Joan Powell Skinner

Joan Temple Powell Skinner passed away on November 11, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She died peacefully in her home in Deland, FL, at the age of 74, among the spreading oaks and open pastures that she loved so well. She will be buried in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Joan came from a large and loving family. Her parents, James F. Powell, Jr. and Clare Scott J. Powell, raised six children: Joan, sisters, Clare Houston (Wayne) and Martha Powell (deceased), and brothers, James Powell (Roberta), Ralph Powell (Deborah), and Joseph Powell (Jeanette). Joan attended Needham Broughton High School, graduating in 1968, after participating in the school’s activities as a drum majorette. She was crowned Miss Raleigh in 1968.

Joan graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in physical education in 1972. Her ambition to teach physical education was fulfilled when she moved to Jacksonville, FL, to teach PE at the Bolles School. It was in Jacksonville that she met her future husband, Bryant B. Skinner, Jr. Bryant and Joan shared their love of horses and specialized in “moon light” rides. They were married in 1973. Bryant’s expanding nursery business led to the couple’s move to Deland, FL, where the small-town lifestyle and abundance of land appealed to both of them.

Joan always enjoyed horseback riding and was especially skilled in the demanding dressage style of the sport. Indoors, she enjoyed French smocking, homeschooling her children, entertaining friends, and hosting Bible studies. But even with all the responsibilities of her active life, she put her Christian walk first. She was an active member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church of Deland for 36 years. She was deeply involved in Bible Study Fellowship, serving as a teaching leader for two years while living in Jacksonville, then continuing her commitment to BSF by helping to start a women’s group in Deland, serving as a teaching leader for four years.

Joan and Bryant raised three children, James Bryant Walthour Skinner (Abigail), Clare Scott Robertson Skinner (deceased) and Russell Joseph Powell Skinner. She was blessed to have had four grandchildren: Emily, Molly, Andrew and Rachel. Joan is also survived by many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and an almost countless number of friends. The family especially recognizes the many dedicated caregivers who helped Joan during her extended illness along with Halifax Health Hospice in the final days.

Joan’s deep faith and love of God saw her through the good days and the sad days. She was truly thankful for the spirited family she loved and depended upon. She lived the abundant life that is promised to those who obediently follow Jesus. She will be remembered as a woman who strived to live a life to the glory of God.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to Nueva Providencia Ministries, Inc., at 1306 N. Stone Street, DeLand, FL 32720.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint M ary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Skinner family.