Mrs. Emma Jane Manley Powell

Mrs. Emma Jane Powell transitioned peacefully from this earthly life to her heavenly home on Friday, April 12th, 2024, at Scotland Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. She was born on September 21, 1932 in Halifax, NC and was the first child of eleven to the late Sam Manley and Mary Etta Cheek Manley.
Emma was raised in a loving and warmhearted Christian home. Her parents instilled the power of the Holy Spirit in her from a early age. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior when she was baptized at Smith Chapel Baptist Church in Halifax, NC. Anyone who was familiar with her could share countless stories about her unwavering faith and unapologetic praise for God. Emma would worship her God and pray for souls anywhere! Throughout her journey as a devoted believer for Christ she dedicated a life of service to the Evangelistic Church of Deliverance pastored by Bishop William Cheek affectionately known as "Uncle William." Emma valued her personal connection with God until she departed this life into her eternal resting place.
Emma received her formal education in the Halifax County Public School System at Halifax Training School. She committed her life to nurturing and supporting her family and children, pouring her heart and soul into every moment she shared with them. She met and married the love of her life the late Richard Ellis Powell. Their union was a testament to enduring friendship, partnership, and unconditional love. Their beautiful covenant blossomed into the joyous arrival of six children.
Emma had a true zest for life! She may have been small in stature but her personality, honest wit, and charm was larger than life. Emma was a tell it like it is person! She had a knack for cutting through the fluff and serving up the truth with a side of sass. Emma carried out every act with love, driven by the genuine kindness in her heart, always striving to improve the lives of those she held dear. Aside from passionately investing into her family her soul bloomed alongside her beloved gardens and flowers where she sprinkled her nurturing spirit to create vibrant beauty.
As she journeys towards the pearly gates of heaven, she is welcomed by the loving embrace of those who proceeded her in death, her parents, daughter, Lisa Powell, and siblings, Sam Manley Jr., Howard Manley, Odell Perkins, Gladys Clark, Rosella Clark, and Barbara Coleman.
Cherished memories of her life and legacy will forever remain etched in the hearts of her children, Alvin J. Powell of Weldon, NC, Twanna Clark of Weldon, NC, Ricky D. Powell (Kathy) of Brandywine, MD, Kenneth R. Powell (Sandra) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Mark A. Powell (Debbie) of Laurel, MD; her siblings, Major Otis Manley of Dortches, NC, Roy Manley (Carmen) of Santo Domingo, DR, William Manley of Martinsburg, WV, and Claude W. Manley (Patricia) of Roanoke Rapids, NC; fourteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her children, siblings, and grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends will carry the torch of love for Emma til eternity.
A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, April 20 at Evangelistic Church of Deliverance, 195 Sycamore St. in Weldon,North Carolina, with the Rev. John Smith delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery on Cedar Street in Weldon, North Carolina.