Josephine Griffin 'Jo' Powell

Josephine (Jo) Griffin Powell, age 93, of Salem, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 12, 2015 in Salem. She was born on March 29, 1922, in Rocky Mount, N.C., the daughter of George and Daisy Griffin. She and her late husband of 63 years, Lawrence, moved to Salem in 1953 to help establish Powell Pharmacy, a staple on Main Street for many years. They joined Salem Baptist Church, where Jo remained a member until her passing. She cherished her friends from her Sunday school class, bridge club and garden club, as well as other Salem and North Carolina friends of many years. Jo loved to attend family reunions in Rocky Mount, N.C. and enjoyed the many family trips to Myrtle Beach. Jo built her life around her family, and always welcomed them to a home full of love and good food. She especially enjoyed the Christmas season when all the grandchildren would visit. While not as active in the last few years, and unable to get out much, she still knew her way around North Salem, enjoying rides to reminisce about places that she and her friends had lived. She also loved talking about her time with the office girls at the Rocky Mount Mills where she worked in the 1940s and early 1950s. In addition to her husband Lawrence, Jo was also predeceased by brothers, Arthur Lee Griffin, Billy Griffin, George Griffin, and Elbert Griffin; and sisters, Betty Stallings and Ester Bobbitt. She is survived by her son, Jeff Powell and his wife, Debby, of Salem; daughters, Ellen Niday and husband, Gary, of Salem, and Mary Jo Sawyer and husband, Jeff, of Midlothian; six grandchildren, Kimberly Powell Lloyd and husband, Patrick, of Richmond, Andy Powell and wife, Mackenzie, of Hurlburt Field, Fla., Tracey Niday of Salem, Josh Niday and wife, Mandy, of Roanoke, and Alexander and Nick Sawyer of Midlothian. Jo was a proud great-grandmother to AJ and Luke Powell, Ben Niday, and Cannon Lloyd. Jo is also survived by her brother, Ben Griffin and his wife Peggy, of Gastonia, N.C.; along with many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for the help she received from her home health care professionals for the last several years, especially Antoinette Hunter, who continued care during her stay at Richfield. A service for Jo will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem with the Rev. Everett Kier officiating. A period of visitation will take place one hour prior. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Powell family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.First Visitation

Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Chapel

305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153

Service Information

Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 2:00pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Chapel

305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153

Interment Location

Sherwood Memorial Park

1250 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153