Dorothy Black Powell, 89 Dorothy Black Powell, 89 Sanford, Alabama, passed in her sleep at Andalusia Manor on October. 6.
She is survived by her beloved wife, James Forest Powell, with whom she spent the last 68 years of their marriage. She was also survived by her daughters Sheri. Powell from Sanford and her daughter, Gregory F. Powell, Ph.D. (Dr. Cheryl Blanck) of Andalusia and brother John Frank Black (Phyllis) of Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
She was predeceased by her parents Edward E. Black and Leosia Maughon Black. She is also survived by Edward E. Black Jr., her older brother. Edward E. Black Jr.
Dorothy Powell, or “Dot or “Dot” as she was referred to by many was a lover of education. She was an educator for over forty years. After finishing her education at Straughn High School in the year 2000, she received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from Troy State University now Troy University. Additionally, she was awarded the post-secondary degree at Auburn University for those working in the field of education.
She began her career as a teacher with Springfield elementary school in Panama City but soon moved back to Alabama in the middle of her career in as a teacher in the 1st grade at Opp, Alabama. In June of 1995, she retired at South Highlands Elementary School. In the years following she retired, there were people who would go to her and tell her, “You taught me in the first year” and “you have taught my son” or “you taught my daughter.” It was typically immediately followed by the person who would say how much she was loved by them for being an attentive and caring teacher.
One of her biggest satisfactions was helping children read to their peers Her other love was fishing. She saw fishing as a means of relaxing and would often go fishing for hours, even if no bites were coming from the mosquitoes.
Dorothy Powell was also devoted to her community in Sanford. She was an active part of Sanford’s First Baptist Church of Sanford and was a piano player for over 50 years. In the years prior to that she also taught Sunday school to all ages.
She will be deeply missed by her beloved family as well as extended families of former classmates and friends. If you are interested in joining in this celebration, a visit with family members will be held at the Foreman-Brown Funeral Home Monday October. 9 between 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. Funeral services will be held on the First Baptist Church of Sanford Cemetery at noon.
In place of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Sanford.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.
The article Dorothy Black Powell was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
