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SCOTLAND NECK, NC – Jennie Sewell Marks Delagrange, a resident of Halifax County and retired social services worker, died Monday, January 30, 2023 at the Scotland House in Scotland Neck, NC, at the age of 102.

Born September 9, 1920, she was one of three daughters of Charles Fox Marks and Jennie Mae Sewell Marks of Tillery, NC, both of whom preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her son, Charles Sewell Marks, as well as her two sisters, Dorothy Whitaker Powell and Marjorie Bicknell Marks, as well as special friend and caregiver Opal Keeter.

She is survived by her two nephews, Allen Whitaker Powell and his wife, Elizabeth, of Washington, NC, and Russell Christopher Powell and his wife, Missy, of Las Vegas, NV.

“Jennie Sewell,” as she was known to family and friends, graduated Women’s College, now UNC Greensboro, in 1940 with a degree in social work. Prior to her employment with the Halifax County social services department, she spent five years working for the alumni association at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.

Jennie was an avid reader, and, in retirement, she traveled to many corners of the world, witnessing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, walking on the Great Wall of China, and attending theatrical performances from Broadway to London. She took great joy in following the evolution of Britain’s Royal Family, and for many years she expressed her glee in recalling the day she met Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom.

Jennie was ever so proud of having gained membership to both the Jamestowne Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution, organizations that recognize descendants of our country’s early settlers and those who were involved in its efforts toward independence. Jennie liked to say that she not only was interested, but interesting. Those with whom she interacted over the decades would agree. She derived much satisfaction in proclaiming her allegiance as an FDR Democrat and old-school liberal. Upon moving to an assisted-living home in Scotland Neck, she donated her home to Sylvan Heights Bird Park for use as a residence for visiting scientist and interns. She remained a faithful member of the church where she was baptized, Trinity Episcopal Church in Scotland Neck, until her death.

Jennie Sewell’s family wishes to thank Opal Keeter’s family for the joy it brought her in the latter years of her life, especially Opal’s great-grandson, Michael Jordan, whose mere presence lifted her spirits immeasurably and likely added years to her life. The family also wishes to thank Jennie Sewell’s special friend Robert Gregory of Scotland Neck, who spent many hours with her over the years, most especially in the final months of her life. Other special friends included Dr. David Pearsall of Greenville, NC and Jamie Johnson of Ahoskie, NC. Additionally, the family is most appreciative of the excellent efforts of Marjorie Bazemore, Sandra Brown and all the employees of the Scotland House in Scotland Neck, who worked tirelessly in Jennie’s Sewell’s final years to keep her comfortable.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service. The Reverend Brian Benton will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made directly to the Scotland Neck Memorial Library, 1600 Main Street, Scotland Neck, NC 27874 or Trinity Cemetery Maintenance Fund, PO Box 372, Scotland Neck, NC 27874 or online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search, then type Jennie Delagrange.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Letchworth Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Delagrange family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting letchworthsykesfs.com.