Darlene Powell, 66, of Buena Vista, GA, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the home of her niece in Tazewell, GA.

Darlene was born in Buena Vista, GA, on December 29, 1959, to Arthur Averett Powell, Sr. and Nannie Mae Wells Powell. She worked for Bill Heard Chevrolet for over 25 years and later as the office manager at the Medical Center before her retirement. Darlene loved the beach and savored any opportunity to visit and soak up the sun. In her younger years, she enjoyed hanging out with her big brother, Arthur. She adored her family and doted on her great and great-great nieces and nephews and was affectionately called "Aunt D" and "Maw." In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Thelma Bunch, Fannie Benford, and Martha Austin, and her brothers-in-law, Don Bunch and Charles B. Austin, Jr.

She is survived by her brother, Arthur Powell of Buena Vista, GA; her brother-in-law, Tony Benford of Buena Vista, GA; a step-daughter, Caesi Fryer Williamson of Navarre, FL; nieces Paige Mock (Thomas) and Denise Studdard (Eric); nephews, Scott Benford, David Benford (Catherine), Michael Austin, Payton Powell (Penny), and Patrick Powell (Tina); great-nieces, Brittany (Ken), Mindy (Hunter), Madison (Connor); great-nephews, Alex Powell (Sierra), Alex Benford, Adam (Julia), Chase (Kayla), Cody (Emma), and Brodie (Brianna); great-great nieces, Luna, Kayleigh, Aubree, Raeleigh, Adalin, Avery, and Lizzie; and great-great nephews, Weston, Carson, and Colten.

Services for the Powell Family have been under the care and direction of Way-Watson Funeral Home.