Obituary of Dolores Powell

Dolores Powell, age 98, passed peacefully after a short illness on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Maplewood Assisted Living facility in Bridgeport. She was born December 5, 1923, in Philippi, WV, the daughter of the late Clarence and Merle McKinney. She was preceded in death last August by her husband, Joseph, whom she married in 1948 and was joyously wed to for 73 years; her eldest son, Joseph Lee Powell; and her eldest sister, Pauline Scott, all of Bridgeport. Her life-long friend, Patricia Longacre, whom she met early in her teaching career, also preceded her in death. Surviving are two children, Stephen R. Powell (Vickie) of Morgantown, and Tina Joyce Powell of Fairfax, VA; a sister, Susan Walls of New Castle, PA; and a daughter-in-law, Kathy Powell of Bridgeport. Also, there are seven grandchildren: Jeff Morrison (Janet Williamson), Craig Morrison (Lauren), Alicia Morrison, Donny Powell (Renee), Andrew Powell, Elizabeth Powell, and Sarah Powell (Mark Graffe); nine great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her dear friend Doris Campbell and husband Joe. Dolores graduated from Bridgeport High School with the class of 1941. She attended Glenville State College and graduated from Fairmont State with an AB in Education. She continued her education, taking graduate courses from WVU, Salem College, and WV State. Her teaching career began in 1943 in a two-room school in Good Hope, WV. After one year, she was transferred to Anmoore Elementary, where she remained six years, then taught at Simpson Elementary in Bridgeport. In 1974, she and her husband and daughter moved to Scott Depot, WV, where she continued teaching at Winfield Elementary until her retirement in 1986. In 2002, she and her husband Joe returned to Bridgeport. She was a former member of NEA, WVEA, Classroom Teachers, and Parent-Teacher Organizations. She also served as a Cub Scout leader. Dolores was a former member of St. John Methodist Church in Scott Depot, now a member of Bridgeport United Methodist Church. Her hobbies included playing the piano, cooking, crocheting, and painting. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and teacher. The family want to thank Amedisys Hospice, the staff at Elison Assisted Living, Carrie Hurd and Renee Weekley who helped to provide care and bring joy to Dolores. Family and friends will be received at the Ford Funeral Home on Monday June 13 from 4 PM – 6 PM and on Tuesday June 14 at 12 PM with services at 12:30 PM. Interment will follow at Benedum Cemetery in Bridgeport. The family requests the use of masks when indoors. Memorial charitable contributions may be made to Amedisys Hospice, 67 Casino Drive, Suite 102, Anmoore, WV 26323, or the Bridgeport United Methodist Church Permanent Fund, 251 Worthington Drive, Bridgeport, WV 26330. The Powell family has entrusted the care and arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV.