Lawrence Jefferson Powell

Lawrence Jefferson Powell, of Salem, Va., passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at the age of 92. He was born on September 27, 1916, in Halifax County, Va., to Charles William Powell and Annie Glass Powell. He was a resident of South Boston until June, 1941, at which time he joined the United States Army and served his country during World War II in England, North Africa, and Italy. Upon Lawrence's discharge in 1945, he moved to Rocky Mount, N.C., holding a position with the W.B. Lee Tobacco Company. At this time, he met the love of his life, "Jo," and they were married on November 16, 1946.
In 1953, Lawrence and his family moved to Salem where he joined his brother, Benjamin W. Powell, as co-owner of Powell Pharmacy, Inc. There are many good memories of their employees and their many young and not so young customers. If he saw personal needs and there was a way to help the situation, he did so.
Lawrence has been a faithful member of Salem Baptist Church for over 50 years, serving as a Deacon and on various committees. He was an active member of the Berean Sunday School Class.
His membership in the Salem Lions Club was also very important to him. He enjoyed the fellowship of the other members and was an active participant in their many endeavors to help others. For this commitment, he received the coveted Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ben W. Powell; and brother-in-law, Dr. W.B. Harris.
His surviving family includes his wife of 63 years, Josephine (Jo) Griffin Powell; son, L.J. (Jeff) Powell Jr. and wife, Debby, of Salem; and daughters, Ellen P. Niday and husband, Gary, of Salem, and Mary Jo P. Sawyer and husband, Jeff, of Midlothian, Va. Lawrence's six grandchildren are Kimberly and Andy Powell, Tracey and Joshua Niday, and Alexander and Nicholas Sawyer. Also surviving are his sister, Lois P. Harris, of South Boston; his brother and sister-in-law, J. Benjamin and Peggy F. Griffin ,of Gastonia, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 7, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A memorial service will then be held 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2009, in the funeral home's chapel. The Rev. Bob Lanier and the Rev. Sam Harvey will officiate.
The family extends special thanks to the Virginia Veteran's Care Center where Lawrence has resided for the past year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019 or to Salem Baptist Church, 103 North Broad Street, Salem, Va. 24153. Online condolences to the family may be made at johnmoakey.com. The Powell family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va., 540-389-5441.