Charlotte Mourns the Loss of Beloved Poet and Journalist Dannye Romine Powell
Charlotte is grieving the passing of a literary treasure, Dannye Romine Powell, who left us last Thursday at the age of 83. With a heart full of warmth and a spirit that welcomed all, Powell was beloved for her exceptional talents as a poet, author, columnist, book editor, and restaurant critic. Her husband, Lew Powell, shared that she succumbed to lung cancer in their cherished Dilworth home, a place that many will remember as a hub of creativity and compassion.
A Life Filled with Curiosity and Kindness
Those who had the pleasure of knowing Dannye described her as someone whose “natural curiosity” and genuine interest in others radiated warmth. Kathie Collins, co-founder of the Charlotte Center for Literary Arts, or Charlotte Lit, reflected on what made Powell so special. “It was magic,” Collins said. “She was working some kind of magic.”
Her legacy includes a remarkable career that spanned four decades at the local newspaper, where she became known for her engaging interviews with literary giants like Walker Percy, Maya Angelou, and Eudora Welty. In 1994, she published her book entitled “Parting the Curtains: Interviews with Southern Writers”, a compilation of these insightful conversations.
A Gift for Storytelling
Beyond her glowing interviews, Powell’s knack for storytelling was on full display when she covered high-profile murder trials, including those involving Susan Smith and Michael Peterson. As former colleague Pam Kelley fondly recalled, “Some of her best stories were about murders.” Her unique perspective had a way of capturing the nuances of both the ordinary and the extraordinary—such as describing an expert witness as “the most agreeable, nicest-looking, best-educated windbag I’ve ever seen.”
Powell frequently took her readers on a journey, as seen in her poignant revisitation of Union, S.C., after the tragic case of Susan Smith. Her penetrating insight encouraged readers to contemplate the larger issues surrounding death and grief, all while showcasing her own poetic elegance.
A Poet at Heart
Friends remarked that Powell wasn’t merely a journalist; she had a poetic eye that shaped her work. “I think poets are born, not made,” Kelley asserted. Even during her stint as a columnist, Powell infused her writing with an artistic sensibility that resonated deeply with readers.
Her poem published in The Paris Review catapulted her into the Observer, where she found her dream job as a book editor. However, Lew humorously noted that most of her subsequent roles at the paper were filled “forcefully.” It’s safe to say her poetic spirit never waned, as she continuously published written works reflecting on themes of aging, love, and mortality, ultimately earning numerous accolades—including the Miller Williams First Book Award.
A Legacy of Kindness and Inspiration
As a teacher at Charlotte Lit, Powell inspired her students with a nurturing approach. Collins confirmed, “Every student thought they were the teacher’s pet.” Her encouraging demeanor and deep empathy positioned her as someone who could strike a rapport quickly, prompting others to share their stories with ease.
Cheryl Carpenter, a former managing editor, mentioned how Powell had a tendency to notice details others would overlook, elevating her writing to profound depths. “She was an observer of the world,” Carpenter said, “and that took courage.”.
A Fond Farewell
As Charlotte prepares to say goodbye, her friends recall unforgettable moments—like meals enjoyed in Powell’s bedroom during her battle with cancer, where she still took the time to ask how they were doing, all while adorned in the classic Southern style of pearls and lipstick.
Powell leaves behind an indelible mark on her family—including her husband, two sons, two granddaughters, a grandson, and three great-granddaughters. A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, at Myers Park Baptist Church, and those wishing to honor her memory can make contributions to Crisis Assistance Ministry or Charlotte Center for Literary Arts.
Though we bid farewell to a remarkable talent, Powell’s legacy as a writer, teacher, and friend will continue to resonate within the vibrant heart of Charlotte.
