Dorothy Powell

Dorothy Powell's life began on June 3, 1944, in Gainesville, Alabama, and she went home to her Lord on October 6, 2025. She confessed her faith in Jesus Christ at New Bethel Baptist Church in Gainesville, AL at an early age. She later moved to Bessemer, AL before migrating to Hartford, Connecticut in 1965 to live with her close cousins, Thelma and Lucille Macon. In Hartford, Dorothy met the love of her life, Joseph C. Powell. They married in 1966 and celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this year. Together, they sacrificed much to provide their two children, Malcolm and Stacy, with better opportunities than they had. To know Dorothy was to love her. She was known for being faithful, diligent, dependable, and hard-working in every task she undertook. Her professional life began at G. Fox & Company in Hartford, where she worked both as an associate and in the beauty salon. Later, Dorothy contributed her skills at United Technologies in East Hartford, CT and enjoyed collaborating with engineers on special parts and working in the shipping department. Her passion for learning led her to take college courses at Greater Hartford Community College. She eventually retired from the registrar's office at the University of Connecticut in West Hartford after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Alongside her long-time sister-friend Carolyn Butler, Dorothy was an informal counselor to countless students, offering guidance and support. She joined the First Baptist Church in Hartford, now The First Cathedral, where she served in hospitality and prepared food with other sisters who cooked for the church. She enjoyed ministering with her brother-in-law, Rev. Granthan, doing community outreach. She had a spicy personality and speaking of food, Dorothy could make a mean mac-n-cheese, potato salad, cornbread dressing, and was known for her sweet potato pies, loved by all as soon as they came out of the oven. As a matriarch, Dorothy's unwavering support and warmth touched everyone around her. She found treasures with family and friends at estate sales and furnished apartments of those starting out with fabulous finds. If she knew of a need, she would do what she could to provide it, and not just fill it with anything, but with quality items she would like. She and Joseph were regular patrons of nearly every restaurant in the Hartford area, making lasting memories together. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Dorothy was a village mom and grandmom to those in need. She often said, "Just as sure as my name is what it is, I won't steer you wrong." She was affectionately called Mama by her beloved grandson, Xavier, and was known among his friends for showing up time and time again at his baseball games. Dorothy was predeceased by her mother, Sallie Lewis; brother and wife, Samuel and Lula M. Lewis; uncle, Bob Lewis; aunt, Mamie Ellignton; brother-in-law, Isaac Hatcher; and devoted sister-friend Carolyn Butler. She leaves behind many to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Joseph C. Powell, who held her hand through it all; devoted son, Malcolm Powell and his wife Mary of Bloomfield, CT; her loving daughter and friend, Stacy M. Powell, of Nashville, TN; her beloved grandson, Xavier Powell, of Myrtle Beach, SC; sister, Ella Mae Hatcher of Bessemer, AL; brother, Thomas Lewis and Antoinette of Gainesville, AL; brother, Howard Johnson, of Mobile, AL; Phylicia and Carl Mickens of CA; Nycole and Joshua Hartfield of Bloomfield, CT; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family. Some of us know her as Dot, Dottie, Mommy, Mama, Auntie, Sister, and Mrs. Powell, but all who love her feel the void that we can fill with cherished memories of her life and continuing her legacy of love and generosity. Her family will receive friends on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 10:00 am-11:00 am with the Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am at The First Cathedral, 1151 Blue Hills Ave. Bloomfield, CT. Burial to follow at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy, please visit our floral store.