Deaconess Doris Louise (Powell) Balmer

The Life & Legacy of A Great Woman…

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

~ Psalms 121

      Doris Louise Powell Balmer, born on Wednesday, September 11, 1929, in Northampton County, North Carolina to the parentage of Amos Powell and Lillian Minggia Powell. She was the fourth of seven children.   Educated at Northampton County Training School, she graduated in 1949 and later moved to New York City, where she spent most of her adult life.

     Reared in a spiritually inclined family, Doris's unwavering commitment to church life began at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, North Carolina. Upon her relocation to New York, she joined the Holy Apostle Episcopal Church, New York, New York. Doris remained a faithful and devoted member of her churches throughout her life, actively participating in various roles and ministries.

      Returning to North Carolina, she reunited with Antioch and faithfully attended Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Jackson, North Carolina, alongside her late husband, Deacon Robert Lee Balmer, Sr. She was also an integral part of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, Garysburg, North Carolina.  Doris, an ordained Deaconess; member of the Senior Choir and Missionary Circle, found immense joy and deep love within her church community.  

      Doris excelled as a salesperson, showcasing her talents at Bloomingdale Department Store, New York, New York and Belk in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Her dedication extended beyond work, earning recognition from The New Chelsea Strivers Organization for her outstanding service, and  in various community-focused organizations, such as: Parent Teacher Association PS33, Junior High 3, IS 70, Washington Irving High School and  Hudson Guild College Bound and others that promoted the growth of young people.  

     In Holy Matrimony, Doris and Robert Lee Balmer, Sr. were blessed with three children: Robert, Jr., Deborah, and Ronald.  Family held a special place in her heart, with a strong bond among siblings, deep connections with her children, and the joy brought by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were truly "the apples of her eyes." They loved the countless hours spent playing at Grand Mommy’s house! Doris cherished entertaining, preparing elaborate meals, and creating fond memories with her family.

     After 94 remarkable years of love, faith, and sharing, Doris peacefully concluded her earthly journey on Friday, March 1, 2024, at her home in Jackson, North Carolina.

     Her enduring love and legacy are cherished by her devoted children: Deborah Balmer Drew of Rich Square, North Carolina, and Ronald Balmer of Harlem, New York; grandchildren, Robert Malik Balmer IV of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Jona-Leigh Balmer of Portsmouth, Virginia; great-grandchildren, Makylah Balmer, Kaden Balmer, Rowan Balmer, and Myles Balmer. Doris is survived by her brother, Otis P. Powell of Norfolk, Virginia, daughter-in-law, Reverend Arjonah E. Bullock-Balmer of Halifax, North Carolina, three generations of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and numerous friends.

     In the embrace of eternal peace, Doris rejoins her husband, Robert Lee Balmer, Sr.; her son, Robert Carl Balmer, Jr.; son-in-law, Charles Drew, Sr.; and siblings, Alphonzo ‘Blue’, David, Evelyn, Beatrice, and Inell. May they all rest in peace and find joy in a blessed reunion.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit

Deaconess Balmer's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

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"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Deaconess Doris Louise Powell Balmer.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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