Pastor Archie Powell Jr.

POWELL, Pastor Archie Jr. - Age 79, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025, at his residence. Family hour 10:30 AM Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 317 E. Hamilton Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Pastor Allen C. Overton Sr, Host Pastor, Pastor Dennis Powell, Eulogist, Elder Alvin Sanders, Presiding. Interment Gracelawn Cemetery, G5710 N. Saginaw St. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30 AM Saturday. Pastor Powell will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Friday with family present from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM to receive friends. Archie Powell Jr. was born January 20, 1946, in Rison, Arkansas, to Pastor Archie Powell Sr. and Frances Lee (Barnett) Powell. He lived in Flint, Michigan, with his devoted wife Alice (Braziel) Powell, their children Archie III and Rashun. In 1978, Pastor Powell answered the call to ministry, serving faithfully alongside his father at First Union Missionary Baptist Church until his father’s passing in 1986. Installed as Pastor in 1987, he shepherded the church for 33 years until retiring in December 2020. Throughout his ministry, Pastor Powell wore many hats—Sunday School Teacher, Choir President, Deacon, and Caretaker—eventually expanding his leadership to the Great Lakes Missionary Baptist District and the National Baptist Congress of America. A graduate of Flint Central High School, Birmingham Bible College, and Flint Bible Institute, Pastor Powell also worked as a Journeyman Carpenter for the Flint Board of Education and served as Chaplain for Northwestern High School’s Football Team. Archie Powell Jr. leaves behind: his loving wife, Alice; son, Archie Powell III (Lowna); daughter, Rashun; grandson, Sage; great-grandchildren, Arketo, Lola, Aanessah, and Amina; surviving siblings include, his sister, Ruby Anderson and brother, Pastor Dennis (Vicki) Powell. He is fondly remembered by in-laws, Patricia Moore and Preston Anthony; special niece, Louise Moore; cherished clergy friends, and a host of extended family and friends. Pastor Powell is reunited in heaven with his parents, Pastor Archie Powell Sr. and Frances Lee Powell; 2 brothers, George Powell and James Powell; 4 sisters, Mary Jane Powell, Loretta Powell, Joe Ann Powell and Betty Willingham; and several in-laws, Gloria Braziel, Mary Anthony, Edward Braziel and Johnny Moore. The Powell family expresses their deepest gratitude to Bishop Roger L. Jones Sr. and Greater Holy Temple COGIC, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Great Lakes Baptist District, Gracelawn Cemetery, Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and others for their support and care. This tribute reflects Pastor Powell’s remarkable life and enduring legacy, filled with love, service, and faith that inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him. Pastor Archie Powell Jr. was more than a spiritual leader; he was a steadfast friend to many. Whether vacationing with fellow pastors through the Great Lakes Baptist District Association, attending the National Baptist Conference, sitting on the porch with neighbors, playing board games and dominos, or delighting in family picnics, Pastor Powell lived a life filled with joy and connection. He cherished moments relaxing with his wife Alice, spending time with his great-grandchildren, enjoying fruit, engaging in daily conversations with his sister Ruby, and even playing practical jokes. His vibrant energy and love for life illuminated every interaction. Pastor Powell's love for people shone through his unwavering dedication. From comforting grieving families to counseling teenagers, married couples, and individuals navigating life’s challenges, he offered support with compassion and spiritual wisdom. Behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly, advocating for justice, advising on legal matters, and visiting those affected by life-altering circumstances. His teachings emphasized God’s love, forgiveness, and repentance, showing kindness and embodying humility. Pastor Powell believed faith without works is dead, and his life exemplified faith, hope, and above all, love. He worked to uplift others and ignite change, guided by the Holy Spirit. His commitment to young people and the community was exemplary. A proud graduate of Flint Central High School, his passion extended to serving as Chaplain for Northwestern High School’s football team, where his support was deeply appreciated. Pastor Powell was also an enthusiastic sports fan, with his loyalty to Michigan State being well-known. Above all, Pastor Powell cherished time spent with his family. Alice, his wife and soulmate of over 54 years, was always by his side, they were inseparable. He instilled his craftsmanship in his son, Archie III, and his unconditional love in his daughter, Rashun, his “Daddy’s girl.” Daily conversations with his brother Dennis and sister, Ruby brought him joy, as did bi-weekly haircuts from his nephew, Paul. To the family members who visited, shared meals, laughed, and stayed connected, his presence created cherished memories now preserved in their hearts. Pastor Powell—husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and spiritual guide—you will be deeply missed, but your legacy lives on. Archie and Alice Powell’s love story was simple yet profound. It all began with Archie’s sister, Joe Ann, who worked at a corner store and set them up to meet. Little did Alice know that within a year, she would marry the man destined to become her lifelong partner. The Bible says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord,” and Archie truly believed he’d found his blessing. During a difficult period when Alice mourned the loss of her mother, she often visited family in Detroit to find solace. Uncertainty hung in the air as Archie wondered if he might lose her. Then came the transformative moment—a love letter from Alice. Prolific in writing, her heartfelt words overwhelmed Archie with joy. Without hesitation, Archie journeyed to Detroit with his mother to see Alice. His excitement mirrored a child chasing an ice cream truck as he ran to her, exclaiming, “Did you write this letter?” Alice replied yes, “Do you mean those things?” Alice replied yes, and he declared, “We are getting married on October 3rd.” Although surprised, Alice agreed. At that moment, Archie didn’t have an engagement ring, so he gave her his class ring as a placeholder. Their love blossomed into a 54-year union that family and friends could only admire. Archie never complained about life’s struggles, always thinking ahead to provide for his family. He may have been frugal, but summers were reserved for vacations, creating lasting memories. One of his favorite songs, “When you hear of my homegoing, don’t worry about me,” symbolizes Alice’s peace in sharing him with God.

Pastor Archie Powell Jr.

January 20, 1946 - April 17, 2025