June 20, 1931 - April 10, 2025
Mrs. Betty Hunnicutt Powell passed away peacefully at The Gardens Senior Living on Gentilly Road on April 10, 2025.
Born on June 20, 1931, in Statesboro, Georgia, to the late DJ (David Junious) and Emma Jernigan Hunnicutt, Betty lived a life full of faith, family, and love. On June 24, 1951, she married Jesse Fenton Powell, her devoted husband of 72 years. Together, they built a beautiful life in Sylvania, Georgia, where they raised their two children, Joseph and Pat.
Mrs. Powell served as the office manager of Sylvania Garment/White Stag for 40 years, earning respect for her professionalism, precision, and unwavering dedication. A long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Sylvania, she was an active participant in the Faith Sunday School Class and served as the class treasurer. Betty also contributed her time and talents to the Gladys Layfield Circle, the Garden Club, the Flock, the Rummy Club, and the Hand and Foot Club.
Betty had a God-given talent for sewing, creating cherished garments for family and friends throughout her life. She especially loved sewing for her daughter Pat—from outfits throughout her childhood and into adulthood, as well as her wedding dress. One of her greatest joys was making Easter dresses for her granddaughter Truie, a treasured tradition she lovingly continued for 38 years. Betty’s passion for flowers also bloomed brightly in her life; she spent countless hours cultivating her garden, a love she brought with her to Gentilly Gardens.
Betty and Fent found joy in their time at Lands End, where they embraced the outdoors, hosting seafood suppers, boating, and soaking up the sun with loved ones.
Mrs. Powell was predeceased by her husband, Jesse Fenton Powell; her parents; three brothers; a sister; four half-brothers; and one half-sister.
She is survived by her children, Pat Powell Gibson (Ralph) and Joseph Fenton Powell (Kim); her cherished grandchildren, lovingly known as MaBet: Truie Gibson of Aiken, South Carolina; Will Gibson (Katelyn) of Evans, Georgia; Caleb Powell (Becky) of St. Simons Island, Georgia; and Zane Powell (Miah) of Sylvania, Georgia; four great-grandchildren, Paxton, Addie, Madison, and Conner Powell; siblings Helen Russell of Buford, Georgia, and Lavonne King of Sebring, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Gentilly Gardens Senior Living and Regency Southern Care Hospice, especially Kelly McAfee, for their compassionate care during Mrs. Powell’s three years with them. They are also very thankful for the care that Kathy Godbee and Latrelle Jenkins provided while they were still at home, as well as their continued friendship.
Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Sylvania on April 12th, from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Mr. Clint Sheppard will officiate, with music provided by Rosalyn Matheson. Interment will follow at Screven County Memorial Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Will Gibson, Caleb Powell, and Zane Powell; her nephew, E.C. Hunnicutt; and friends Avery Blalock and Larry Gordon. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Faith Sunday School Class, Tom and Linda Avret, Yvonne Barber, Aggie Blalock, Sherry and Brian Bohannon, Jewel Dabbs, Linda Gordon, Margaret Ann Hunter, Rosalyn Matheson and Goldie Toole.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Powell to the Sylvania Baptist Church, PO Box 318, Sylvania, GA 30467.
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