Reverend Dr. Wilfort Powell was born on August 10, 1933, in Clover, South Carolina to the late Clarence Jesse Powell and Jessie Jackson Powell. He departed this life on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Stanley Total Living Center in Stanley, NC.
Dr. Powell retired as a machinist from Precision Seal in Gastonia, North Carolina after 37 years of service. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Clover, South Carolina. In 1977, he was licensed to preach the Gospel under the leadership of Reverend J.T. Scott. At the age of 75, Dr. Powell earned his Doctorate of Divinity from Agape Bible College & Seminary in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Dr. Powell was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Gastonia, North Carolina, where he was an associate minister, served communion to the sick and shut-in members and was also a member of Golden Years Seniors. Formerly, he served as Treasurer, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and Senior Choir Member.
Dr. Powell served in numerous organizations such as, Past Master of the Golden Rule Lodge #82 of Gastonia, NC, George Washington Carver #172, Martin Rebecca Chapter #117 OES, Gaston County Senior Games, Yokefellow prison ministry, Chaplain at Caromont Health, George Pappas Liberty Lane Bowling League, and Church Aid Society.
Besides his parents, Dr. Powell was preceded in death by three sisters; Sarah Setzer, Helen Allen, and Annie Lee Jackson, two brothers; William Powell and Clarence Powell.
Dr. Powell was a loving husband, father, peepaw, uncle, and friend. He loved God and his family. He leaves to cherish his loving memories to his wife, Sarah of 60 years, one son Darrahyl Powell of Gastonia, two daughters; Charrissa Powell of Gastonia, Maria Nueman (Moses Jr) of Mount Holly, NC, two grandchildren; Myiah Nueman and Moses Okorie Nueman III both of Mount Holly, NC, two sisters; Mary Frances Jackson of Clover, SC and Gracie Powell of Rock Hill, SC and one brother; Grady Powell (Margaret) of York SC; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A public viewing will be held at the funeral home on Friday; September 10, 2021 from 6 until 8.
A celebration of his life and legacy will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Saturday; September 11, 2021 at 12 noon.
Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.
Interment will be at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia.
Masks are required at all services and the funeral will be live on Gregory Funeral Service facebook page.
In lieu of flowers; donations in memory of Rev. Powell may be made to Founder's and Legacy Scholarship Fund of Tabernacle Baptist Church
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