Dorothy "Dot" Armstrong Powell

Dorothy "Dot" Armstrong Powell, affectionately known as Ms. Dot, passed away on November 21, 2023, at Atrium Health - CMC, Main - Charlotte in North Carolina. Surrounded by her devoted and loving family, Dot's peaceful departure marked the end of a life filled with love, laughter, and service to others.
Dot was born on July 8, 1931, in Gaston County, North Carolina. Her mother tragically passed away when she was only three years old. Alongside her older sisters Helen, Dora, and Frances, Dot's father raised them with unwavering love and care. Together, they formed an unbreakable bond that lasted throughout their lives.
Although Dot faced hardships early on in life, her determination and resilience shone through. In the tenth grade, she had to drop out of school to take care of her ailing father. However, after his passing, she returned to complete her education and graduated in 1950. Dot embarked on a career marked by dedication and commitment to serving others. She worked at Southern Life Insurance for many years before finding fulfillment as an Executive at the Gaston Gazette for over two decades. Throughout those years and beyond, she touched countless lives while working in the school system for twelve years. Towards the end of her career journey, Dot spent close to ten years at Cracker Barrel where she continued to make a positive impact on those she encountered. Known for her love of people and her genuine desire to serve the community, Dot's warm smile brightened the lives of many.  Outside of her professional endeavors, Dot had a vibrant personality and diverse interests. She found joy in laughter, cooking delicious meals for loved ones, and creating beautiful things with her own hands. Her specialty was making pies that were cherished by all who tasted them. Dot also found immense happiness in hosting her church groups for meetings and treating them to her delicious pie creations. Dot was a member of Flint Groves Baptist Church since she was 13 years old. She served on many different committees. Dot often had church gatherings in her home, making and serving her wonderful pies. Dot's proudest accomplishments were rooted in the connections she formed with others. She possessed a remarkable ability to build strong relationships, never meeting a stranger. Her infectious laughter, warm spirit, and zest for life made her a beloved figure in the lives of family, friends, and acquaintances alike Dot will be greatly missed by her surviving family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Powell Lewis, and her husband Mike; her son, Timothy Lee Powell, and his wife Penny; wonderful and loving grandchildren Bryce and Elaine Powell, Blake and Kendall Powell, Adam Powell, Michael and Haley Lewis, Mindy and Jordan Brown; great-grandchildren Trevor Hunter, Dakota Brown, Kaleigh and Kaden Lewis, Curtis and Wesley Voll, Sawyer, Vivian and Addie Powell. Dot is also survived by her sister-in-law Margo Lyles and brother-in-law Thad Powell along with his wife Barbara. Additionally, she leaves behind numerous beloved nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart. Preceding Dot in death are her parents Robert Lee Armstrong and Avie Mae Belle Price Armstrong. She was also preceded by the love of her life and cherished husband of almost 52 wonderful years, Ted A Powell. Dot mourned the loss of her siblings too: Robert Lee Armstrong Jr., Dora Beauchamp, Frances Coleman, Joe Armstrong, Mack Armstrong, Paul Armstrong, Elizabeth Kerr, and Helen Tysen. A celebration of Dot's beautiful life will take place at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 3 at Flint Groves Baptist Church with Reverend Ronnie Bowers officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 2:45 p.m., Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Flint Groves Baptist Church located at 2017 E Ozark Ave, Gastonia North Carolina. Dot will be laid to rest with utmost respect and love during an Interment ceremony to follow the service at Lutheran Chapel Church Cemetery, 702 N New Hope Rd, Gastonia, North Carolina, beside her husband Ted. Dot's legacy lives on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched. Her warm presence, selflessness, and unwavering love will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends. It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to an extraordinary woman who brought joy into the world. May her soul find eternal peace, knowing that her kindness and impact will never be forgotten. The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Medical Center Pharmacy staff, Steve and the girls at Kyle Fletcher BBQ and Nancy at Jackson’s Cafeteria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Flint Groves Baptist Church, 2017 East Ozark Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28054. Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com