Diane Ikuko Mukai Powell

Diane Powell, age 52, passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Canon Hospice in Gulfport after a valiant battle against cancer. Diane was born on June 29, 1959 in Tachikawa, Japan and came to the United States at the age of seven. She was a graduate of St. Martin High School in 1976 and of Jefferson Davis Community College. She was employed as office manager for Coastal Communications. Diane was preceded in death by her father, Joji Mukai. She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey D. Powell; her mother, Emiko and her step-father Laurance W. Burnett, Jr.; mother-in-law, Murella H. Powell; brother-in-laws, Norman (Samuel and Betsy) Powell and Kenneth (Cynthia and Jason) Powell; and God-daughters, Sydney Gonzales and Destiny McCullough. Diane's bright smile and laughter will be missed by all that knew her. The family thanks Canon Hospice where Diane was cared for by angels disguised as nurses. Donations in memory of Diane may be made to the Akula Foundation/Canon Hospice 228-575-6251. Visitation will be held at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm with a 7:00 pm memorial service.