“Velva Dew” Wine Powell, 92, of Fredericksburg completed her race on Sunday, August 7, 2022, as she embraced the fullness of our Lord Jesus. Velva was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend who was fully dedicated to sharing the Gospel; we celebrate her victory.
Velva was the eleventh of twelve children born to the late Keith and Lillie Wine of Stafford County. Growing up in the wooded "Terrapin Thickets," she had a revelation of Jesus’ love at a very young age which began her life-long journey with Him. Blessed with a beautiful voice and musical talents, she taught herself to read and play music on an old pump organ. She began sharing her gifts at Hulls Memorial Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher and the children’s choir director.
She graduated from Falmouth High School in 1947 and worked at Woolworth Department Store. From there she joined Montgomery Ward as a bookkeeper and secretary. In 1950, she joined the civil service workforce at the Naval Hospital in Quantico, Virginia.
Velva prayed every day and let God know what she really wanted in her husband. Her prayers were answered when she met and married Wally Powell, the love of her life. As they began building their first home together, she partnered her bookkeeping skills with his weekend handy-man business (plumbing, electric, and "jack-of-all-trades") which eventually led to their lifetime family business, Powell Electric & Maintenance.
As everyone knew, Velva wanted a big family and as hers grew, she opened her home and shared her love and hospitality with their many friends.
Of special note was her continuing education, when she graduated in 1985 from the Word of Faith Bible School in Dallas, Texas. Her program was provided via satellite at Living Word Fellowship in Fredericksburg. Velva also audited two computer courses in 1998-99 at Germanna Community College, where she became the “star granny” of each class. Her sweet personality, generous heart, and God-given talents always presented her with opportunities to share the love of Jesus, most recently with New Life Outreach International Church.
She is survived by her children, Teresa, David, Timothy (Deborah), Joan, Ellen, and Carolyn Powell Godfrey; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Lewis Wallace "Wally" Powell; her son, Stephen Edward Powell; and two grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the funeral home chapel with Pastor David Hirsch officiating. Interment will follow at 12 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Due to medical conditions, masks must be properly worn in the building during these events. We are also asking for a fragrance-free environment (please do not wear perfume, cologne, scented lotion, etc.), so that we can avoid possible severe allergic reactions. However, flowers are welcome.