Jacqueline Palmer Powell

Mrs. Jacqueline Palmer Powell, 95, of South Boston, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Born February 1, 1931, in Halifax County, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late John Williams Palmer and the late Carrie Ramsey Palmer. She was married for 62 years to the late Leslie W. Powell, Jr.

To know Jackie was to know grace, kindness, and unwavering faith. She was the true embodiment of a Southern lady whose life was marked by quiet strength, genuine hospitality, and a servant’s heart. While her many accomplishments reflected a life well lived, nothing was more important to Jackie than her faith and her family. She loved deeply, gave generously, and found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved. Her home was a place of warmth, hospitality, and unwavering support for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jackie grew up attending Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church. After she and Les were married, the couple began attending First Baptist Church in 1955, where she remained a devoted and faithful member for the rest of her life. Mrs. Powell served her church in numerous capacities over the years. She was among the first women to serve as a deacon, taught Sunday School for many years, and was instrumental in establishing the First Baptist Preschool, helping create a lasting ministry that continues to serve young children and their families today.

Mrs. Powell possessed a remarkable gift for floral design and gardening. She found great joy in cultivating beauty and sharing it with others through her flower arrangements and gardens. She was an active member of the South Boston Garden Club and a devoted volunteer with the South Boston–Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History, where she generously gave of her time in preserving and celebrating the history of the community she dearly loved. An avid golfer, she remained active on the course well into her eighties. She was also an accomplished bridge player who enjoyed the fellowship of numerous local ladies’ bridge clubs and continued playing well into her nineties.

Dedicated to service beyond her church and family, Mrs. Powell was a proud member of the Berryman Green Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, where she faithfully served as Regent. She valued history, community, and preserving the legacy of those who came before her.

She is survived by her three children, Leslie W. Powell III and wife, Paige, of South Boston, Emily Ann Powell of South Boston, and Robert Palmer Powell and wife, Suzie, of South Boston; four grandchildren, Kelly G. Payne and husband, Daniel, of Paces; Leslie W. Powell IV and wife, Candice, of South Boston, Raleigh W. Powell of South Boston, and Holt Powell and wife, Rachel, of South Boston, six great-grandchildren, Ivy Palmer Powell, Jacqueline Paige Powell, Aidan O’Kelly, Luke O’Kelly, Noah M. O’Kelly, and Emma Blalock; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Jackie was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Muriel P. Tune and Betty P. Perry.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Powell Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Bill Boelte and Rev. Thad Decker officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

For memorials, please consider First Baptist Church of South Boston (815 North Main Street South Boston, VA 24592) or South Boston – Halifax County Museum (P.O. Box 383 South Boston, VA 24592)

Jackie’s legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The Powell family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayers, and support shown during this time of loss. Arrangements are lovingly entrusted to her family at Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.