Betsy (Gladys) Dowe Powell

Norfolk - Betsy (Gladys) Dowe Powell, 89, passed away in West Palm Beach, FL on July 12, 2015. She was born in Norfolk, VA during a blizzard on March 2, 1926. Mrs. Powell married a service man, Ray R. R. Powell from Oklahoma, and lived in several states while raising their young family. After Army MSG Powell’s death in 1963, she returned to her hometown, where she lived until very near the end of her life. She was Norfolk’s first female “regular” Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1987 after 20 years of service. In her golden years she enjoyed annual reunions with her five sisters, caring for her grandchildren, playing bridge, and swimming. She gave volunteer service to Master Gardeners, Norview Civic League, and the church nursery. She loved Scrabble, card games, puzzles, orchids & violets, current events and, most of all, being surrounded by her family. A true patriot, she proudly flew her American flag every day, and never missed voting in an election. In her youth Betsy was a charter member of Norview Presbyterian Church, lettered in basketball at Norview High School (class of 1943), and played a mean game of softball.

She was the daughter of retired Norfolk Police Captain Ben Dowe and Lillian Simmons Dowe. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Aline Underhill, "Sonny" Dowe, Lucille Wilson, Mary Hines, and Jeanne Robbins. Survivors include a sister, Nancy Smith; four children: Rayburn Powell, Dean Powell, Laurie O’Leary and husband Joe, and Rick Powell; three grandchildren: Natalie and Bobby Powell, Dean O’Leary; one step-grandchild, Kirsten O’Leary Metheny; many nieces and nephews, and her “adopted” son, John Hickey.

Betsy was known by all for her independence, strength, and resilience. She had a limitless capacity for courage, patience, and generosity. She also had a wicked sense of humor, high spirit of adventure, and a soft spot for her cats and any stray animal.

The family will receive friends on Monday July 20th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norview Chapel, where a celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, July 21st at 10 am. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park.

Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com.