Elizabeth "Betsy" Powell

Elizabeth “Betsy” Anne Carroll Powell, 90, passed peacefully with loved ones on May 1, 2026. 

Betsy was born in Greensboro, NC on November 18, 1935, to the late Reverend James Elwood Carroll, a Methodist minister, and Elizabeth “Betty” Claire Shoenfelt Carroll. Growing up in various church parsonages across Greensboro, Leaksville, Winston-Salem, Wadesboro, Hickory, and Statesville, her roots in faith were established early alongside her younger sister, Barbara Jean Carroll. 

On July 11, 1959, Betsy married the love of her life, John Young Powell, at Grace United Methodist Church in Greensboro, in a ceremony officiated by her father. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage spanning 65 years. 

Betsy graduated from Hickory High School before earning her undergraduate degree from Greensboro College. Driven by a passion for teaching, she later completed her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. 

Betsy’s profound love for God and devotion to service shaped a deeply rewarding life. She channeled her gifts into educating young minds, both in public schools and through the pre-school programs of the Methodist church. 

An active and dedicated church member, Betsy faithfully gave of her time, talents, and tithes. She spent decades singing in church choirs every Sunday, which she loved. During her time at St. Stephen’s UMC in Charlotte, NC, she especially cherished playing in the bell choir. Her passion for outreach shone brightest through the United Methodist Women of Faith. Notably, while living in Greenville, NC, following devastating hurricane floods in Eastern NC, Betsy worked tirelessly for months to help displaced families secure shelter, emergency funds, and insurance relief. Her family fondly remembers her habit of collecting hotel toiletries from close friends & family to be added in UMC Women of Faith care packages for temporary evacuation shelters. 

Above all, Betsy dearly loved her family. She is survived by her daughter, Eleanor Elizabeth Powell Thompson, her daughter Mary Stephanie Powell Devereux and husband, James (Jay) Lawrence Devereux II of Charlotte, NC; grandson, James Lawrence Devereux III of Raleigh, NC; and her nieces and nephews, Julie Adams Turner, Beverly Adams McCall, Andrew (Drew) Powell Adams, and David Elton Adams. 

Special appreciation is given to the staff at Twin Lakes for enriching John's and her life while living here. They have been a special blessing to them. Please send memorials to First United Methodist Church of Elon's Women of Faith OR Twin Lakes' Staff Scholarships.