Eva Mae Powell, more affectionately known as Dolly, was born on August 30, 1936 to the late Horace and Lucille Knighton Dawson in Beaufort County, South Carolina. On Thursday, October 1, 2020, she transitioned from this earthly tabernacle to God’s eternal habitation of rest.
She graduated from Robert Smalls High School in Beaufort and later moved to New York with her friend Bonetta Dais. It was during that time, she was introduced to her husband, Otis by his sister Doris Powell Balmer. Otis and Dolly married shortly thereafter. They remained in Brooklyn for the births of their children, Anthony and Renée. Otis and Dolly moved to Virginia shortly after where Sharon and Kimberly were born. Dolly worked in the customer service
industry for many years at J.M. Fields and later retired from Bradlees.
Dolly loved drinking her coffee, sitting on the porch and cooking, in her earlier years. She had a caring heart and mothering spirit to so many, endeared by all and to know her was to love her. Dolly was blessed to be an awesome caregiver. Though it wasn’t easy, the Lord gave her strength to care for her late daughter Sharon for over fifty years. That same caring spirit allowed her to be a “Mama Dolly” to so many. She always made sure others were well; whether it was time to rest, eat or just making people feel at home when they visited.
Even though Dolly’s health started to decline, she was still sarcastic, sassy and kept her spunk. She expressed her love with a smile and hugs that were never ending. She was predeceased by her siblings, Horace Dawson Jr, Willie L. Ford, Edith Dean, Joe N. Alston; and two daughters; Delores Elaine Lesesne and Sharon Denise Powell.
Left to cherish her memories are her husband of fifty-eight years, Otis P. Powell; her children, Anthony Powell, Renée P. Hailes (Carl), Kimberly Powell, Stephanie Rozier, and Donald Rozier; grandchildren, Devonte Powell (Ola), Kavon Garvin, Joseph Holmes, and LaDon Childs; great-grandchildren, Johnathan, Eden, Sophia; her siblings, Frank Dawson (Geneva), George Dawson (Julia), Mary Gaffney, Earnestine Dixon (James), Leroy Dawson, Gerald Dawson
(Vivian), Geraldine Dawson, Elizabeth Dawson, and Edginee Eason; two sister-in-laws, Doris P. Balmer and M. Inell Powell; her special daughters; Angela Silver, Emily Praileau, Geraldine White Knight, and Kina Gibbs; godson; Aaron Knight; special friends, Florida Rogers and Lillian Knight, special neighbors, The Nelsons, Winslows, and Maria Howard; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Condolences(10)-
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alfonzo stepney says
October 4, 2020 at 8:10 amTO ONE OF THE SWEETEST LADY IVE EVER MET MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY RIH
Dale Parson says
October 6, 2020 at 2:22 pmYour mother’s kindness was contagious and her memory will live on forever.
Bonnie Wilson says
October 4, 2020 at 8:32 amCousin Eva was a angel sent from heaven to bring joy to others. She was one of the most beautiful person that I have known. I will love and miss her forever. Our sincere condolences to Cousin Otis and Family.
Emily Praileau says
October 5, 2020 at 10:26 pmTo the Powell’s Family we lost a precious Jewel my prayer are with you doing this time of bereavement. RIH Momma Powell you will be miss
Tonya Fields-Hines says
October 6, 2020 at 9:24 amKim, Renee, and family…
You are in our prayers. We consider both of you good friends. Our heart goes out to you. May God continue to keep you and strengthen you during this time of bereavement and the coming days.
The Hines Family
Mike, Tonya, and twins
Vivian M Owens says
October 6, 2020 at 12:35 pmThe Owens extends our deepest sympathy and how saddened we are by the news. We are forever grateful for your families support to our grandmother Vivian Carrier through the years. We send our sincere prayers that God will grant you all the strength and peace. Our most sincere condolences. We love you family.?
Rev. Baron & Deaconess Judy Braswell says
October 6, 2020 at 12:39 pmThe Powell Family,
We are sending sincere condolences to the family. Deaconess Eva Powell was a true woman of God. She will be greatly missed. May God continue to keep you in His care. Proverbs 31:10 – 31
Calvert Family says
October 6, 2020 at 5:58 pmTo Mr Otis and family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Vernell Thompson Young says
October 7, 2020 at 12:36 pmTo the Powell, Dawson and Gaffney Families, So sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved Eva (Dolly), whom I remember as one of the nicest person ever. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers with love and sympathy. God Bless.
Shavonda says
October 7, 2020 at 5:33 pmSending much love and my condolences to The Powell family Doll was a wonderful person always showing that beautiful smile She will be missed