Mrs. Martha Jane Gilley Powell

Martha Jane Gilley Powell, a longtime resident of Jackson, Alabama and Leroy, Alabama passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2014. She was born May 7, 1923 and was ninety-one years old. She had been a resident of Jackson Health Care Facility for the past seven years. Mrs. Powell is survived by her four children: Carolyn (Carlton) Carpenter of Jackson, AL; Larry (Betty) Powell of Jackson, AL; Ricky (Dorie) Powell of Leroy, AL; and Gwen (Larry) Norris of Frisco city, AL; three brothers: Leroy Gilley, James (Etta) Gilley and William Bill (Polly) Gilley. She is also survived by ten beloved grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her husband, Franklin Powell; her son, Eugene Powell; grandson, Stephen Carpenter; granddaughter, Ranae Powell; great grandson, Clay Carpenter; her parents, Lee and Nellie Gilley; her sisters: Della Lee Hill, Molly Roberts, Dolly Brown and one brother, James H. Gilley. Mrs. Powell was a member of First Baptist Church of Leroy. She dedicated her life to serving her family and others. She had a deep love and faith in her Lord and Savior. She was kind, compassionate and never met a stranger, treating everyone as her own family. A wonderful cook, she also loved flowers, plants and making all things beautiful. She worked as a floral designer and caregiver during her life. Her life exemplified the simple command: “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and thy neighbor as thyself.” She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 2, 2014 from the Chapel of Lathan Funeral Home with Rev. James Watkins, Rev. J. Mark McCullough and Rev. Dave Delegal officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Georgiann Lewis. Interment followed in Trinity Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers were Stacy Carpenter, Larry Powell, Jr., Tyler Powell, Grant Norris, J.P. Allen and Taylor Carpenter. Honorary pallbearers were the employees of Jackson Health Care Facility. Lathan Funeral Home of Jackson directed.