Obituaries

Shirley Ann Newton Powell

Shirley Ann Newton Powell, 86, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on March 18, 2023.  She was born on February 7, 1937, and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky.  She married the love of her life on March 15, 1960, George Presley Powell.  Together they raised three daughters.  They remained in Owensboro until 1986 when they moved to Newport News, VA.  Shirley was an active member of Warwick Assembly of God Church for 37 years and loved the ICU Sunday School class.  She especially loved bringing breakfast for the class when it was her turn.   She worked in the nursery for many years and helped with the Junior Bible Quiz both in Kentucky and at Warwick Assembly of God.

Shirley never met a stranger and was loved by all that knew her.  She enjoyed holidays with her family, especially Christmas Eve.  She loved gospel music, pretty flowers, the Game Show Network, and Fifth Avenue candy bars.  While she never had a piano lesson, she could play any song by ear. 

Shirley enjoyed going out to eat whether it be with her friends, her daughters, or her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed cooking for her children and grandchildren and having them over for a night of food and Yahtzee.  She loved watching her grandchildren grow up and attended their sporting events, church programs, high school and college graduations, and even a boot camp graduation.   

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, George Presley Powell, and her three siblings. She is survived by her three daughters, Stephanie McDonald and her husband, John; Donna Milne and her husband, Scott; Becky Tomes and her husband, Kevin. She is also survived by the joys of her life, her grandchildren Megan and Ryan McDonald, Jacob and Ben Milne, Jessica Barrick and her husband, Matt; Jonathan Tomes; and great-grandchildren Olivia and Landon Barrick, who all affectionately called her “Maw”.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Warwick Assembly of God Church, 1228 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.  A burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. Doug Scott, a friend, and Sunday School teacher will be the officiant.  

8 Comments

  1. Debra Fuller

    I am so sorry for your loss, your mother was a wonderful, precious person who I loved. We would often speak in Sunday school class or even on the telephone before my husband passed away. She will truly be missed but I have some wonderful memories of the conversations that we had, God bless you and the family. I can’t be there in person, but my heart will be with you all.

  2. Adela

    SUCH A PRECIOUS SISTER IN CHRIST. ALWAYS KIND, AND A FAITHFUL FRIEND. COMFORT AND PEACE TO ALL AFFECTED BY THIS GLORIOUS HOMEGOING AMEN

  3. Tonya Collins

    Sending condolences to the entire family. She was a beautiful lady that always had a welcome smile. You’re in our prayers.

  4. Brenda Taylor

    I loved Shirley Powell. She always spoke to me at church, especially after I became a widow too. She and my husband had eye issues in common and had the same eye surgeon. They would often share eye stories. I know how much the family will miss this lovely lady. My condolences.

  5. Scott Harris

    Our love and prayers to the Powell family. Your Mom was such a sweet lady and will be missed by so many people who were fortunate enough to cross her path in life. She really was a genuinely kind soul.
    God Bless.
    Mike, Scott and Brad Harris

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