ROCKY MOUNT - Mary Lou Mathews Powell, age 84, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023. Born in Douglas County, NE on July 17, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Claude Nelson Mathews and Julia Mary Frances Hineline Mathews. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Loretta Ida "Sis" Mathews Bennett, Claudia Mathews Reimes, Donna Jean Mathews Moore, and Janet Mathews; and her brothers, Darold "Babe" Mathews Sr., Everett "Whitey" Mathews, Clifford "Corky" Mathews, Donald "Bud" Mathews, James "Jimmy" Mathews, and LeRoy "Buss" Mathews.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 62 years, John David "J.D." Powell; her daughter, Renee Powell; her sister, Carol Chabirus; her brother, Dwain "Huck" Mathews (Rita); and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Englewood Baptist Church, Rocky Mount with the Rev. Charles Taylor officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. A visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Englewood Baptist Church.