Edith Powell

Miss. Edith Powell, 90, of Biloxi, MS, died Tuesday, January 10, 2012, in Biloxi. Born July 16, 1921 in Sardis, MS, Miss Powell spent her childhood years in Georgetown, MS, and her teen and early adult years in Picayune, MS. A graduate of Carriere High School and Pearl River Junior College, she began working for the Corps of Engineers at Keesler Field when it opened in 1941, and was the last employee to leave her section when it closed in 1944. She returned to Picayune to work for L.O. Crosby, Jr. for ten years. In 1954 Miss Powell moved to Biloxi, MS, to begin working in her brother’s CPA firm, Moore and Powell, CPA, where she completed her working career. A lover of animals, Miss Powell was a longtime supporter of the Harrison County Humane Society, where she served on the Board of Directors, serving as secretary. An involved supporter of First Baptist Church, Biloxi, MS, her “church home”, she particularly supported mission endeavors and the building of the new church facility. In recent years she worshipped regularly through the television ministry. One of Miss Powell’s greatest contributions has been the investment of herself in the lives of others through her great generosity of self and finances to people and causes dear to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Eugene Powell (Mamie Edith Henton) and her brother Sanford “Sam” Powell (wife Louise). Miss Powell is survived by her cousin Eddie Ray Findlay of Ocean Springs, MS, (her son Carl Weber, Ocean Springs his wife Myrna and sons John and Brent; daughter Karen Bustamante, California, her husband David and sons Robert and Mark. She is also sadly missed by extended “family”, Ms Minnie Lee McNeece, Gulfport (son Bobby; grandchildren Karen, Brian, of Bay St. Louis; grandchildren Sandy and Bobby, Gainesville, FL and families); Ann Taylor and family; Jean Beeson and family and Peter Webster and Wayne Williams. Special appreciation is expressed to Dr . Yashashree Bethala. Her interest and concern for her patient and friend have far excelled the expected scope of a physician. Appreciation, as well, is expressed to Rev. Mike Racey and other staff members of First Baptist, Biloxi; and to long-time friend and attorney Larry Corban. Services: In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested in Ms Powell’s memory to First Baptist Church of Biloxi, Television Ministry, 1560 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532, or to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 2511 Pass Road, in Biloxi where friends may visit from 12:30 p.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Southern Memorial Park.