Quinta Long Scarfo, age 86, passed away peacefully at her Lynn Haven home, on July 10, 2021. She was surrounded by her family and her loving sweetheart, Harold "Mr. H" Dybdal, Sr.

Quinta was born on July 31, 1934 in Smithville, Mississippi, to parents James Ernest and Jessie Mae Long.

From her humble small-town roots, she graduated high school and enrolled at the University of Alabama, by age 16. She married her high school sweetheart, Thomas F. Powell.

With their growing family, they settled in Panama City, furthering their careers in education.

After the premature death of her husband, Quinta continued her teaching career, enabling her to  raise their three small children on her own. She had a successful 40-year career with Bay County Schools. She was proud to be a founding faculty member at Mowat Middle School and Mosley High School.

Her pursuits within the community were endless. When Quinta joined Beta Sigma Phi, a service sorority; she gained lifelong friendships and renewed enthusiasm. She held every leadership and degreed position during her 59 years of active membership.

From a compassion born out of being widowed at 26 with 3 young children, she co-founded (WPS) Grief and Loss Center of Northwest Florida. She served that organization for over two decades as past president, ongoing board member, and grief support group leader.

As a 60- year resident of Lynn Haven, Quinta appreciated her association with Lynn Haven Historical Society. She was a past president and ongoing board member and made lasting friendships.

Quinta inspired those around her, touching countless lives as an educator, leader and beloved family matriarch. She had an ability to bring people together for a cause; encouraging their unique talents. Quinta deeply loved her family, friends and community around her. She was a beautiful, petite lady with a gracious smile, captivating spirit and large presence.

Quinta was an accomplished church pianist and organist. Her love of music shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren. She appreciated and created beauty around her: in other people, nature, table settings, home and holiday design. She loved any excuse to dress for occasions and celebrate with friends and family. This often included food with presentation and her perpetual decorations.

Quinta Scarfo is survived by her children, her son, James Kyle Powell of Fountain, Florida; her daughter, Lynita Adams of Panama City, Florida; her 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; "special" nieces and nephews; a dear sister-in-law, Flora Mae Hathcoate. She is also survived by her sweetheart, "Mr. H"; his daughter, Sandra Arnold; his son, Hal Dybdal Jr.; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all whom she loved and enjoyed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas F. Powell; sister, Geneva Mae Walker; and son, Thomas Keith Powell.

Visitation is scheduled at Wilson Funeral Home from 5-7pm, on Thursday, July 15th. The funeral service will be held at Wilson Funeral Home at 10am on Friday, July 16th with a graveside service to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Reverend Shane Booker will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grief and Loss Services, WPS, P.O. Box 2084, Panama City, FL 32402.