Dale Ovita Powell-Sampson-Stephenson

May 7, 1939 - May 24, 2023

Dale Ovita Powell-Sampson-Stephenson, age 84 , a long-time resident of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 5:58 am, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. She was born May 7, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Anthony DeSayles "Buster" Powell and Thelma Olivia Byrd.

Dale was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She would have given anything to still be here in their midst. When Dale was young, she was raised by her Grand Uncle and Aunt, Hope Everette Womble & Cora Harris of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Years later she would graduate from St. Frances Academy, in Baltimore City, Maryland.

A few of Dale's accomplishments were she spoke three different languages, Spanish, French, and Latin. She was skilled in crocheting, knitting, embroidery, sewing, and tailoring. She co-owned and operated a sewing business called "Sew World in Newmarket Plaza, Newport News, Virginia, with her daughter, Michele. She modeled with Pat Wright Agency, Elegante, and Timeless Fashions. She not only performed runway modeling but also was a fashion show instructor for many years with the Newport News Parks and Recreations Centers of Virginia. She also was very passionate about singing opera, ballet, tap, and ballroom dancing, earned at least eight dancing trophies, and was in several magazines and tv commercials. One of her dance partners was her son, Aaron. Some of the things that Dale took delight in were being at the beach and shopping with her daughter, Paulette and attending the local Indian Pow Wows to watch her son, David, beat the drums. Last, but not least, Dale was a caregiver. One of her most memorable clients was a Tuskegee Airman, by the name of "Charles" .

Dale had a prayer request that she desire the Lord to answer before she would die. That was to find her long-lost sister, whom she hadn't seen for more than 50 years. Her deepest desire came to pass in the Spring of 2021, when after 57 years, her sister Sandra Smith, and her niece Randi Smith and family, would join by Zoom and introduce themselves, in a surprising way, as newfound family, Praise God, Dale's prayers were answered.

On April 30, 2023, Dale suffered a transient ischemic attack (stroke) due to a large clot in her brain. Family surrounded her, both in person and via FaceTime during her stay at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia. After a 24-day roller-coaster of events, on May 24, 2023, Dale transitioned from earth-time into eternity.

Dale was predeceased by her parents: Anthony DeSayles Powell and Thelma Olivia Byrd-Powell; her first husband, James Sampson; her second husband, Paul Lee Stephenson; her son, James "Jimmy" Sampson; her brothers and sisters: Anthony DeSayles Powell Jr., Monica Regina Powell-Green, Anthony DeSayles, Charles Ellis Organ, and Vanessa Powell-Kenley.

Dale leaves to cherish four children and their spouses; Aaron Ramon Sampson, Sr., [Marion Denise Garrison-Sampson], Michele Denise Sessom [Robert Lee Sessom, Jr.], Everett David Sampson, Paulette "Jewel" Stephenson-Brown; nine grandchildren: Shamara Denise Sessom-Long, Sherie Lee Sessom-Ochoa [Carlos Ochoa], Kandi Carmel Sampson, Robert Lee "Bobby" Sessom, III, Precious Jaylynn Wilkerson, Aaron "Ramon" Sampson, Jr., Cinnamon Lace Amor Sampson, Emanuel Lee Wilkerson, and Diamond Alexis Sampson, and ten great-grandchildren Robert "Robbie" Sessom, IV, Anthony Josiah "AJ" Long, Gavin Michael Sessom, Eliana Gracelynn Ochoa, Troy Nathaniel Lee, Isaiah Robert Long, Elias Carlos Ochoa, Ryleigh Skylar Sessom, Eian Michael Ochoa, and Anthony "Angel" Long; nine brothers and sisters and their spouses: Gregory Lamont Powell, Sr. [Melody Antoinette Mason], Sandra Valarie Smith, William Tracey, Veronica Powell, Harold Anthony Powell [Wanda Irma Powell], Gregory Powell [Milagros Cordero], Rakim Allah, Jenette Regina Powell, and Xavier; three step-children, seven step-grandchildren, several step-great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended loving family, and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Dale Stephenson will be held, Friday, June 2, 2023, at Cooke Bros Funeral Chapel & Crematory, located at 1601 27th Street, Newport News, Virginia 23607. A viewing will be open to family and friends 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., with the service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.