Biographical History Betty Powell, Ph.D., also known as Liz”, and “Betty Mac”, a lifetime resident of Salisbury, died Saturday, September 28, 2013, at her home on the river (which she loved), surrounded by family and loved ones. She was 89. Born, raised and educated in Wicomico county, she moved on to the University of Maryland until the war began, at which time she trained and earned her student solo pilot’s license and became a nurse’s aide to assist in World War II. She received her bachelor’s degree in ancient history from Salisbury State (now University), her Master’s Degree from Notre Dame in Baltimore (now Notre Dame University of Maryland) and her doctorate at the age of 76, from Union Institute in Ohio, majoring in Women’s Studies.
Betty checked off many items on her bucket list adventures, including: world travel, snow skiing, elephant riding in Thailand, riding a camel in Egypt, skydiving at age 78, and hot air ballooning in her 80’s. She was passionate about peace, jazz, literature, family, friends and volunteer services. She was a mentor and example to many people through the way she lived her life, her thoughtful wise advice and her quick wit. Throughout her life, Betty opened her home to numerous people from all walks of life, providing lodging and hospitality. Even at age 88, she still mentored a five-year-old girl.
Recently the Peace Alliance of the Lower Easter Shore honored her with a presentation of a white Khata, symbolizing peace, and affirming her for all her efforts as peacemaker. She worked at Deer’s Head Center in Salisbury as The Volunteer Coordinator for 17 years. She loved her job and made a difference in so many people’s lives.
She and her husband, Bob, founded “Shore Jazz” in 1988, which brought in Jazz greats to the Eastern Shore and it continued through 1992. Then Betty and Debra Welsh revitalized the jazz movement with The River Oak Jazz Block Party 2001-2011, merging local and distant jazz musicians, including the great Keter Betts. Betty was also aseannachai, a story teller in the ancient tradition of seeing deeply into the minds and souls of characters and telling the tale with wit and drama. She authored children’s books, illustrated by her daughter, Robin, which included: “Balderdash”, “Hiccup House”, and “Ba-Voom!” where “Gamma” rules the roost. When campaigning to get a home opened for troubled teens, she wrote “Stone Soup Recipe” to bring an awareness of the need to care for “throwaway kids”. She continued the fight until the “The Room in the Inn” was opened. At age 74, Betty went to Ireland to study peace between Protestants and Catholics. Based on her research in Ireland, she wrote a novel,” My Name Is Moraine” for her dissertation. She was a believer in Conflict Resolution and saw the power of women to change the attitudes of their children toward others who were different than themselves.
Born on August 10, 1924, at Peninsula General Hospital, Betty was the daughter of Sarah Elizabeth Lewis McBriety, and Purnell Jones McBriety. She is survived by William Francis (Bill ) Allen, and the following family members: her children: Jill Brandenburg and her husband Bob, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Robin Stabley, Vero Beach, Florida; Charlie Powell, Marina del Ray, California; John Powell and his wife Dru, Laguna Beach, CA; her grandchildren: Lori Abruzzo, Billy Higgins, John Powell, Bethany Martin, and Keri Thom, and great grandchildren: Brandon Keene, Patrick Abruzzo, Merina Ingram, Lily and Phoebe Thom, and nieces and nephews: Tim Booth, Jeff McBriety, Linda McBriety, Shannon Booth, Eric Booth, and Kathy Pierce Fisher.
In addition to her parents and brothers and sister, she was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 62 years, Robert A. Powell, (Powell Motor Company), her youngest son, William Lewis (Billy), and her grandson, Robert Christian Higgins. Finally, Betty will remembered by her many friends locally, regionally and internationally.
Betty was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church for 66 years, and until recently when she couldn’t attend for health reasons, she was an active participant an incredible Sunday school “Lounge class”.
The Celebration of Life service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church on Camden Ave in Salisbury on Saturday, October 5th at 4:30 PM. A reception will be held in the Mackey Room immediately following the service.
Citation: http://www.obitsforlife.com/obituary/776750/Powell-Betty.php
