Mary Lou Mathews Powell
July 17, 1939 ~ July 28, 2023
ROCKY MOUNT – Mary Lou Mathews Powell, age 84, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023. Born in Douglas County, NE on July 17, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Claude Nelson Mathews and Julia Mary Frances Hineline Mathews. 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.A longtime member of Englewood Baptist Church, Mary Lou was blessed with an outgoing and welcoming personality. Affectionately known as “Mama Bear”, she cherished her family, especially her daughter, her friends, and church family. She loved spending time with family and friends, particularly her ladies lunch dates.
Mary Lou began her career in accounting with the Federal Internal Revenue Service, moving on to work for the North Carolina Department of Revenue until her retirement after 25 years. After her retirement from the State, she went to work for M & M Tax Services until deciding to devote more time to her family. Mary Lou was very active with the Skill Creations of Pinetops, a group home dedicated to helping children with special needs. A devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, Mary Lou will be forever missed and never forgotten by all who knew her.
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 many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Mary Lou’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with the Rev. Charles Taylor officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. A visitation will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Englewood Baptist Church.
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.
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Mary Lou was well loved and will be greatly missed. Peace to her family.
JD & family, I’m so sorry to hear of Mary Lou’s death. I thoroughly enjoyed the many times we shared together while she was with us at West Edgecombe Baptist Church for many years. She was such a special lady. Many prayers are being lifted for you during this time for comfort and peace.
JD and Renee, I am so sorry for your loss 🙏🏻❤️
Will be remembered with love
J D I am so sorry for the loss of your wife!
My daddy enjoyed working with her in RM at NC Dept of Revenue. She was a hard working coworker and a great friend to him
J. D., I am very sorry to hear of your wife’s death. My prayers and sympathy are with you.
Rev. Dal Coppedge
Mr. Powell,
We are sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Heaven’s gain, our loss but our God shall wipe away all your tears.
Love in Christ,
Rev. Dr. & Mrs. David Radford
Rocky Mount, NC
She was an awesome lady. Met her and Rachel when I joking the American Legion Auxiliary in Rocky Mount!
Mama Bear will be missed greatly. Very sweet lady and awesome friend.
To my friend .. I thank you for let me and Kiko welcome in your home for Christmas or Renee’s birthday party.. we wants to say thank you.. you are so much sweet lady and sorry that you re leaving us but you re in a wonderful place with God’s home !!!
We love you so much!
In the great celestial sphere, a resplendent star named Mary has found her place. A soul as gentle and kind as hers painted our lives with hues of joy. Her lively spirit radiated warmth like that of a lifelong friend, enchaining us in an embrace of amity whenever we met at EBC. Her smile brimmed with love, spreading its infectious energy among us. Remembered she always will be, within our hearts. May her soul find heavenly repose and eternal peace.
JD. So sorry for your loss of Mary Lou. Prayers for you for the days ahead for strength and comfort. Mary Lou was indeed a special lady and I was blessed to call her a friend and former neighbor. Just as I am blessed to call you a friend and former neighbor. Find comfort in knowing others care. Hugs to you Angela Wood
J.D. and family I am so so sorry for your loss of your loving wife. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by many. I would like to extend my Love and Prayers for all of you at this time. Mary Helen Pendleton
Dear sweet Marylou, my heart is broken. I will always remember the smiles, the laughs, and the many phone calls. You always called on my landline so whenever it rings from now on I will think of you. Mom and I enjoyed our many visits with you guys. Just sitting and sharing a cup of coffee was sheer pleasure. I will miss everything about you. You were my Aunt, a wonderful and understanding women, but you were my best friend too!! Johnny and Renee I am so sorry for you loss. Please keep in touch with me. I love all of you guys. 😘. Susie
Mama Bear, I will forever cherish the times we spent together, the car rides and phone calls talking about anything and everything, planning birthday parties and holiday celebrations, the anticipation of FINALLY ringing that bell, shopping together and blowing up balloons for Sweet Renee, being silly and laughing oh so much, and all of our lunch dates with the girls. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life and family. I love you and miss you SO much already!!!
You were our friend
A great one too
Friends ‘til the end
We will miss you!
Sorry we missed the service. Your family is in our prayers.
Don and Carole Bridges
I thought the world of Mrs. Powell, she worked with my Daddy at The Revenue Department. I know she tired of my incessant phone calls to him. Mr. Powell, I am so very sorry for your loss.