Betty Powell Sever, lifelong resident of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on April 20, 2026, at the age of 93 years old. She graduated from Newport News High School in 1951. Betty worked in the accounting field for over forty years, retiring from Witt Mares, and was a member of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church.
Betty was devoted to her family and friends. She was an avid reader and accomplished golfer, and she loved dancing, boating, traveling, and getting together with her monthly card group. Betty enjoyed shopping and kept up with the trends. She was always well dressed, right down to her pink lipstick. A beautiful person inside and out, Betty was generous with her love. She spread a lot of light and joy during her time with us, and she will be missed immensely and cherished forever.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary (Mathias) Powell, her sister Charlotte Powell Reed, and her husband of twenty years, James “Jim” Sever. She is survived by her three children, Mike Tighe (Cassandra), David Tighe (Jan), and Donna Tighe; grandchildren, Ray (Brooke), Palmer, Matt, and Natalie; great-grandchildren, Torian and
Tanner; nieces Mary Reed, Mandy Baker (Greg), Karen Miller, and Lynn Wellman (James); and a host of great nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Hidenwood Assisted- Living Community, her caregiver Frances, and the Amedisys Hospice Care team for their exceptional care and support.
Please consider celebrating Betty’s life and love of ice cream with a cone at your local Dairy Queen, and round up to support Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Norfolk, VA; or donate to Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, 414 Hiden Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606 (hidenwood.org)
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.