Betty "Gail" Powell's Obituary
Betty Gail Powell (Finnefrock), wife of late Richard Powell died peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends on October 28th, 2018. Gail was known by so many as a giving, loving, and courageous mother to Kenneth Powell and Linda (Anthony) Pezzella; grandmother to Christopher (Kari) Powell, Anthony (Julia) Pezzella, Alyssa (Ian) Ehrgood, and Amanda (Bill) Monks; and great-grandmother to Dominic, Cameron, and Lauren.
Born February 6, 1934 in Manatee County, Florida as Carrie Ophelia Brown into a family of 9, she was given up to an orphanage when her mother, Myrtie, died during childbirth of her youngest sibling. She was in several foster homes before safely finding a home at the age of 7 with Marquerite and Art Finnefrock in Jacksonville, Florida. During her teenage years her family moved up North where she met her lifelong partner of over 59 years, Richard. Raising 2 children, commitment to her marriage and family were her first priority. After over 10 years of searching records, her oldest brother W.R. Brown finally was able to locate her and sent her a letter in the late 1970’s. From that point, she spent every year traveling to Ft. Myers Beach, Florida to celebrate their family’s reunion. Betty Gail is survived by her brother Johnny Brown; and the late W.R. Brown, Russell Brown, Edith Durrance, Irving Brown and Nancy Hastings.
Gail loved bowling, so much so that she made it her career working at Maple Bowl for many years. She never turned down a trip to the casinos. Although never winning the big jackpot, she would always say she just loved the excitement and atmosphere. She gathered family together for many holiday dinners, would look forward to parties and life celebrations, and would always walk in with a delicious homemade treat!
People who knew her closely saw her incredible kindness, bravery, and amazing strength through hard times. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, summers down the shore, and dinners and outings with her son. It would be remiss to not mention her companion “Lucky”, her cat, who she would hang out with daily watching the Hallmark Channel. Gail will be missed dearly by her family and many close friends, but she will know that her love, generosity, and kindness has poured onto so many others, that her spirit will continue to be alive and well in all those who were fortunate to be a part of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees, NJ. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, November 3rd at Givnish of Maple Shade, 600 E. Main St. from 9-11am with a service beginning at 11am. Burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken.
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