Mary Elizabeth Simpson Powell, a longtime resident of Quitman, Georgia, passed away December 9, 2017 at the age of 98. Mary was born August 27, 1919 in Trappe, Maryland. Mary earned a B. S. degree in General Biological Science from the University of Maryland; she followed that up with a fifteen month course in Medical Technology from Bryn Mawr Hospital. During the early years of the 1940's, Mary worked for Wilmington General Hospital and Hercules Powder Company. She met Alfred Jackson "A. J." Powell while he was in Officers' Candidate School; their courtship lasted throughout World War II, (many times via letters) and the two were married on November 2, 1946.

Mary's interests and hobbies included raising a family, teaching Bible studies, playing bridge, and reading. For someone with a professional background in science, she certainly excelled in and enjoyed creative endeavors. She loved music and flowers, and was a very talented painter. She was a member of Quitman First Baptist Church for over 60 years, she was dedicated to the mission and ministry of the church.

Mary was not only a dear friend and neighbor to many, but she lived out her Christian beliefs daily. Those who were blessed to know her can attest to the support and love she showed through visits, phone calls, and cards. She lived out Proverbs 31, "her children arise and call her blessed." She enjoyed hearing and retelling family stories and funny stories from the past. Up until just a few months ago, she was still assisting the rest of us with specific details when our memories would fail. Mary loved watching sports, specifically Braves baseball, and various college football teams, (her alma mater, and those of her children and grandchildren). She enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, A. J. Powell; their three children, Beth (Jody) Slocum, Jay (Deidra) Powell, and Lisa (Tim) McEachern; nine grandchildren, Kathi (Bryan) Gaps, Amy (John) Goode, Becky (Eric) Mason, Daniel McEachern, Jessica Powell, Erica Powell, Emily (Will) Min, Elizabeth (Parker) Albright, and Travis McEachern; five great grandchildren, Judymarie Gaps, Madelyn Gaps, Jackson Goode, Zoe Goode, and Abigail Mason; two more great grandchildren on the way. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Elizabeth Simpson; and sister, Adeline Mock.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Quitman First Baptist Church with Rev. Marty Carnes officiating. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Quitman First Baptist Church or Georgia Baptist Children's Homes. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.maxwellmillerfuneralhome.com. Maxwell-Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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