Lois Marie (Shimmons) Powell

Lois Powell, aged 94, of Kalamazoo, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on April 10, 2019.

Lois was born to the late Robert and Estella (Humphrey) Shimmons in Sterling, Michigan. Sadly, she lost both birth parents at an early age. Fortunately, Lois was raised by her step-mother, Lena (Sandy) Shimmons, and brought to Spring Arbor College, where she met the love of her life. She married the late Rev. Henry Powell in 1942, and together they served numerous Free Methodist assignments, then Detroit Conference United Methodist congregations, until his clergy retirement after 40 years of service. Lois was a remarkable homemaker and always left the parsonages in better shape than she found them. Henry and Lois enjoyed spending time at their rustic cabin in Grayling, Michigan and eventually owned a home in Lakeland, FL. After Henry's death, Lois remained in Lakeland for ten years before moving back to Michigan. She enjoyed many activities and trips with the Portage Senior Center and her dear friend, Bill Perrin. Lois eventually moved to The Fountains of Bronson Place and delighted in all the people, activities and desserts.

Lois was the quintessential pastor's wife and was most passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. She lovingly taught Sunday School and VBS, and "fostered" many a child when they needed a place to stay. She was a devout Christian and continued leading and participating in Bible studies into her tenth decade. Lois could sew, crochet, paint and craft beautifully. United Methodist craft bazaars were enriched by her many notable creations, including "Snow People" and clown dolls(!). Lois loved reading and cutting out newspaper clippings so that she could share new ideas and trivia. She was fascinated with statistics and learning all that she could. Lois also had an insatiable chocolate habit and baked delicious chocolate chip cookies. She was a gracious hostess with a charming sense of humor and will be missed by many.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Henry Powell; her son, William Powell; and her daughter, Janice Harvey. She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Powell of Midland, MI; and a son-in-law, Edward Harvey of Battle Creek, MI. She will be lovingly remembered by four grandchildren: Timothy (and Lisa) Powell of Wilmore, KY; Angela (and Kevin) Flynn of Richland, MI; Deborah Powell of Lexington, KY; and Kimberly Harvey of Nashville, TN. She will be fondly remembered as "GiGi" by seven great-grandchildren: Will, Zach, Harvey, Quincy, Jayne, Teresa and Claire.

The family has planned a private Interment of Ashes ceremony in the Memorial Rose Garden of the First United Methodist Church in Midland, MI.

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