Otis Percelle Powell

In the early hours of Friday, December 12, 2025, the Lord called home His faithful servant, Otis Percelle Powell. He was the youngest of seven children born to the late Amos and Lillian Minggia Powell on June 13, 1936, in Jackson, North Carolina.

Otis attended school in Jackson before relocating with his family to Norfolk, Virginia, and later to New York, where he met and married Eva Mae Dawson, the love of his life.

He dedicated many years to a career as a long-distance truck driver, retiring from Allied Systems Car Hauler in 2001. Otis was also a proud member of Teamsters Local 822. While driving was his vocation, his true passion was his yard. He delighted in mowing, edging, trimming trees, and planting flowers, taking pride in having the most beautifully manicured lawn on Spaulding Drive.

A devoted servant of Olive Grove Baptist Church for more than 65 years, Otis faithfully served his church family with love and dedication. He founded the Sick Committee, ensuring that the sick and shut-ins were regularly visited and received communion. In 1973, he established the Male Chorus, enriching the worship experience and leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. Serving as a deacon for over 50 years, Otis exemplified humility, steadfast faith, and servant leadership, culminating in his ministry as Chairman of the Deacons' Ministry before retiring in 2020 and becoming Chairman Deacon Emeritus.

Otis was also a pillar of his community. As President of the Chesapeake Gardens-Mamie Homes Civic League, he worked tirelessly to bring neighbors together, address community concerns, and promote positive growth. His leadership, integrity, and commitment made him a unifying presence and a source of strength for all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eva M. Powell; his children, Donald Rozier and Sharon Powell; and his six siblings: Beatrice P. Bracy, Norwood A. Powell, Evelyn P. Gilmore, Doris P. Balmer, David W. Powell, and M. Inell Powell.

Otis leaves to cherish his memory his children: Stephanie Rozier, Anthony Powell, Renee P. Hailes (Carl), and Kimberly Powell; his grandsons: LaDon Childs, Devonte Powell, Kavon Garvin, and Joseph Holmes; great-grandchildren: Sophia, Johnathan, and Eden; a special nephew who was cherished as a brother, Leondias "Bobby" Edmond (Pat); in-laws: Frank Dawson (Geneva), George Dawson (Julia), Mary Gaffney, Ernestine Dixon (James), Gerald Dawson (Marian), Geraldine Dawson, Elizabeth Dawson, and Edginee Eason; special daughters: Emily Praileau, Charlene Morring, and Sharon Burrus; special cousins: Rev. Clinton Brown and W. Louis King; favorite cousins: Michele Smith-Jones and Dawn Williams; loving caregiver Karen Lawrence; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Otis Percelle Powell's life was one of devotion, service, and love leaving a legacy of faith, leadership, and community that will be remembered and cherished by all whose lives he touched.

"After the choir has closed their hymnals for the last time, after the deacons have prayed their last prayer, after the final sermon has been preached." Well done, Otis! Thou good and faithful servant!"