Billie Jo Powell

Billie Jo Matheson Powell, 99 (50 days shy of her 100th birthday), of Troutman, NC passed away peacefully at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, NC on July 24, 2024.  She was born on September 12, 1924 at the home of her grandparents in Troutman, NC, the town that she called home all of her life.

She graduated from Troutman High School in 1941, and furthered her education with a degree from Kings’ Business College in Charlotte, NC. Throughout her career, she held multiple employment positions, including Superior Dairies, Dr. Thomas Griffin’s medical office, and eventually enjoyed running her father’s company store at Troutman Industries. She also enjoyed the duties associated with her role as First Lady of Troutman for over 28 years, as she stood by her husband, the former Mayor of Troutman, Loren Quincy Powell.  They wed on October 28th,1944 at the home of her parents in Troutman.  She remained a supportive and loving wife even after his passing on December 17, 2001.

She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church Troutman where she sang in the choir for over 70 years and taught children’s Sunday School classes.  In her later years, she enjoyed the weekly online services of several regional churches.  Among many social activities, she was an active member of the Statesville Business and Professional Women’s Club, Statesville Career Women, Christian Women’s Club, Bridge Club and Supper Club.  In addition, she had many friends with whom she enjoyed sharing life. She considered everyone she met to be friends and family, and she prayed for them regularly.  She was honored to show love for them through a special ministry. Each morning, following her daily devotion time, she randomly chose a Christmas Card from those she had received the past Christmas, and prayed for the individual or family and then called to let them know she had prayed on their behalf.

Her family was her greatest joy. Each family member had a unique relationship with their mother, or Gran, and each knew that they were dearly loved and prayed for daily.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda Powell Schade of Troutman, and Rebecca Jo Powell Boggs and Gary of Fallston, NC; five grandchildren, Gail Warren of Troutman, Edrie Schade and Joanne of Berkeley, CA, Robin Schade of Troutman, Laura Tharrington and Stephen of Shelby, NC, and Aaron Boggs and Bethany of Fallston, NC; six great grandchildren, Bryan Gilliland and Hannah, Kelly James and Nathan, Andrew Tharrington, Mallie Boggs, Colson Boggs, and Lawson Boggs; and six great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends and neighbors whom she considered family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Loren Quincy Powell; her parents, Robert Guy and Edrie Alice Norton Matheson; three sisters; the twins Mary Hilderbrand and Martha Money, and her youngest sister Rachel Plyler.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 29,2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Troutman Funeral Home, and in the fellowship hall of the church following the memorial service.  The graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church cemetery in Troutman, NC, with the Rev. Billy Staley officiating.  The memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm officiated by Rev. Jeffery Hamrick, Rev. Kevin Honbarger, Rev. Billy Staley, and Dr. Rit Varriale.  Pallbearers will be Aaron Boggs, Bryan Gilliland, Syd McIntyre, Andrew Tharrington, Stephen Tharrington, and Eric Troutman.

In accordance with her wishes, memorials may be made to Purple Heart Homes, 755 Washington Ave., Statesville, NC 28677.  Their kindness deeply touched her heart, especially when they graciously provided handrails for her front porch steps, or Harris Chapel Church ℅ Rev. Billy Staley, 85 Prospect Street, Canton, NC 28716, where she found great joy and inspiration in the weekly online services.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Powell.