Nigel Powers

Nigel Powers

LUMBERTON — Nigel Blaine Powers, 50, passed away on March 24, 2015.

He was born April 21, 1964, chosen by God and by James P. Powers Jr. and Dorothy Johnson Powers to be their son.

Nigel was an active member of First Baptist Church, Lumberton, where he was baptized in the 1970s and was also a charter member of the "Special Education Class," later the "Friends of Jesus Class."

Nigel attended the "Tiny Tots" program at Lumberton Recreation Center at age 3, then kindergarten at First Baptist Church. He went on to attend Rowland Norment School's Special Education classes and after a short time at Lumberton Jr. High, he attended Lumberton Sr. High, receiving his Certificate of Attendance in 1982.

During his early years, Nigel was a Cub Scout, Pack 333, First Baptist Church. As a Cub Scout, he won the Race Car competition and the following year, he was first runner-up in the Rocket Race competition. He won the "Noody Johnson Skeet Shoot" as well.

Nigel was the inspiration for the first Robeson County Special Olympics and participated for a number of years. He won four gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals during his career. Nigel Drive, a street in Lumberton, was named for him and he was also the inspiration for Powers Apartments in Maxton, built for independent living for the developmentally disabled.

As a young adult, Nigel participated in group home volunteer work, delivering magazines to nursing homes and visiting his parents each week, assisting them in any way he could.

Along with his parents, Nigel is survived by a sister, Dedra Powers Stilley of Goldsboro; an aunt and uncle, the Rev. Michael and Brenda Johnson of Gray's Creek; an aunt, Julia Johnson of Lake View, S.C.; five loving cousins: Alan Johnson (Shana) of Florence, S.C., Lee Johnson (Rhonda) of Summerville, S.C., Dr. Michele Johnson (Dr. Kevin McIntyre) of San Antonio, Texas, the Rev. Brian Johnson (Emily) of Knoxville, Tenn., and Jimmy Williamson of Durango, Colo.; and two nephews, CJ and James M. Stilley of Jay, Okla.

A time of visitation will take place immediately following the service in the Cherry Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church.

A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Lumberton, Dr. David Elks, the Rev. Michael Johnson, and the Rev. Brian Johnson officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Special Olympics of N.C., 2200 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Morrisville, N.C., 27560, or Friends of Jesus Class, First Baptist Church of Lumberton, P.O. Box 938, Lumberton, N.C., 28359.

On-line condolences may be made by visiting: www.floydmortuary.net.