Mary Bernell Norris Powers

Funeral services for Mary Bernell (Norris) Powers were held on Friday, March 30th, 2012 in San Leandro, CA. Mary has returned to Tahlequah, OK for her final resting place. Services of farewell will be held on Wednesday, April 4th, 2012 at Tahlequah City Cemetery Gazebo with Pastor J.E. Cook officiating.

Mary B (Norris) Powers was born on October 7th, 1929 on the family farm in Tahlequah, Okla. the daughter of Thomas Franklin and Sudie Arizonia (Gates) Norris. She obtained her Bachelors Degree in Education from Northeastern State College at the age of nineteen. She later met the love of her life, Merl G. Powers and they were joined in holy matrimony on December 4, 1950 at the First Methodist Church of Tahlequah. This union was blessed with two daughters, Sue and Ann and 61 years of love and laughter. Mary taught school at Pawhuska Public Schools, Tulsa Public Schools and finally at Indian Camp in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. After retiring from teaching she enjoyed a sales career as a District Manager for World Book Encyclopedias. She loved helping others and it showed in her personality and her warm smile. When she wasn’t working she volunteered in her community . She was a member of the P.E.O. , National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Garden Club,and Questers. She loved to garden ,watch birds and serve in her church but most of all she valued her time spent with her family . A Southern Baptist by faith,

Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

The Lord called Mary home from her labors on March 27th , 2012 in California with her family at her side . She was 82 years old. Mary will be greatly missed by her husband , family and many friends and students she has influenced along the way.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Zona Mae Norris, Audrey Alicia Norris, and Wylodean Mooney, four brothers, Floyd Hamilton, Steve Monroe, Thomas Gates, and Hugh Beryl.

Mary is survived by her husband Merl Powers of Danville, CA and her brother, Larrry Joe of Water Valley, TX. She leaves her two daughters, Sue Moore (Mrs. Glen) of Danville, California and Ann Akins (Mrs. Johnny) of Edmond, Oklahoma as well as her beloved grandchildren Chris Moore and his wife Nova of Brentwood, CA , Cynthia Allison Davis (Mrs. Daniel) of San Jose, CA, Joel Akins of Edmond, Ok and Elizabeth Akins of Edmond, OK. and her five great grandchildren, Chase Moore and Ava Moore of Brentwood, CA and Zoe Davis, Olivia Davis and Lara Davis of San Jose, California.

Mary leaves many nieces, nephews , cousins and a host of friends and loved ones.

Honorary Pallbearers:

Thomas Mooney

Floyd Norris

Bob Norris

Curtis Norris

Shonn Norris

Johnny Akins

Joel Akins

Glen Moore

Chris Moore

Daniel Davis