Delores Powell, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on April 12, 1936, in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was a hardworking, kind, and generous woman whose life was centered on dedication to her family and care for others.

Delores' life was built and marked by steady work and genuine warmth. She worked as a telephone switchboard operator for GTE, retiring in 1994 after years of faithful service. Even in retirement, she continued sharing her friendly spirit with the public as a greeter for Wal-Mart, officially retiring in her mid-eighties. She was known as a giving and friendly person, an organized housekeeper, and someone who approached life with dedication. Above all, she loved her family and grandchildren, and that love was felt deeply by those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Russell G. Powell who knew her as "the most loving wife he could ever ask for"; her daughter, Debra S. Walden (Robert "Michael"); her sons, Robert A. Nelson (Charlene) and Jeffrey A. Nelson (Sheila); her step-son, Andre Powell (Stephanie); her brother, Donald R. Smith (Sharon); and her brother-in-law, John Powell (Carol). She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Chris Heidt, Amber Nelson, Eric Nelson, Brittany Cortez, Jamie Nelson, Cameron Nelson, and Ryan Gill. Her memory will continue through her step-grandchildren, Madeleine Powell, Brook Powell, and Jaydin Ray Powell, and through her niece, Tabitha Jordon and a few cousins. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Delores was preceded in death by her father and mother, Robert Earnest and Daisy Belle Smith, her brother-in-law, Larson Powell and several cousins. 

A funeral service for Delores Powell will be held on September 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes - Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, Florida 33803. A committal service will immediately follow in Oak Hill Burial Park.