Nadine Wilson Powell

Nadine Powell – age 85, died January 17, 2014. She was a resident of Mobile County for over 80 years. Her memorial service will be held from the Wilson Avenue Baptist Church, Saraland, Alabama with the Rev. George Williams presiding on Monday, January 20, 2014. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m., with the service to begin at 1:00 p.m.

She was born September 29, 1928 in Garland, Alabama, the only child of Clarence J. (Daddy Bill) and Silta Lee (Mama Lee) Wilson being named affectionately after her dad “Billie” Nadine. She began attending Old Main Street Baptist Church (now Wilson Avenue Baptist Church) at the age of 1 ½. She made her profession of faith at the age of 12. In her early teens she began providing musical accompaniment for the services, serving as pianist and organist for 70 years. During the majority of those 70 years she served in the music ministry with pianist, Darla Gates and the late pastor, Bro. Sam Gates. She loved working with children in the Beginner Department Sunday School, Training Union and the Cherub Choir, where she worked with pianist, the late Melba Avera, for many years. It is impossible to list all of her church family to whom she was affectionately… “Ms. Nadine.” Nadine began working for Smart Shoe Stores in Prichard at the age of 12 and worked with the Habeeb family until the closing of their PicNSav Shoe Stores in 2001. She was a graduate of Murphy High School and attended Baptist Bible College in Texas during the late 40s. There she met Elmore C. Bates to whom she would wed in 1947 in Prichard, AL. Elmore died in Korea during the Korean conflict. Nadine remained close to Elmore’s family throughout her life. She later met Wendell D. Powell, whom she would marry in 1954. Wendell worked for Scott Paper Company and died in 1986. Nadine is survived by her son Michael Craig Powell, daughter-in-law, Lisa and granddaughter, Madelin. She is also survived by grandchildren Brittany Powell, Heather (Adam) Hall, and daughter Makena, Brandon Powell, and Hannah Powell as well as their mother Donna Powell. She is also survived by cousins, nephews and nieces. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to the Music Ministry of Wilson Avenue Baptist Church or American Cancer Society.