Zora Bernice (Drye) Powers

Zora Powers, also known as Bernice Powers, age 81, of Rockwell, North Carolina transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023, in the care of The Tucker Hospice House with her family by her side.

Bernice was born on April 13th, 1942, in Concord, N.C. to Lee Roy Drye and Lillie Viola Burris. She was the eleventh child out of thirteen children and the last living of her siblings. She graduated High School in Cabarrus County and married the love of her life on December 7th, 1961. Bernice will always be remembered as the loving, caring person that she was. She spent her life as a dedicated Christian, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Genesis Baptist Church and spent many years volunteering during Vacation Bible School as well as other events. In her earlier years, Bernice worked at Cannon mills, in both plant one and six for many years. She enjoyed playing softball for the Cannon Mill sheet department. As she aged, she became an in-home babysitter. Her love for children grew over the years as she taught, took care of, and helped her community. In her later years, she continued her hobby of canning food from her garden and developed a love for coloring.

Those left to cherish her memory include three of her children. Danny and wife Maureen Powers of Concord. Roger Powers of Belmont and Nona Powers of Rockwell.  Three grandchildren, Brooke Urena of Concord, Corey Powers of North Charlotte, and Zora Powers of Rockwell as well as three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first born, Kenneth Ronald Powers and her husband of 61 years, Kenneth McCoy Powers.

A celebration of Bernice’s life will be held at Whitley’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 27th. The viewing will be at 11:00am, with the service following at 12:00PM. Graveside services will also be held at Phaniels Church Cemetery. In addition to flowers that can be sent to Whitley’s funeral home, the family would also appreciate personalized colored pictures to remember her by. ­­