Violet Gay Sheets Powell

Violet Gay Sheets Powell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker, passed away peacefully at her home on April 26, 2024. She was born in Wilkes County on February 15, 1928, to the late Clyde Fenton Sheets and Julia Etta Dancy Sheets whose legacy she carried with grace throughout her lifetime. Gay was a woman of strong family values, finding joy and fulfillment in caring for her loved ones. Her dedication as a homemaker was evident in the warmth of her home and the delicious fried apple and pumpkin pies she lovingly baked for her family.

After raising her 7 children, Gay worked alongside her husband at Trio in Hiddenite for many years until they retired together. Gay had a sharp mind exhibited by her passion for crossword puzzles and her skill as a champion speller. Her talent extended to crocheting, where she created beautiful pieces that will serve as lasting mementos of her creativity.

Gay was known for her unwavering faith. She was a dedicated member of East Taylorsville Baptist Church and cherished her time in Steve Lackey’s Sunday school class. Her spiritual strength guided her through life's challenges and inspired all who knew her.

Gay is reunited in heaven with her husband of 55 years, Steve McKinley Powell; her oldest son Keith McKinley Powell; two infant children; son-in-law Charles Vaughn Broyhill Jr., daughter-in-law, Barbara Ann Powell, granddaughter Jessica Amanda Johnson; infant great-grandson Merrick Powell; three sisters Dell Sheets, Cloe Sheets, and Raye Long; as well as three brothers Rex, Ralph, and Wade Sheets.

She is survived by a large and loving family who will carry on her legacy of love and strength. Among those left to honor and cherish her memory are her children, Krystal Broyhill Luper (Dan), Kenneth Powell (Mary), Kevin Powell (Lisa), Kathy Johnson (Matthew), Karen Pearson (Randy), Kellie Ikerd (Wayne), along with 15 Grandchildren, Jason Powell,  Jennifer Powell Brown, Shane Broyhill (Ashli), Holden Broyhill (Katie), David Powell (Kirsten), Derrick Powell (Sabrina), Daniel Powell (Dana), Anna Powell, Heather Anderson (Jeff), Justa Fox (Alex), Jessie Houser (Timmy), Kasey Gwaltney (Caleb), Zack Pearson (India), Craig Ikerd (Claire), Ashleigh Yarbrough (Bryce), and Christopher Ikerd. Thirty-three Great grandchildren: Sarah, Abigail, Caley, Tyler, Kyle, Noah, Emili, Connor, Kellen, Jacob, Josalyn, Riley, Cooper, Samuel, Ava, Aubrey, Madison, Hadleigh, Clay, Holden, Brent, Hudson, Hollyn, Noah, Jonah, Sampson, Asher, Zage, Colt, Case, Jack, Tate, and Piper. Soon to join the family are a great-granddaughter and her first great-great-granddaughter. 

The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm to 4:45 pm Sunday, April 28, 2024, at East Taylorsville Baptist Church in the Sanctuary. The service will follow at 5:00 pm. The graveside service will be Monday, April 29, 2024, at Sheets Cemetery, 4677 Blue Ridge Parkway, Laurel Springs, NC 28644 at 4:00 pm. Rev. Kevin White and Derrick Powell will officiate. Gay’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers and great grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

Donations may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 517, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com