Wayne Douglas Powers

1950 - 2025

After many years of declining health, Wayne Douglas Powers, with family with him, joined the angels of his family and friends on March 20, 2025, at the Hock Family Pavilion of Duke Medical Center's Hospice Facility in Durham, North Carolina.

Wayne was born in Lumberton, North Carolina, on July 29, 1950. His parents were W.S. Powers and Daphne Winstead Powers, both deceased.

Wayne was a graduate of Lumberton High School. He attended Robeson County Technical Institute before transferring and graduating from Methodist College (University). He received his Master's Degree from The University of North Texas in Denton, TX in Long-Term Care Administration in 1984. He served in various Administrator positions with The United Methodist Church's Long-Term Facilities in Durham and in Lumberton. There were also nursing homes in the Piedmont of NC who were blessed to have his expertise and care. For the last years of his professional life, he was CEO and VP of a Nursing and Health Care Services Business in Durham. He loved his work. He considered his profession his ministry and loved making sure the elderly people in his facilities and home care programs had great care.

Wayne met the love of his life in Durham. His wife, Jane Umstead, predeceased him in 2020. Before they were married, they purchased a cabin with acreage outside of West Jefferson, NC. It was very much their "Happy Place." As Wayne would say, "It's the only place Jane wanted to go." They both loved their home there and spent all their extra time on their mountain.

Wayne is survived by sister, Brenda Powers Walker, of Franklin, NC and sister, Wanda (Kenny) Beatty, of Raleigh, NC. Very special nieces, niece-in-law; nephews and nephew-in-laws and their children also survive: Johelen Walker; Ben Courliss; Abby, and Nat, of Durham; Kimberly Walker, Phil Schmoll, Maddie and Edward, of West Orange, NJ. Ashley and Russell Campbell, Henry and Caroline, of Raleigh and Spence and Kelly Huffstetler, Elizabeth and Lily Kate, of Wake Forest. Mary Umstead of Durham. He is also survived by his uncle and many, many cousins in many places.

After Jane's death, Wayne came to live with his sister, Brenda. It was a special time for both of them.

The Reverend Dennis Shepherd will officiate at Wayne's services. Wayne and Dennis have been best friends for 50 years, when they became roommates in college. They will miss each other until they meet again.

Wayne's Memorial Services will be Saturday, April 5, at Pleasant Green United Methodist Church, where he was a member. The family will receive friends from 3:30-4 p.m. at the church with the service at 4. Internment will follow in the church cemetery. Wayne was a member of University Masonic Lodge of Chapel Hill and will receive their Final Rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Green United Methodist Church, 3005 Pleasant Green Road, Durham, NC 27705

or to the charity of one's choice.