Our beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Evelyn Dobson Powell, passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on Saturday, February 1, 2025. A lifelong resident of City View, Evelyn dedicated over 40 years to her community, where she was known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering support for those she loved.
Evelyn had a distinguished career at Wells Fargo (Wachovia), retiring as Assistant Vice President of Wealth Management after 30 years of service. She took great pride in her work, but even more in the ways it allowed her to help and support others. A lifelong lover of books, Evelyn was an avid reader who enjoyed frequenting local libraries in Winston-Salem, where she found both joy and comfort in the written word.
Evelyn was also a devoted "fur baby" mother, adored by her pets—Bernie, Bernice, and Nosie, who returned her love in abundance. She took great pride in her Dobson lineage and was a passionate supporter of higher education. Evelyn worked tirelessly to provide financial support to numerous family members, enabling them to pursue their dreams and create brighter futures.
Family was at the heart of Evelyn's world. She cherished the time spent with her loved ones, whether over the phone or gathered together for holidays. Evelyn's love for her family was boundless, and she dedicated herself to ensuring that each of them had the opportunity to thrive.
She was predeceased by her parents, Gilbert Dobson (2007) and Peggy W. Spencer (2011), as well as her beloved grandmother, Mamie Wilson (1985), with whom she shared a special bond. She was also preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ervin Dobson (1985) and Janie Dobson (1986), who she loved dearly. Evelyn was deeply affected by the early loss of her sister, Tina G. Dobson, who passed away at the age of 21 due to leukemia. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Mandell R. Dobson Sr. (2021), whom she helped raise as her own, and Richard "Punchie" Campbell Jr. (1996), as well as her maternal figure and supervisor at Wells Fargo, Elaine Addison.
Evelyn leaves behind her cherished daughter, Kadetta Miller (Sterling), and her granddaughter, Aliya Faith Miller, both of Winston-Salem. She is also mourned by her stepdaughter, Katherine Crowder, and her stepson, David "Ken" Powell. Her siblings, Robin Macklin of Winston-Salem and Jerry "Tom" Dobson (Patricia) of Albany, GA, will forever hold her memory close, as will her sisters-in-law, Mary Dobson and Betty "BJ" Jeffers of Winston-Salem, and Gwendolyn "Gwen" Dobson of Albany, GA. She is also survived by her stepmother, Mary Dobson. Evelyn's paternal siblings, Anita Muhammad (Sudan), Gilbert Wright, and Joseph Wright (Lillian), all of Philadelphia, PA, will miss her deeply.
Evelyn's circle of loved ones extends to lifelong friend Jean Shoaf and best friend Margaret Thomas, as well as her trusted doctor of over 30 years, Dr. Uma Thortakura. She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews scattered across the United States, each of whom will carry her memory in their hearts. Evelyn's legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering support will continue to inspire all who knew her. A memorial service will be held Saturday February 8, 2025, at 11:00 am from Douthit's. There will be no public viewing. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.