Dorothy Jane Johnson Powers, age 82, of Lumberton, NC, died November 7, 2023, at Wesley Pines Retirement Center. She was born September 14, 1941, to the late Marvin Johnson and the late Mildred Arnette Johnson.

Along with her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, James P. Powers; her son, Nigel Powers; her infant children:  Marvin Bhrett, Gidget Renee, and Stephen Reid; and her brother, Robert Johnson.

She is survived by her daughter, Dedra Stilley of Goldsboro, NC; two grandsons: CJ Stilley and James Stilley of Jay, OK; her brother, Michael (Brenda) Johnson of Hope Mills, NC; her sister-in-law, Julia Johnson of Lake View, SC; her nephews: Alan (Shana) Johnson, Lee (Rhonda) Johnson, and Brian (Emily) Johnson; her niece, Michele (Kevin) Johnson; and eight great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dorothy and James were married and moved to Robeson County in 1960. She was an active member and served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Lumberton, NC. She helped create the Robeson County Special Olympics for her own son and many other special needs children.  She was instrumental in finding resources for special education classes across the state of North Carolina.

Dorothy helped to organize the Friends of Jesus Sunday School Class for special needs adults at First Baptist Church Lumberton and worked as a consultant with the North Carolina Baptist State Convention in developing ministries to special needs persons across North Carolina.  She also served with the Association for Retarded Citizens and with United Way in Robeson County.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Wesley Pines Retirement Center and Gentiva Hospice of Lumberton for their loving and compassionate care.

The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 10:00-11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 606 N. Walnut Street in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM with Rev. Michael Johnson, Rev. Brian Johnson, and Rev. Josh Owens officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Jesus Sunday School Class, c/o First Baptist Church, 606 N. Walnut Street, Lumberton, NC 28358, or to Robeson County Special Olympics, c/o Special Olympics North Carolina, 2200 Gateway Centre Blvd., Suite 201, Morrisville, NC 27560.