Rebecca “Becky” H. Powell, 95, of Newport News, VA, passed away on October 6, 2023. She was born on February 20, 1928 in Beaufort County, NC. She moved to Newport News in 1951 where she met and married her first husband, Maurice Hawley. He passed away in 1980 following a battle with cancer. She met Lacy Powell through church friends and they were married in June of 1986. They were happily married for 24 years until his death in May of 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Mary Hughes; sisters Frances Price, Eugenia Leggett (her twin), Lelia Walston, Virginia Skinner, Katie Webb and Mildred Edwards; brothers Willie Ralph Hughes and Robert Hughes and stepdaughter Linda Armstrong.
She is survived by stepson Wayne Powell (Judy), stepson Stafford Armstrong, grandsons Michael Powell and Brian Combs (Marcy), niece Phyllis Flye (Wayne), nephew Ray Price (Susan), Diane Conner (Grey) and her cherished friend Pat Terry.
She was a member of Denbigh United Presbyterian Church for many years and enjoyed being a part of the Ladies Circle and helping with the Church Clothes Closet. Her hobbies included gardening and cooking and she especially enjoyed decorating her home for Christmas. Prior to retiring in 1986, she owned a beauty salon. She lived an active, independent life until Thanksgiving of 2020.
A celebration of her life will be held at Denbigh United Presbyterian Church, 302 Denbigh Blvd, Newport News, VA on Friday, October 27 th with visitation from 11:00–12:00 and a funeral service at 1:00 pm. A graveside service will be held at Peninsula Memorial Park following the celebration. Donations may be made to Denbigh United Presbyterian Church.