Betty Irene Byrum Powell passed peacefully at home on November 28, 2022, in her 99th year.

Betty spent 72 years in her beloved Hilton home. As the matriarch of the family and her neighborhood, Betty had a kind word or thoughtful message for everyone she met and is renowned for her homemade fudge and cheerful notes, cards, calls, and letters. She graduated from Hampton High School and was a charter member of her PEO Sorority.

Betty will be fondly remembered for dedicated and faithful love for Hilton Baptist Church and especially for the nursery where she volunteered for more than over 70 years. She owned and operated the family business Powell Furniture with her husband and sons Tommy and Glisson for over 25 years. As a gifted, lifetime bridge player, Betty’s mind and memory skills remained strong and spirited right up to her passing.

She was predeceased by her husband Glisson K. Powell (1980), sister Dorothy Ailsworth (2008), and her son Glisson K. Powell Jr. (2020).

She is survived by her two sons, Bill Powell of Hampton, VA, and Tommy Powell (Janice) of Poquoson, VA; Kathy Powell of Poquoson VA; step-daughters Becca Cummins of Lacey, WA, and Linda Desper (David) of Worthington, OH; grandchildren Brooke Powell-Logan (Ty), Katie Powell-Sylstra, Will Powell (Mary), Wesley Powell, Taylor Powell, Carolyn Cummins-McKinnon (Rick), Emily Cumins-Ratcliff (John), Dave Coonfare, and Dan Coonfare (Pam); and great-grandchildren Grace, Lily, Lillian, Grant, Colbourn, Carsyn, Heather, Olivia, Skye, and Sam.

The family extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Betty’s Home Hospice (Amedisys) team, with particular thanks and gratitude to Stefanie Moffatt, Betty’s personal aide, friend, and caregiver for the past 2 ½ years. The family is also most grateful to Betty’s close friend Richey Cooper, and neighbors Woody and Mary-Frances Parrish for their years of friendship and care.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Hilton Baptist Church 101 Main Street, Newport News VA. Reception to follow at Hilton Women’s Club. Private family interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s name to the Historic Hilton Village, Inc https://www.hiltonvillagemainstreet.com/donate or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.