Gwendolyn Odell Baird Powell

Gwendolyn Odell Baird Powell, 88 of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Wednesday December 3, 2025. Gwendolyn was born on April 24, 1937, in Halifax County. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Lee Powell Jr., parents Richard Sims and Odie Rook Baird, her brothers Graham, Bill, Buck, Ronald, and Leon, sisters Evelyn Turner, Lucy Holloman and Jane Andleton.

She is survived by her son Robert L. Powell III (Tina), daughters Debra P. Pittman (John), Iris P. Kinnin (Paul), Nina P. Swink (David), grandchildren Paul Kinnin III, Lee Powell (Amanda), Joshua Powell (Ashley), JC Pittman (Kayla), Stephine Harrell, Kimberly Canady (Jeremy), Lauren Bright (Ben), Jacob Swink (Elizabeth), great grandchildren Sadie Pittman, Colt Pittman, Emerson Powell, Jason Powell, Everly Powell, Ethan Powell, Ellington Powell, Savanna Kinnin, Jackson Harrell, Natalie Canady, Nolan Canady, Nyla Canady, Carter Bright, Marleigh Bright, Noah Swink, sister Mary Daughtry, sisters-in-law Erma Hux, Judy Smith, Ann Draper, brother-in-law William Powell (Lynn) and numerous nephews and nieces.

Gwen affectionally known as “Granny” loved cooking (especially her chocolate cake), sewing, travelling, collecting Imperial Cape Cod glassware which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She dearly loved God and her family with all her heart. Gwen was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church and was an active member of Smith Methodist Church where she served in many capacities.

The family will receive friends and family on Sunday December 7, 2025, from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at Smith Methodist Church and will receive friends at Gwen’s house at various times. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 3:00pm with Reverand Stan Lewis, with the interment following the service in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Gwen’s memory to Smith Methodist Church (PO box 39 Roanoke Rapids, NC) or Calvary Baptist Church (PO box 383 Roanoke Rapids, NC).

Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Services is handling arrangements for the Powell family. Family and friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com.