Paula C. Powell, age 86, of Frankford, Delaware, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in the comfort of her home.

Paula was born in Berlin, Maryland, on February 17, 1939, the daughter of the late Herman "Jake" David Cropper and Pauline V. (Lynch) Cropper. She was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, Class of 1957.

Paula worked as a medical technician at Dr. McFadden's office in Selbyville before joining her husband, Donald, in the poultry side of the family farming business.

She was a longtime Sunday School teacher at St. George's United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Delaware. After later joining Friendship Church in Berlin, Maryland, she quickly found comfort within the congregation and became a member of the choir. Paula was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Paula and Donald shared many wonderful years together traveling, especially enjoying time spent at their home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

In addition to her parents, Paula was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald A. Powell, on October 21, 2025; her daughter, Andrea Powell Harrison, in 2010; her granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Baker, in 2001; her brother, Bill Cropper; and her sisters, Norma Lee Hudson and Jean Hudson.

She is survived by her two sons, Rexford T. Powell and his wife, Suzette, and James Randy Powell and his wife, Judy; five grandchildren, Bethany Powell Jones and her husband, Jordan, James R. Powell, Jr., Jodie E. Powell, Trevor Grady Harrison, and Gregory Tucker Harrison; six great-grandchildren, Isabella Grace Jones, Alexandra Dupre Jones, Ariella Skye Jones, Adalynn Brooke Jones, Ashton Gabriel Jones, and Maverick James Powell; and several nieces and nephews.

The Powell family would also like to thank the caregivers for the care and compassion that was provided to Paula throughout her illness.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View, Delaware 19970, where a funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Mariner's Bethel Cemetery, Ocean View, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Paula's name to Friendship Church, 10537 Friendship Road, Berlin, Maryland 21811.