Nella Shepard Powell

Nella Shepard Powell lived to minister Christ's love to others. Whether it was her four children, 11 grandchildren, great-granddaughter, or the precious ladies at Community Presbyterian Church and the Bay Area, she wanted people to know Jesus loved them. She did this in quiet undemonstrative ways – and with a lot of prayer. She spent every morning with the Lord, in His word, talking to Him about all that was on her long list of needs for her family and friends. After a Bible Study at her house, she prepared her lunch and got ready to go to her church for another small group Bible Study and prayer ministry…but the Lord called her home. This former Miss Georgia Peach from Swainsboro, GA (son of Felton and Leotha Shepard and baby sister of the late Mildred Brinson and Ann Shepard Calef) graduated from Swainsboro High School. She married her college sweetheart, Kelly E. Powell, Jr. in 1956, and was married 58 years, until his death in 2015. Together they raised four children, Luanne Powell Schnase (Mike), Lauralee Powell Carson (Gary), Penelope Powell Crumpley (Brad), and Kelly "Kel" E. Powell, III (Loren). She loved having her 11 grandchildren and her great-granddaughter spend time with her, call her, and share their goals and lives with her - Mic Schnase (who passed away in 2010), Kelly Schnase, Nella Schnase Dietz (Derrick Dietz), Nicole Carson, Garrett Carson, Joseph Carson, Andrew Leach, Korie Leach, Brayden Powell, Colton Powell, Madelyn Powell, and great-granddaughter, Celine Dietz. Nella was involved in ministry at her church for decades. She had a passion for sharing Jesus with women of all ages, and at the age of 50 earned her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, allowing her to minister God's gifts to those who hurt or just needed a listening ear. Upon learning of her sudden passing, so many mentioned the loss they will feel, as she will no longer be there to minister, comfort, advise, and just "be" there. Our celebration of her life will be Saturday, March 24, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at Oaky Grove Church, 54 Oaky Grove Church Rd, Wrightsville, GA 31096. Nella loved supporting ministry, so in lieu of flowers consider making a donation to the ministry at Oaky Grove Church. Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel has charge of funeral arrangements.