Leatrice B Powell

On May 5, 2026, the Lord called home to eternal glory Leatrice Briscoe Powell, affectionately known as “Ma”.  She was born in Roduco, NC, on August 9, 1940, to James and Ellwanger Briscoe and was the last of five siblings to be called home.

Leatrice attended Gates County Public Schools graduating Salutatorian of her class. In 1959, she was joined in marriage to Douglas F. Powell and to this union were born five children.  

For several years, she worked with the dietary staff at Down East Health and  Rehabilitation Center until retirement.  At an early age she joined first Baptist Church Roduco where she faithfully served as church secretary and choir member until her health declined.  Her favorite song was “Too Close to the Mirror” by Eddie Ruth Bradford.  She loved her church family and her pastor, Robert Jordan, who made it his business to check in on her often during her illness.    

Leatrice enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, even though they never called her “grandma”.  To them, she was affectionately known as “Ma”.  They always made it a point to make her laugh with silly gestures and hilarious jokes.  One of her favorite things to do was riding. The price of gas could not get high enough for her. All you had to say was, “you want to go…” and the answer was “yes” before you even finished the question.  Her next favorite thing to do was assembling jigsaw puzzles.  If it wasn’t at least a 1000 pieces, it was not considered a puzzle.  

Two of her favorite people in the world were her dedicated sons-in-law, Ted Gatling and Tony Nowell.  They could do no wrong!

To keep the laughter and her memories alive, she leaves behind her five children:  Stuart Powell (Sharon) of Greensboro, North Carolina; Douglas Powell and Lance Powell of Gatesville, North Carolina; Robin Gatling (Ted) of Sunbury, NC; and Tracy Nowell (Tony) of Winston Salem, NC;  thirteen grandchildren: Evan, Patrick, Justin, Stavon, Tyrus, TJ, Laron, Sharon, JD, Zakkiyyah, Ariel, India, Asia and one bonus grandchild, Steven Lawrence, thirty great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, five nieces, two nephews and host of other relatives and friends.

She was proceeded in death by one grandchild, Deljew Harris, and four siblings: James Briscoe, William Briscoe, Emily Irene Frink, and Minnie Odell Baker

A viewing and visitation will take place on Wednesday May 13, 2026, from 3pm to 6pm at the funeral home.

A Celebration of Life service will take place on Thursday May 14, 2026, 1pm at First Baptist Roduco.

Final Resting place will be in the church cemetery.

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