Honoring the Life of Janie Sue Powell

Answering the Master’s call, Janie Sue Powell peacefully departed this life surrounded by love ones on August 9, 2026 in Suffolk, Virginia after a long illness. Born on December 7, 1941, to Richard and Susanna Edwards in Northhampton County, NC.

She was preceded in death by husband Luther Powell, son Milton Earl Powell, parents Richard and Susanna Edwards, five brothers: John, Richard, James, Gurney and Eldridge, two sisters Linda and Lucille.

Janie embraced faith early, becoming a member of Allen Chapel AME Church. She attended Jackson Elementary School and W.S. Creecy School in North Carolina.

In 1963, Janie and Luther Powell were joined in holy matrimony. Two wonderful children were born: Eartha Melissa Cornelius (Lisa) and Milton Earl Powell. They made Portsmouth Va. their home. Janie’s work ethic was exemplary; she began her career at Earle’s Market in Portsmouth for many years and was known for her warm, engaging personality. She later worked at 7-11 and after more than a decade, continued her dedication at Portsmouth City Public School as a Custodian for 9 years until her retirement in 1999 due to declining health.

Janie’s strong work ethic, professionalism, and genuine love for people made her a valuable employee and friend. She could turn strangers into friends, taking the time to listen with her welcoming spirit. Janie cherished her family deeply, always happy, upbeat, and bringing a positive outlook to life. Her famous fried chicken, cornbread, and banana pudding were loved by all, and she was an avid basketball fan, especially cheering for the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC).

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter Eartha Melissa Cornelius; two grandchildren, Terrence Antonio Bryant and Ashley Monquie Cornelius; two great-grandchildren, Khamani Terell Holloway, of Suffolk, VA, and Kayla Ariele Oglesby, Chesapeake, VA; one sister, Dianne V. Murdock, Hampton, VA; one brother, Vaughan Marshall Edwards, Newport News, VA; son in law, Gary Cornelius, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-laws, and friends.

Special thanks are extended to Doris Bishop for being not only a sister-in-law but also a dear friend, Trina Janifer and Lillian Watkins because of their love, dedication, care and friendship they became family. Janie will be deeply missed; she was someone everyone loved being around. Many of her grandchildren’s friends considered her their grandma, touched by her kindness and honesty.

The comfort of knowing she is now free from pain and resting in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brings peace to all who loved her. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 3009 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.  A Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday.   

Please keep the family in thoughts and prayers. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.