Margaret O. Powell, 93

April 16, 1927 - April 12, 2021

Margaret O. Powell, of Lititz, passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 12, 2021. Born in Nezperce, Idaho, she was the daughter of the late Trevor Orton and Ruth Smith Orton Skinnell, and the wife of the late Carl B. Powell.

Margaret graduated from Chambersburg High School in 1945, and from Columbia Bible College (SC) in 1951. She served in the Nurses’ Aide Corps of the American National Red Cross, Franklin County (PA) Chapter during the final months of World War 2 during her senior year of high school. Following her college graduation, she taught Bible in the public school in West Virginia, and later taught first grade in schools in New Jersey and South Carolina. She also taught in Taipei, Taiwan at the Bethany Christian School (1987-1988) and assisted staff with professional development at the Mukti English Medium School near Pune, India (2003-2004). She is remembered for her proficiency in assisting diverse young students with literacy and reading skills, and for making learning fun.

An active volunteer, Margaret served for a decade as the “Village Mom” to countless married couples and their families during the time of their studies at Columbia International University, mentoring women, hosting groups, and practically assisting young families, especially as parents were engaged in intensive higher education. She is fondly remembered by many who benefited from her care.

Margaret was an active member of her church in every place that she lived, most recently at Surfside Presbyterian Church (Surfside Beach, SC), and the Brethren Village Chapel. She retained a positive spirit and a disciplined study of Scripture throughout her life. She developed a ministry of women to women, and actively influenced a vital women’s prayer ministry in her time attending Surfside Presbyterian Church (1996-2012).

She will be missed by her daughter, Deb (Larry) Solomon of Berwyn. Illinois, son Scott (Leslie) Powell of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, and by many friends and relatives of her extended family. Margaret was predeceased by her daughter, Keigh Coberly, and by a granddaughter, Aimee Powell.

A service in celebration Margaret’s life will be convened on May 14 at 10:30 AM at the Brethren Village Chapel with Rev. Dana Statler presiding. Seating is limited to family members and invited guests, but all are invited to attend virtually as this service will be streamed.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Margaret’s honor may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund of Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543.