AHOSKIE – Dorothy Marks Powell of 401 Circle Drive, Ahoskie, died in her home on Friday, April 15, 2011.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday April 20 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ahoskie with the Rev. Richard Rice and the Rev. Robert Clarke conducting.

Born in Tillery, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles Fox Marks and Jennie Sewell Marks and the widow of Allen Thurman Powell, Jr, who died in 1974. Her sister, Marjorie Marks, died in 1947.

She is survived by her sister, Jennie Marks Delagrange of Scotland Neck. She is also survived by her sons, Allen Whitaker Powell of Raleigh and Russell Christopher Powell of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughters-in-law, Elizabeth Tayloe Powell of Raleigh and Mary Phetteplace Powell of Las Vegas; grandchildren Emma Whitaker Powell of Raleigh; Russell Christopher Powell, Jr. of New Haven, Conn., Thomas Whitaker Powell of Boone, N.C., Jack Allen Powell of Wilmington, N.C., Myers Christian Paulsen of Reno, Nev. and Lauritz Gaines Paulsen of Las Vegas.

Mrs. Powell, a retired English teacher, graduated from Scotland Neck High School and received her undergraduate degree in English and History from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro and her graduate degree from East Carolina University.

In her teaching career she was Chairman of the English Department at the former Ahoskie High School and later at Roanoke-Chowan Community College.

Memorial donations may be made to the Food Pantry, PO Box 159, Ahoskie, NC 27910, the Ahoskie Public Library, 210 E. Main St., Ahoskie, NC, or the entity of choice.

One of the joys of her life was her contact with young people, both in and out of the classroom. Many of her closest friends were former students with whom she loved to keep in touch.

She was a faithful member of the Ahoskie First Presbyterian Church where she served in numerous capacities including Sunday School teacher and as an Elder. She worked tirelessly on behalf of others and will be missed by all.

Her family expresses deep appreciation for the love and sympathy shown by all during this time of loss. Her son,s Whit and Chris, give thanks to all and a special thanks to Mrs. Russell P. (Emma) Martin for a lifetime of love and devotion to their dear Mother.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, April 19, from 6-8 p.m., 401 Circle Drive, Ahoskie.

Friends and family may send online condolences to www.garrettjonesfh.com

Garrett-Jones Funeral Home in Ahoskie is serving the Powell family.