Mother Powell

POWELL, Mother Francis "Big Mama" - Age 87, passed away Friday, December 8, 2006 at her residence. Family hour 11AM Thursday, December 14, 2006 at First Union Missionary Baptist Church, 7004 Fleming Rd., with funeral service commencing at 12Noon. Pastor Roosevelt DeLoach officiating. Rev. Archie Powell, Jr., Pastor. Interment Gracelawn Community Cemetery, G-5710 N. Saginaw St. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 11AM Thursday. Mother Powell will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12Noon-8PM Wednesday. Mother Frances Powell affectionately known as "Big Mama" transitioned from this life to be with the Lord, whom she loved and served, on Friday, December 8, 2006. Mother Powell begin this journey of life being born on October 8, 1919, in Rison, Arkansas, the daughter of Ben and Laura Barnett. Mother Powell grew up in Rison and began her walk with the Lord at an early age. After accepting Jesus Christ as her Savior she united in fellowship with Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church, in Rison, AR. She was joined in holy matrimony with Rev. Archie Powell, Sr. on July 3, 1936 and from this union 9 children were born, Mary Jane, Lauretta, George, Ruby, Joann, Archie, Betty Lou, James, and Dennis. God blessed this union which lasted for over 50 years. In 1955, Mother Powell relocated to Flint, Michigan where she united in fellowship with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. L.W. Pryor. In 1961, at her husbands side the late Archie Powell, Sr., and Mother Powell assisted in the organizing of the First Union Missionary Baptist Church where her husband served as the Founder and Pastor. She served in several ministerial capacities and remained faithful until death. Mother Powell had a passion for gardening, cooking, and souls. She always had an open door policy especially when it came to feeding, nurturing, and mentoring her extended family, friends, parishioners and neighbors as the spirit of God moved her. She opened her home to hundreds of people. Mother Powell was loved by so many and was known as "Big Mama" to most. At "Big Mama's" house, Sunday was the highlight of the week to those she loved, because she always showed great hospitality and prepared a feast fit for kings and queens. This was just one of the examples of her unconditional love that spanned 5 generations. Mother Powell leaves to mourn her passing: 3 sons, Min. George (Elesia) Powell, Pastor Archie (Alice) Powell, Jr., Min. Dennis (Vickie) Powell; 3 daughters, Ruby (Dale) Anderson, Joann (Morton Davis) Powell, Betty Lou, (Leon) Willingham all of Flint; 1 sister, Estella L. Clark of Pine Bluff, AR; 2 brothers, Horace G. Barnett of Pine Bluff, AR, and Oscar (Dora) Barnett of Toledo, OH; 2 former daughters-in-law, Hersheylean and Sheila Powell both of Flint; special daughter, Dorothy Simpson; good friend, Mattie Adams both of Flint; 27 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. The family extends special thanks to caregivers, Rose and Tina Graham and McLaren Regional Medical Center visiting nurses and volunteers. Mother Powell was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Archie Powell, Sr.; parents, Ben and Laura Barnett; 1 sister, Jane Barnett; 4 brothers, Clifton, Fred, John and Ben Barnett; 2 daughters, Mary Jane, and Lauretta Powell; 1 son, James Jimmie Powell, Sr. and 1 grandson, Leon Willingham, Jr.

Mother Powell

October 8, 1919 - December 8, 2006