Shirley Gayle Powell

Feb 11th, 1935 - Jun 14th, 2013
8 Guests

Marion- Shirley Gayle Powell, 78, of Marion, passed away at 5:31 AM, Friday, June 14, 2013 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

Shirley Gayle was born on February 11, 1935 in Marion to Rannie and Thelma E. “Jackie” (Cavis) Bearden. She married Thomas “Leo” Powell on February 10, 1956 in Marion. He survives of Marion.

Though she was a homemaker and mother to her husband and children, she formerly worked in bookkeeping at the Bank of Marion.

She was an active member of New Hope Church of God in Marion. She enjoyed volunteering in and around the church and she loved her church family dearly. All of her spare time was spent caring for and doting on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed arranging play dates with the great grandchildren so that they would grow up being close with one another. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include-

Husband- Thomas Powell of Marion

Son- Jim Powell and wife Deanna of Marion

Son- David Powell and wife LaNarda of Marion

Daughter- Gina Leamen and husband Tracey of Marion

Eight Grandchildren:

Aaron Scott and wife SaRina of Pittsburg

Corey Powell of Marion

Shawn Powell and wife Jen of Marion

Kaitie Powell of Marion

Sarah Harriss and husband Matt of Marion

Lauren Oestmann and husband Garrett of Herrin

Jackie Martin and husband Jeremy of Marion

Zach Staszak of Marion

Nine Great Grandchildren- Jalyn, Gavon, Kaela, Cameron, Kaelyn, Hayden, Kamden, Blake and Piper

Special niece- Kathy Price of Marion

Special niece- Debbi Wierman of West Frankfort

Special niece- Kendra Chamness of Marion

Nephew- Billy Gene Bearden of Marion

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brother- Bill and Kenny Bearden.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at New Hope Church of God in Marion. Pastor Derek Shaw will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be from 5-9:00 PM, Monday, June 17, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.

Memorial donations are suggested to New Hope Church of God and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home or New Hope Church of God in Marion.

8 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Sheila Rodgers

    From: ,

    Date: June 15, 2013

    Shirley is my aunt. My very special aunt! I love her with all of my heart! She saw the good in everyone. Never had anything but good to say about anyone. Always had a smile on her face, and a place in her heart for you. She gave the best hugs! I love you Aunt Shirley! See you soon

  • Guest: Carolyn Robinson-Kluce

    From: ,

    Date: June 15, 2013

    Shirley was my mother’s ( Alta), sister’s (Jackie Bearden’s) daughter. I grew up spending weeks in the summer with my Southern Illinois family. Shirley holds such a place in my heart, there are no words that can even touch it. She was the fun one, her focus was always on us kids, and getting us to church, and having a good time. Never in my life did she ever raise her voice, or have anything but kindness for me. My heart is truly saddened, this world lost someone very special yesterday. I will love and hold you in my heart all of my days Shirley Gayle Powell, they just don’t make them like you anymore!

  • Guest: Beth Mills

    From: ,

    Date: June 16, 2013

    I love you. That says it all. Thank you for always welcoming us into your home so selflessly, and for always making our favorite yummy treats when we visited. For introducing my children to the fine art of southern tea and bacon. I remember going to the store with you when we visited, sitting and talking and watching The Young and the Restless with Aunt Ernestine, we had such fun. And I could never forget how you made sure we had Pully’s Barbeque as well. You worked so hard for your family and always did so with a smile on your face. I will forever remember the song you taught Victoria and I and will continue to make sure that my grandchildren (when I have them) know the song about Jesus and the white box and the devil and the red box. The love of God shown through you, and you were truly a Proverbs 31 woman. I will miss you.

  • Guest: Jackie Belcher

    From: ,

    Date: June 16, 2013

    I love Shirley so very much. I cannot put into words my deep feelings I have for her. She is my cousin and friend. She is my trusting friend. As Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than to lay down their life for their friends.” And Shirley did that. She spent her life serving the people she came in contact with. There was never a doubt that she cared for you. My memory of her is within my heart forever. Shirley and Leo have given their loving spirit to all they have met.

  • Guest: Mark and Vicki Siedler

    From: ,

    Date: June 16, 2013

    Only one word needed to describe Shirley,SAINT..she was the most humble,loving,caring,giving women I have ever known.Mark was blessed to have known her all of his life,and I since we married.Never saw her without a smile on her face,even if she didn’t feel good or was worn out from doing whatever she had been doing for someone else.She has touched many children’s lives and she will never be forgotten.Our love to the whole family.Thank you for allowing me to fix her hair for the last time,she will be missed…

  • Guest: Betty Bowles

    From: ,

    Date: June 18, 2013

    I am so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She will be remembered as a loving Christian at her heavenly home with the rest of her family.

  • Guest: Kaelyn

    From: ,

    Date: June 24, 2013

    I miss you a ton some time I will get to see you I miss you a ton me

  • Guest: Kaelyn Beasley

    From: ,

    Date: June 26, 2013

    Hey grandma me Hayden and my Mom and a also papa Leo love you hope I see you some time. Hope you have a blessed. Time Kaelyn Beasley