Marvin Douglas Powers

Marvin Douglas Powers, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at his home on Ballahack Road, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in the front bedroom of a two-story farmhouse on Ballahack Road in Norfolk County, VA, Marvin was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Lucille Powers; his son, Martin Kurtis Powers; and his brothers, Edward B. Powers and Herbert L. Powers.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Patricia, and their children: Marvin K. Powers, Pamela Powers Gomez, Amy L. Powers (Melina), and Angela Powers Smith (Daniel). Marvin also leaves behind his grandchildren, Martin Ray Powers, Melissa Rae Powers, Jacob Douglas Smith, Emma James Smith, and great-grandchild, Jaielle Powers. Additionally, he is survived by Mary Ellen Angus, the mother of his son Marvin and daughter Pamela.
Marvin is also survived by several nieces and nephews, who cherished him deeply and were an important part of his life.
A lifelong resident of the area for more than 80 years, Marvin developed a deep love for nature through his 35-year career installing water wells across southern Virginia and eastern North Carolina. His passion for nature photography led to his work being published in Virginia Wildlife Magazine and by the National Ruritans. As a longtime member of the Hickory Ruritan Club, he also documented the swearing-in ceremonies for school board members at the request of then-superintendent, Dr. W. Randolph Nichols.
A skilled woodworker, Marvin's custom-made wooden bowls and boxes, as well as his nature photography, were featured at the annual Currituck Wildlife Festival. One of his most cherished contributions was the framed "Hickory Hawk" photograph displayed at Hickory High School, which he proudly donated to then-principal Linda Byrd after capturing the image of the hawk near the school when it opened. His work was also displayed at the Northwest River Park, Corolla National Park, and at an annual meeting of the Virginia Society of Ornithology.
After a life-threatening experience on life support in 2019, Marvin's heart was carefully cared for by Dr. Ramin Alimard, his cardiologist, for the next six years. Marvin underwent six stents, two clips on the mitral valve, a TAVR procedure, a defibrillator/pacemaker, and most recently, a Watchman device. His resilience and determination to remain with his family were nothing short of remarkable.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Alimard, the medical staff at Sentara Heart Hospital, and Medi Home Health and Hospice for their exceptional care.
A celebration of Marvin's extraordinary life will be held at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Sunflowers hold a special meaning to the family and will be displayed at the service in honor of Marvin's late son, Marty, who grew them each year.
1 Peter 5:7
Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service or to leave a condolence for the family.