I know the Lord has welcomed her with huge arms saying well done my faithful servant! May you feel the blessings of our wonderful Lord holding you close to his heart and lifting you up during your time of grief. May the Lord bless you and keep you and shine his face upon you and your family!
In memory of Ellis Dowdy Powell, Claire Griffin lit a candle
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ellis. My thoughts and prayers are with her sweet family and friends who loved her dearly. She is a wonderful angel in heaven for sure.
Craig, my sincere condolences for the passing of your wife. May your many memories together bring you comfort. I know the good Lord has wrap his arms around her. May she rest in peace.
Craig and family You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We adored Ellis. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. We have fond memories of the old neighborhood. Love to all of you! Randy and Donna Ashley
Craig, Truman and I are truly sorry for your loss. We pray for your peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Craig and family, Al and I are so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to a very special, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Ellis touched so many lives with her kindness, strength and love. She is a true warrior that fought so hard and she is a true example for living for your family. Please know that your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers now and going forward.
Craig, what a wonderful tribute to Ellis with that beautiful obit. Always every time I had privilege to see and speak to her, I could always and always count on a pleasant response to make me feel very important and thought highly of. She was born with that sweet gift. I knew Ellis as a very young age when she would come shop at the grocery store with momma Doris. I’m so happy for Ellis as her cancer is conquered and defeated. I’m saddened ya’ll will be left here without Momma E, but happy you all can embrace all the pleasant memories she left behind. Love to all David and Becky Brantley
Ellis was a dear friend and a very special person. Always with a smile and such a kind, loving heart. She did indeed fight the good fight…….although gone too soon, she is at peace and without pain now. She will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family…….With love and fond memories – Vicki & Steve Raper
She was always such a sweet lady when I went to church at Red Oak. Prayers for the family.
Craig and family, I was so sorry to hear about Ellis, she was such a sweet woman. She will be missed by many, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Reid and Katie – We were saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that we are praying for you and your family. May God’s love provide comfort and strength for you during this season of grief. Jeff and Tammy Merritt
We are so sorry to hear of Ellis passing. Our hearts ache. She was a Godly woman with a heart of gold. We will never forget how she welcomed us to Red Oak with open arms and loved over Josh, Jessica and Jacob. Ellis was always there to serve with the youth and anywhere else in the church. We had many laughs doing VBS and in the youth room. It is comfort knowing she is rejoicing with our Heavenly Father. We are praying for the Lords comfort and peace for all.
We are so sorry to hear of Ellis passing. Our hearts ache. She was a Godly woman with a heart of gold. We will never forget how she welcomed us to Red Oak with open arms and loved over Josh, Jessica and Jacob. Ellis was always there to serve with the youth and anywhere else in the church. We had many laughs doing VBS and in the youth room. It is comfort knowing she is rejoicing with our Heavenly Father. We are praying for the Lords comfort and peace for all.
Craig, please accept our heartfelt condolences for the passing of your wife. You and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Jess, sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. You and Your Family are in my prayers during this time of sorrow and healing.
In memory of Ellis Dowdy Powell, Gene & Diane Gibson lit a candle
May the Lord comfort you, Craig, and other family memories, with the loss of Ellis. My fondest memories were visiting Ellis and her mother, Doris, in the early-mid 60’s when they lived in the house across the street from Edwards School.
We will always remember Ellis as the sweetest, kindest person. She had the best smile that could light up anyone’s day! Prayers and love to the Powell Family ❤️🙏🏻
Please accept our condolences on the death of your loving Wife. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Praying for you all. Ellis was such a beautiful soul. Kim, the girls, and I are heart-broken for you guys. Keeping you in our prayers. We’re going to miss her so much. We find a tremendous amount of comfort knowing this isn’t a goodbye…its simply an I’ll see you later. She’s walking with our Savior and waiting for us all to join her in glory when the time comes.
To the family of Mrs. Ellis. My name is Nikki Johnson. I worked at Nash Day Hospital in the Laboratory. Mrs. Ellis was my patient. I am so sorry for your loss. She was nothing short of an amazing woman! She blessed our rooms with her great spirit, presence and that beautiful smile! Never had negative thoughts about her situation and her words were always encouraging to us! I have to let you know she loved her family to the highest! She talked about her family all the time, especially her grand babies! I was remember the day I came to the car to draw her blood and Mr. Craig you were driving. And that day was just as lovable and funny! I am so sadden. She was a fighter! She never gave up and I would like to leave this message letting you know that God will see you through, and he will comfort you all through this difficult time. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 305). My thoughts and Prayers are with you all today and forever.
Craig, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet wife. My the Lord bless you and your family. Ellis’s love of her family will always be a legacy carried on.
My heart goes out to Craig and family for the loss of their wife and mother. I worked with Ellis in the dental office and I thought she was beautiful inside and out. May God bring her family peace and comfort.
My condolences Craig and to your family, my friend. Randy has kept up with me since I am in New York now. God bless.
To know her was to Love her!! Me and my mother, Judy Haggis, met Ellis and her mother through Curves. What a Ray of Sunshine she was. We are sending love and prayers for our family to yours. Until we meet again, my friend!!!
Craig , so sorry for your loss, prayers for you and your family !
Goodbyes are not forever Goodbyes aren’t final, when You only mean we’ll miss you Until we meet again. Blessed to have known you. Sweetest kindness soul I’ve ever met. Craig & kids so sorry for your loss.
May sweet memories comfort you and the children.🙏
Craig and family so so sorry for loss of your dear wife, mother, friend Ellis. Just now hearing news a little late.
Craig sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. We are praying for the Lord to bring you peace during this time. God bless you and your family!
In memory of Ellis Dowdy Powell, Linda Moore lit a candle