Anne Dyer Powers

Anne Rae Dyer Powers, departed this world peacefully on April 24, 2025, at the age of 102. We celebrate her homecoming to be with the Lord. Born in Jacksonville, Alabama, on June 15, 1922, Anne was a cherished daughter and only child of Era Reaves Dyer and Robert William Dyer. She enjoyed close relationships with her parents and extended family of 58 first cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents.

Anne graduated from Jacksonville High School at 16 years old, and then graduated from Anniston Business School. One of her first jobs was as the secretary for Herbert Borders Car Dealership. Next, she was the secretary of the Anniston Rotary Club. Years later, after family responsibilities lessened, she was the bookkeeper for Main, Smith, and Rice Attorneys at Law for 8 years. She came to the firm first as Treasurer for James Main's 1977 State Senate Campaign. Her favorite job was with Orbie B. Powers Construction Co. She was instrumental in her husband’s commercial contractor success as she juggled roles of secretary, bookkeeper and Officer of the company.

On November 23, 1941, 18-year-old Anne married her beloved husband, Orbie Bynum Powers, in a ceremony held at Parker Memorial Baptist Church. She took great pride in her 64-year marriage, and the Church was an integral part woven into the fabric of the couple's lives. They were married at 8 AM on a Sunday so their Sunday School Class could witness the wedding and join in the reception. The couple honeymooned in Chicago, visiting Orbie's sister and brother-in-law's home, where they sampled big city treats like the Ice Capades and dining out.

Throughout her life, Anne exemplified commitment and service, spending countless hours volunteering for various civic organizations. She was particularly proud of her work as Co-Chairman and later Chairman of the Juvenile Court Citizen Action Committee. In 1968, three women started a movement for better care for delinquent children and teens. After six years of tireless effort, the committee successfully established the Coosa Valley Youth Services (CVYS), a project brought together by the Federal, State, and County governments working together. The CVYS built a detention center and still provides essential care and treatment alternatives for youth. The legacy of her dedication continued with the creation of the Family Court in Calhoun County, a testament to her commitment to improving the lives of children in need.

She served on the Board of Directors for Interfaith Ministries for over 15 years and was honored with the Dill Award, the organization’s highest accolade. As a charter member of the Anniston Study Club for 50 years and a 40-year member of the Camellia Garden Club, Anne’s active participation and leadership enriched the lives of many. She is remembered for delivering interesting readings and programs for these groups.

Her commitment to her family and community was eclipsed only by her devotion to her faith and Jesus Christ. As a lifelong member of Parker Memorial Baptist Church, Anne's influence was felt far and wide. A beloved Sunday School teacher of several adult classes, she rose to the call to create and teach potential Sunday School teachers. She headed the Teacher Training Department and trained over 200 adult students for 22 years. She was involved with the Women on Mission group as she had an abiding love for mission work and missionaries past and present, praying daily. She particularly liked being Prayer Chairperson for the group. She contributed monthly to serve mission work here in Anniston, reaching out to the world.

Anne was dedicated to praying for requests given to PMBC's Prayer Room. She believed she was called to intercessory prayer by God, particularly in her senior years. Her prayer room attendance continued to almost the last month of her life. She enjoyed visiting shut-ins, singing in the Sounds of Joy senior choir, and working on the History Committee for the 100th and 125th church anniversaries. On her 100th birthday, Pastor Mack Amis remarked, “Anne is one of the most faithful, active, and committed members I’ve ever had a chance to know. She is a blessing. It is an honor to be her pastor.”

She was a voracious reader, particularly of Christian fiction. She loved playing the piano and singing hymns. She had interests in gardening, flower arranging, and making her home beautiful. She displayed the gift of hospitality by hosting gatherings of all kinds and welcoming visiting travelers. Her warmth and kindness made her an adored friend to many.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Orbie Bynum Powers, and her cherished loved ones, including Caitlin Anne Epple, Daniel Graham Williams, and Anne Bethea Norman. She leaves behind a loving family: her daughters, Molle Powers Connell (Francis) and Melanie Marie Williams, and grandchildren Francesca Taylor (Kevin) and Maxwell Epple, who will carry her legacy of love and generosity onward.

A funeral service celebrating Anne's life will be held on May 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Parker Memorial Baptist Church, with a preceding visitation at 10 AM. Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Parker Memorial Baptist Church in her memory.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Southern Care New Beacon Hospice for their compassionate care during the last six weeks of Anne's life.

Anne Rae Dyer Powers lived a life filled with love, faith, and unwavering dedication to her Heavenly Father, church, family, and community. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a beacon of Faith, Hope, and Love.