Obituary of Norma Bryant Powers

Norma Bryant Powers, 84 of  Bedford, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 11, 2025.  She was born on Wednesday, August 28, 1940  in Bedford County, a daughter of the late Roy M. Bryant and Erselle Noell Bryant.  Besides her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Jimmy D. Powers, a son, Roy Bennett Massie and a brother, Robert Bryant.  

She was a typesetter for Wright Type & Graphics for 20 years and Advertising Design for 10 years.  

She was a devoted Christian and member of Timber Ridge Baptist Church who loved and enjoyed life through service to others.  She was a loving, caring wife, mom, foster mom, Grammy and friend to everyone who knew her.  She was a foster mom for 50 years and made a difference in many children's lives.  She was respected and admired by members of the community, a source of strength in time of need.  Norma loved to watch UVA Basketball and one of the highlights in her life was when she had lunch with Tony Bennett, UVA Basketball coach, in his office. 

She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, Calvin "C.W." & Patty Massie of Charlottesville; a, daughter, Tonya Scott of Forest; her sisters-in-law, Rachel Bryant of Bedford, Barbara Mitchell of Huddleston.  She is also survived by three precious grandchildren, Meaghan Massie of Charlottesville, Hunter Scott of Richmond, Larkin Orme (William) of Madison Heights; a great-granddaughter, Addison Marie Massie of Charlottesville and three foster sisters, Beth Baker, Laura Hale, Brenda Ellis.  

Norma and Jimmy have been foster parents for 50 years and have loved and cared for many children including Cindy Davis, Linda Driscoll, Kimberly Evans, Jennia Updike, Mercedes Baker, Angela Romero, Starr Sloan, Jessica Francisco, Shannon Akers, Brittany Bledsoe, Cassie Tincher, Luz Vega Burch, Sadie Mullins and two foster sons, Tiger May, Jacob Barricks. There were many more. 

The family requests that those wishing to make memorials consider a donation to Timber Ridge Baptist Church, 3234 Timber Ridge Road,  Bedford, VA 24523.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Timber Ridge Baptist Church with Pastor Phillip Kelly officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 PM on Friday evening at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.