Mary Lou Powell, 92, of Roseville (Avondale), passed away at 11:42 a.m. Thur. June 6, 2024 at Genesis Hospice-Morrison House with her family by her side. She was born on February 6, 1932 in Zanesville, a daughter of the late Ralph and Mabel Fulkerson. She was a member of the Anchor Church in Zanesville.

Joining her husband, Robert Powell, who she was deeply in love with for 72 years, they planted a church in Cambridge, OH in 1975.

They remained the lead pastor for 23 years, at which time the church elected a new pastor upon the Powell’s retirement from full-time pastoral ministry.

They continued working alongside the new pastor for several years before moving to Roseville where they became members of The Anchor Church. They served in part-time ministry at the United Pentecostal Church in New Lexington for several years until fully retiring, and they remained members of The Anchor Church in Zanesville, until her death.

For more than 20 years of her ministry journey with Robert, she also served as the Camp Registrar on the OH District Campground at. Buckeye Lake.

Mary Lou was the epitome of graciousness as she served God with all of her heart. The love that is spoken of in Scripture, is the love that she exemplified, caring for her family unrestrained and with great generosity.

And yet with all that love, she could give correction that led to more than just someone changing a specific habit. She corrected with prayer, which would cause someone to change their behavior and walk the straight and narrow.

She so much enjoyed times with her best friend and lifelong partner in ministry, whether it was at church camp or conferences, bake sales and altar ministry in the church they planted in Cambridge, or out in the little fishing boat watching Robert snag one bluegill after another. She of course still looked like she could walk off the boat and head straight to a good ol’ Sunday camp meeting. Mary Lou just exuded class and fashion wherever she went.

Her daughters, and then their husbands, and then grandkids and great grandchild was the highlight of her life and she called them out in prayer as part of her daily routine. She was a prayer warrior, a musician, a worshipper and a serious peanut brittle making machine. She was an expert in the kitchen, a seamstress, and an all around worker bee, making sure that what needed done, got done.

She will be missed not just by family and friends, but by all who knew her, even the ones that only knew of her, because she had that kind of impact on this world during her 92 years.
 

She is survived by her husband of 74 years Rev. Robert Powell. Two daughters Debbie (Michael) Powell Heims Sales and Carolyn (Jim) Morrison. Five grandchildren Candace (Nathaniel) Hudson, Burt (Amy) Brown, Holly (Shane) Baugess, Anissa (Brandon) Pooser, and Anthony (Laura) Heims. With the marriage of Debbie and Michael Sales we include their children Brendon (Brittany) Sales, Breann (Justin) Flowers, and Amberlee (Chris) Talavera. Sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. One sister Ina Ann Knupp. Sister-in-law Eleanor Fulkerson. Son-in-law David (Annie) Brown. Numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two daughters Diane Brown and Cynthia Powell. Grandson Brandon Morrison. Son-in-law Tony Heims. Brothers Donald Fulkerson and Mark (Edna) Fulkerson. Sister Phyllis (Clarence) Rasor. Foster son Tim Rasor. Father and mother-in-law William and Lucy Powell.

Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday June 9, 2024 at the Anchor Church in Zanesville. Funeral services will be held at the church on Monday June 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with additional visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Pastor Aaron Bounds officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. William Thompson & Son Funeral Home in White Cottage is assisting the Powell family.