Belva Jane Powell

SERVICES WILL BE STREAMED ONLINE SUNDAY 5/3 BEGINNING AT 2:45pm

Belva Jane Powell was born January 26, 1927 to Joseph and Aurelia Turner in Dayton, Ohio.  She was the third of seven children.  Belva graduated from Roosevelt High School (carrying the smilax – one of top 15 students) in 1944.  She first attended the University of Dayton and later graduated from Central State University in 1948.  She worked briefly at the Post Office; then taught elementary school students in the Dayton Public School system for many years. She left as a young mother to devote her time to raising her children and caring for her family.

In 1956, Belva married the love of her life, Wilbert Reese Powell, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage that was family and church focused.  Belva was raised as a child at Zion Baptist Church in Dayton.  There she gave her life to Christ in her youth and continued serving as an active member (Choirs, VBS Teacher, Women of Zion) until age prevented regular attendance late in life.  She pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in college and was also active in the Dayton chapter of Jack and Jill.   As her son Tony (born in 1958) and daughter Anne, (born in 1959), became active in various school activities, she became a sports Mom right along with them.  Will and Belva never missed a game of tennis that Tony played or a football or basketball game where Anne was cheering.   She provided a sense of safety and security, combined with wisdom and wit that Tony, Anne and Will loved to find when they arrived home each day.

Belva, known for a beautiful, engaging smile and warm, kind heart, was famous for her lively and infectious laugh.  Her family and friends have wonderful memories of gatherings filled with love and laughter. Belva enjoyed playing the piano and reading devotionals.  She loved listening to both gospel music as well as some of the great artists of her day - like Nat King Cole, Damita Jo and Sarah Vaughn.   When she and Will came to live with Anne in Laurel, MD in 2012, Belva insisted on drifting to sleep to the sounds of sweet music every night.  While living at Patuxent River Health and Rehabilitation Center for the past two years, she continued that music tradition. She was proud to demonstrate her ability to ‘work out’ in physical therapy and also enjoyed games and activities with other residents.

She transitioned from earth to Glory on April 25, 2020 in Laurel, MD. She was preceded in moving to her heavenly home by Will (2018), her parents, brother Joseph, and sisters, Marguerite, Georgianna, and Estella.  She is survived by sisters, Evangeline and Lucille.  She was a loving mother to son, Anthony (Donna), and daughter Anne, and grandmother to Alise and Wesley.  She also is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Homegoing Services will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at Beall Funeral Home in Bowie, MD.  The viewing will be held from 2:00PM to 3:00PM (limit of 10 persons at a time).  The Homegoing will begin at 3:00PM.  Live streaming will be available from 2:30PM to the close of the service at:

http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/7455878.

[In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – https://act.alz.org/donate]

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