Catawba – Sgt. J.P. Powell, 76 of Catawba, NC transitioned on Oct. 3. 2025 surrounded by his wife Mary, his daughters and grandchildren by his side. Born in Catawba County, to the late Albert Gaither Powell and LulerBell Neal Powell.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded by two brothers Robert and James Powell, two infant grandsons Joshua and Jordan Powell. Also, his maternal grandparents Wesley and Fannie Neal and his paternal grandparents John and Jo Powell.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 57 years, Mary Jolly Powell, his daughters Valerie Powell, Stephanie (Paul) Harper, Melissa (Gregory) Montgomery, his sister Patricia Setzer and his brother Albert Powell, grandchildren Brandon, Me’Kayla, Zachary (Simone), Joseph, Elijah, Serenity, Gregory, Jr., great-grandchildren Ava, Ari. A host of nieces and nephews. Special recognition to a friend of the family and a big support during this time helping with the family Mrs. Willie Ann Rinehardt. He was the last class of Catawba Rosenwald High School class of 1967 just as integration in schools started. He drove the school bus. He was a Vietnam Veteran and served in the U.S. Army. Sgt. J.P. Powell received commendations, badges, medals, decorations: Military Justice, Benefits of Honorable discharge, RVN Training, Geneva Conv. After his honorable discharge he was employed by General Electric until closing. A man of wisdom, generous heart, humble, hardworking, and taught his daughters and older grandchildren a strong work ethic, responsibilities that life comes in life. He loved nature, fishing, spending time with family, teaching his daughters and grandchildren how to fish and other things he loved to do, being on his lawnmower keeping the yard immaculate. He gave his life to the Lord. JP was a diehard Pittsburg Steelers and Duke Basketball fan.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Catawba Funeral Home on Sunday, October 12th, 2025, at 1:00 pm with Overseer Roger Powell / Minister Dorothy Robinson officiating. He will be laid to rest after the service at Catawba Memorial Park in the Veterans Garden.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring in Sgt. J.P.’s name.
