Debra H. Powell
August 29, 1961 ~ January 6, 2022
ROCKY MOUNT - Debra H. Powell, age 60, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Born in South Bend, IN on August 29, 1961, she was the daughter of the late James Heckman and Beverly DeVore. She was also preceded in death by her brother, John Berkheiser.
Debra was a lover of Karaoke and apple pie. She loved being able to work and help shape the minds of children. Debra was very open minded and down to earth. She was one of the strongest people her family will ever know. Debra put her faith in God as he led her through life. Above all, her most cherished memories will be those spent with her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister and will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her, but her loving spirit will never be forgotten as she was everything to her family.
Debra is survived by her sons, Andrew Powell and wife, Kin Ka, of Chula Vista, CA, and Steven Powell and wife, Jessica, of Rocky Mount; her grandchildren, Evelyn Powell and Mckenly Powell; her sisters, Mary Davis, of Nashville, and Sue Cockrell and husband, Mike, of Elm City; and her brothers, James Heckman of Battle Creek, MI and Mike Berkheiser (Cruz) of Bettle Creek, MI; and her former husband, David Scott Powell, of Rocky Mount.
A Celebration of Debra's Life will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Flowers are welcome or, memorials may be made in Debra's memory to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
Service
Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home
661 English Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Tuesday 1/11, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A Celebration of Debra's Life will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
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Scott , Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Jimmy and Kathy
In memory of Debra Powell, Gale P. Matthews lit a candle
In memory of Debra H. Powell, Brenda Joyner lit a candle
Steven, Jessica and Family, It was truly a blessing in my life to know Debbie. The joy I witnessed when she oversaw the care of so many little ones, was unsurpassed. She always had a smile for all the children and truly showed the Love of God in all her work. At a time when she needed encouragement , she was the encourager to those who were there to help her. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to hear her share her personal testimony of knowing Christ, to God be the Glory. Love you all.
Steven, Jessica, and Family, I am so very sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing. May each of you feel the comfort and peace that can only come from Jesus . With prayers and deepest sympathy, Brenda House (Parkwood Baptist Church)
Dear Andrew, Stephen and Family of Debby, I wasn’t able to find a card that does justice to your Mom, so I thought I would write you all a letter about the legacy of Debby. I met your Mom in 2005 when she was a student in my class at Edgecombe Community College. I was fortunate enough to see her evolve from a shy insecure woman to an outgoing, confident, capable and always helpful woman not only in her studies but in her ensuing life. I don’t know how she did it but she was able to graduate with a 3.67 GPA and 10 out of the 11 semesters she attended school she was on the Dean’s list. Your mom didn’t just do her work, she did it with above average skills each and every time in my classroom. She was passionate about children and the strong belief that she could make things better for them and their families. As I’m sure you remember, she was promoted several times at her job at First Baptist School. Every semester that I had students interning I would meet up with her and the Director. The Director could not say enough wonderful things about your Mom’s passion, care, enthusiasm and her ever ready smile. I won’t ever forget how she could make me laugh as well as her fellow students in class and I’m sure she did the same with her colleagues at First Baptist. Your mom and I moved from an Instructor-Student relationship to a friendship. We had a lot of things in common, both with two sons, both with a strong faith in God, and both with a passion for children. Before she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she would come over and help me bake Christmas cookies, we would go for walks, watermelon festival and she even got a group of us to go to the Red Barn, which OMG even ill with cancer she could out sing every person in the building. I will miss her smile, her contagious laughter, and her absolute kindness she had for her fellow human beings, even if they were not kind to her. I feel blessed that she was in my life, and I feel confident that she is in Heaven cutting up with the angels or finding a child to care for. I will think of her often as I know all of you will too. God Bless You All during this difficult time Sincerely, Jennifer Derby
Debbie and I graduated in the HCHS Class of 1980. Debbie was a good friend. I enjoyed reading her FB posts about her grandbabies and karaoke . Debbie was a blessing and she will be dearly missed by all .
My condolences and prayers to Debbie’s family. I remember how Debbie was always smiling and happy. I loved her humor and she always made everyone around her smile. She had a great heart and she will always be with her family. Heaven has gained another angel.
My sister was the most loving and caring woman anyone could meet. She was always helping someone in one way or another. Growing up we had our differences as all siblings do, but there is nothing I wouldn’t have done for here’s the rest of our family. She had a great sense of humor and always made you laugh. I will miss her very much but in my heart I know she’s in a much better place with our parents and brothers. I love you Debbie and so sorry I wasn’t there to say good bye, but you know I love you and will see you again one day. Rest peacefully my dear sister.
I am so sorry to hear of Debbie’s death. I was not aware she had passed away until the funeral was in progress. Condolences to the family.