Mrs. Donna Lou Watts Powell, 66, of Valdese, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Forsyth Medical Center.
Donna was born on October 11, 1957, in Trenton, NJ to Helen Chapman. She was a retired elementary school teacher, working at Valdese Elementary for 20 years, and more recently was employed at Graystone Eye as a patient representative.
Surviving are a tribe of people who miss her dearly. Her mother, Helen Chapman, will tell you Donna never met a stranger, even when she was 2 years old. Visit Helen at Grace Heights and you’ll be sure to hear the stories. Her husband, Scott, she loved with her whole being, and together they strived to grow in and share their love of Jesus. Together they raised three children, Grace Carroll (Ben) of Raleigh, Seth Powell (Elizabeth Corgan) of Raleigh, and MaryKate Hester (Tony) of Conover, who’d want you to know that her endless love for children and people did not stop at her own family.
She was a mother-figure, teacher, leader, and influence to many who knew and admired her. She’s known as “Gammy” to her six precious grandchildren: Nora Carroll, Adeline Powell, Emma Powell, Jackson Powell, Ryn Hester, and Auden Hester (on the way). Gammy was always sure to have their favorite snacks and rearranged her home to accommodate her growing family no less than 500 times. Donna was known as the “glue” and memory keeper among her closest friends and family. In her teaching career, she mentored others and challenged them to go above and beyond for their students, mostly by leading through example. In church life, she poured her heart into leading worship, volunteering with students, leading Bible studies; Sunday school, and offering support and counsel to those in need with steadfast prayer. Amongst her friends, she offered uncontrollable laughter, light in the dark times, and friendship more akin to that of family.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with Rev. Tim Kudeldt officiating.
The family will receive friends on Friday, from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Powell family.
I am so sorry! Donna has been working so hard to care for her mom. I just saw her at Grace Heights the other day. She was a beautiful soul with a love for the Lord! She will be greatly missed!
We met Dinna when our son was in elementary school at VES. The thing we remember most about her, was her contagious personality and her beautiful smile. Donna was one who never met a stranger. Even if she just met you, you felt like you had known her for years. She had an undeniable love for her students and the teaching profession. Although she will certainly be missed, heaven rejoiced as she entered her heavenly home. To Donna’s family, we offer our sincerest condolences. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Donna was the best person I had ever met. Her love for Jesus was seen through everything she did. I know she is with her Jesus now and will always be in our hearts! Miss you my friend 💕💕💕
Such a bright and shining example of Jesus to those who knew and loved her.
God bless you all. Donna was a gift to each who knew her. Prayers for each family member. She blessed me with her friendship.
Donna, and of course Scott her husband ,were such a welcoming couple at Morganton first Church of God when I attended there, Donna was always so kind and friendly, along with Scott her husband, she will be sadly missed by all for sure… A truly faithful, obedient family…… Scott, may our Heavenly Father protect and guide you at this difficult time,….
Donna was a class act and always upbeat. I will truly miss her face at Graystone. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I will keep your family in my prayers.
My heart breaks for Scott and the rest of the family. I pray that God grants you peace and understanding. May he wrap his loving arms around you all. Comfort and guide you through these days ahead.
I met Donna when she & Scott were youth leaders in the church and i was state youth director. I always thought of her and Scott as such a loving and precious couple of God. She was a Godly lady. Even though i only saw them once a year at state campmeetings or specisl events she always had a smile and made me feel loved She was truly a special lady in many ways. In times like these we do not always understand but we can Always hold God’s hand. Praying for all the family and her friends durung this time. May God give you strength, comfort and peace. I loved her. Love & Prayers for her family & friends Psalm 61:1-4
My heart just breaks for her mother, Scott, children, and grandchildren. My youngest daughter had the privilege of being in her class. It was a phenomenal year. This world is better because Donna Powell lived her faith out loud and showed love to everyone around her. Enjoy your eternal rest and praising Jesus face to face, Donna!
I am so sorry to hear this 😢 Scott.. she loved you and her children and grandbabies so much.i will miss all our conversations .Peace be with you all in your time of sorrow.
My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends. I had the pleasure of having Donna serve in my Sunday school class at church. She was so infectious and loving. She had compassion and true love for our four-year-olds. Thank you Scott for sharing her with me. She will forever have a special place in my heart. We love you!
I am so so sorry to see this! I know her from her visiting her mother at Grace Heights. Such a beautiful lady that definitely had a light around her! She would always always make sure to visit and spend time with her mother Helen Chapman. This truly breaks my heart. I pray for peace for your family. Rest in heavenly peace sweet lady
Donna was the epitome of the song “this little light of mine.” I am sure anyone who had the opportunity/privilege to meet her would agree. Donna had that blessed assurance. She was so filled with gods goodness it beamed from her.
I kind feel like she is sitting so close to God that he can’t ignore her waving her hand in the air and squirming around waiting to excitedly ask him a question.
Powell family I can only assume knowing Donna that you all have that little light thanks to her love for the lord. She was so proud of you all. Her entire being lit up talking about each of you.
May your hearts be healed and comforted by God’s words and all his promises that you will see her again.
Donna set an example of faith and hope for all to see.
She will be missed by all
My late wife Nicole loved Donna as she was so gracious to her when we married In 1997.
They are with the Lord and this i am thankful.
Praying for You Scott and the children.
To know Doona was an honor and privilege. She was beautiful inside and out in every way. She will truly be missed. Rest in peace dear Donna
I just can’t believe this. I saw Scott Wednesday at Timberwoods and wished I had gone over to speak.
She has always been a gracious person full of faith.
You will be missed.
I chose Donna to be my Title I Reading assistantat at Valdese Elementary. I know she was God sent for the job. I was so proud of her to get her teaching certificate renewed. She was a beloved teacher at VES. We were close and I could go to her anytime to pray with me. I know she’s an angel in heaven. Love you my dear friend. You will wholeheartedly missed. The angels are singing in heaven..You’ll always be in my heart.
Donna’s sweet and tender spirit still came to mind as soon as I saw her picture in the obituary even though it’s been over twenty years since I have seen her. Kindness was also a fruit of her spirit too. God’s grace in her life was as evident as a light shining on a hill.
So sorry for your and your family’s loss, Scott.
So sorry to hear this. I remember Scott and Donna as our youth leaders at Morganton Church of God! They were super people! Sending love and prayers to the family!
So shocked to hear about Donna’s passing, She was always a sweet and heartwarming person every time our paths crossed. The Bible says You can tell a Christian by there fruits and Donna reflected the Love Of Jesus in of Her Life. She will be missed by Scott, Family and friends but one day soon we will see Her again in Heaven, Thank You Jesus!!
SCOTT,
My deepest sympathy to you and the children.
I am so shocked and my heart breaks for you All.
I have known Donna since she was a teenager.
Always full of life and such an example of her faith.
My prayers for you as you go through this difficult time
Donna was such a beautiful person inside and out. I will miss her warm, friendly smile and her kind nature.
My deepest sympathy for the family.
Marcella Coley
Amazing Christian lady!
I remember being in youth group at Morganton First Church of God and how wonderful Donna & Scott were to us kids. Praying for comfort for all of you and remember to always keep talking about & tell stories about her because it keeps her memory alive!
Donna was one of the all time great gifts that God gave to this earth. She truly loved people and was a blessing to MaryBeth, Hunter, Hannah, and I. We are praying for you Scott and please know that we love both of you more than you will ever know.
Scott and family, Doug and I were so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a very sweet lady and highly thought of. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Doug and Debbie Setzer
It was an honor to have known Donna since I was 3
Years old. She spent a lot of time with our family. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She was a true Proverbs 31 lady. It is still so hard to believe , but so thankful that I will see her again someday.
Sending condolences 💐 and prayers for those that Donna left behind. She was well loved.
Remember that we will all meet again 🙏.