Cordelia Knox Powell

Mrs. Cordelia Lavinia Knox Powell, the youngest of seven children, was born on September 17, 1921, in Emporia, Virginia (Greenville County) to the late Moses H. Knox Sr. and Lavinia Jackson Knox. She peacefully departed this life at her home in Boydton, Virginia, on October 30, 2025, at the blessed age of 104.

Cordelia received her early education at Greenville County Training School, where she developed a lifelong love for learning. She went on to attend Virginia State College for Negroes, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education, and later obtained her Master of Science in Home Economics from Virginia State College.

She dedicated her professional life to education and service, beginning her career as a teacher. She taught home economics for 17 years before becoming the State School Food Supervisor for the Southeast District of Virginia. After retirement Mrs. Powell served on the Mecklenburg County School Board and joined the graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Cordelia was known for her warmth, hospitality, and creativity. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, entertaining, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling, visiting Haiti, Hawaii, Alaska and Nova Scotia.

A devoted Christian woman, Cordelia was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church in Clarksville, Virginia for 14 years. After moving to Boydton, she transferred her membership to Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Boydton, Virginia, where she served with love and grace.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Victor R. Powell; her sisters, Geneva Knox Watson and Raphael Knox Reese; and her brothers, Moses Knox, John Knox, Russell Knox and Moses H Knox Jr.

Cordelia leaves to cherish her memory two devoted sons: Robert F. Powell of Boydton, Virginia, and Michael Powell-Saafir of Durham, North Carolina; seven loving grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, several adopted mature sons and friends who will forever treasure her life and legacy.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Virginia State University, Office of Institutional Advancement P.O. Box 9027. Va. State Univ., 23806. Designation of funds to Victor R. and Cordelia K. Powell Endowed Scholarship Fund.