Isabelle Powell's Obituary
Dr. Isabelle Elva Reedy Powell, esteemed Professor of Sociology and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully at the age of 102 in Davidson, NC surrounded by family and caregivers. Born April 20, 1923, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, Isabelle lived a life of profound service to education, her community, and the advancement of peace and social justice.
Isabelle was baptized, confirmed, and later married to David N. Powell at St. Paul’s Reformed Church (now St. Paul’s UCC) in Milbach, PA. A bright and dedicated student, she graduated from Millcreek Township High School in 1941 and went on to earn her Bachelors of Science from Mansfield State College. Following her graduation, she began her teaching career in Lebanon and Berks counties, Pennsylvania and Guilford county, North Carolina.
Her passion for sociology and family relations led her to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Family Relations and Sociology in 1973. Her groundbreaking research focused on married teenage parents and spearheaded the creation of a pioneering school program funded by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, in which 54 young women were able to earn their high school diplomas while their children were cared for in the adjoining nursery. While the program was not adopted by the Greensboro City Schools, it did result in a policy change allowing pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers to continue their education in the public schools.
After the completion of her PhD, Isabelle was appointed to teach sociology at Greensboro College, where she became known for her excellence in teaching and commitment to student success. She retired from this position as Professor Emerita in 1991.
A fervent advocate for peace, Isabelle's dedication took her to the Soviet Union to study its culture and participate in the celebration of the 1000th year of Christianity there in 1988. Isabelle led peace initiatives through the National Council of Churches and left a lasting impact through her advocacy for understanding across borders.
Her many accolades include the Sears-Roebuck Foundation Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award, the Mansfield University Distinguished Educator Award, the North Carolina Sociological Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to Sociology and the Greensboro Jaycees' Outstanding Senior Citizen Award.
Isabelle authored three books: Social Responses to Death and Dying, My Name is Hunter, and My Name is Charles. The latter two are children’s books written at ages 99 and 100, respectively. Her work continues to inspire students, educators, and social advocates.
Deeply involved in her community, Isabelle held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including the Triad World Affairs Council, which she founded in 1995. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Kappa Delta, the American Sociological Association, and the World Affairs Council in Charlotte. Isabelle was an active member of Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro prior to her move to Davidson, where she joined Holy Covenant United Church of Christ. Committed to family history research, she joined the Fort Dobbs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and documented many patriots in her family line. Her dedication to peace, family, and community shone through in every aspect of her life.
Isabelle’s lifelong love of learning and teaching will forever be remembered, as will the various lessons she taught us, including the importance of marriage and family, being socially and politically active, knowing no stranger, picking just the right pumpkin for Halloween, loving chocolate, and the joy in eating ice cream.
She was married to her beloved husband, David N. Powell, for nearly 60 years. Together, they raised three children and nurtured a growing family.
The family expresses deep appreciation for the love and care provided to Isabelle from the staff at The Pines, Home Instead, Dudley’s Home Health, Gaitway of Charlotte, and VIA Health Partners.
Isabelle is survived by her three children, Eric (Eileen), Pam (Richard), and Jean (Brad); seven grandchildren, Aaron (Lupita), Jennifer (Shaun), Whitney (Jared), Jeremy (Lauren), Jaime (Jerry), Cameron (Abby), and Emma; and seven great-grandchildren, Matthew (Lauren), Finn, Fiona, Andrew, Jacob, Charlotte, and Jasper. She is preceded in death by her husband, David; parents, Amy and William; siblings, Leon, Henry, William, Jr., Arlene, and Marlin; and great-grandson, Andrew Powell.
Isabelle's legacy of scholarship, activism, and love for her family and community will endure for generations. She will be remembered as a remarkable woman of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to a better world.
A service will be held at Holy Covenant UCC in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, May 25 at 2PM with a reception to follow. Private graveside service will be held at a later time at the cemetery of St Paul’s UCC in Milbach, PA.
On behalf of Isabelle, the family requests that contributions made in her memory be given to her favorite charities:
David Neill Powell Endowment
Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum
PO Box 386
Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina 28450
The Pines at Davidson
Resident’s Association Fund
400 Avinger Lane
Davidson, NC 28036
Fort Dobbs Chapter NSDAR
Deborah Haithcox, Chapter Treasurer
P.O. Box 6641
Statesville, NC 28687-6641
Holy Covenant UCC
PO Box 481285
Charlotte, NC 28269
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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