We are saddened to announce the peaceful transition of Ms. Mary Powers of Alexander City, Alabama on Monday, February, 23, 2026, surrounding with the love of her family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 in the sanctuary of Early Rose Baptist Church with interment following in Armour Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm.
Mary Alice Powers was born on August 3, 1947, to the late Joseph and Mary Eliza Shelton of Eads,
Tennessee. A proud graduate of Mount Pisgah High School in Cordova, Tennessee (Class of 1965),
Mary went on to pursue her higher education at Tennessee State University, where she ultimately met
her husband, Dr. Runas Powers, Jr.
Mary confessed her faith in Christ at an early age, first uniting with Gray’s Creek Baptist Church in
Eads, Tennessee. At the time of her passing, she was a dedicated member of Early Rose Missionary
Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Develkio A. Wilson. She was a part of the Women on
Mission Ministry. A woman who truly loved the Lord, Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life and her
connection to her community.
Mary was a woman of many talents and vibrant interests. She was an accomplished jewelry designer
and artisan, expressing her creativity through beautiful, handcrafted pieces. She also prioritized a life of
wellness; daily walks, healthy eating, and fitness were integral to her daily routine. When she wasn't
staying active or creating wearable art, Mary could often be found following her favorite sport, tennis,
with great enthusiasm.
Above all, Mary cherished her family and friends. She came from a large, loving family and treasured
every moment spent with her sisters and brother. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest
pride and joy; she reveled in watching her grandchildren grow and flourish into young adults.
Mary also leaves behind a close-knit circle of friends. Together, they shared countless lunches, outings,
and celebrations, forming a sisterhood that brought her immense happiness.
She was also a loving wife, devoted mother, and homemaker for her late husband, Runas, and their
three children.
Mary departed this life on Monday, February 23, 2026 in Alexander City, Alabama, surrounded by her
children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Charles Shelton, Bobbie Jean
Tucker, Ann Shelton Branch, and Joseph Shelton Jr.
She leaves three children cherish her memory: Tiffany Renee Powers-Reid of Chicago, IL, Trina
Geneva Stevenson (Rodney) of Houston, TX, and Runas Coley Powers III, of Alexander City, AL,
Siblings: Earnestine Atkins, Mattie Ruth Sims, Gillie Shelton Holmes, Mildred Greene (Alvin), Bernita
Fondren, and Toni Gail Shelton.
Mary was also a proud grandmother to four grandchildren: Caleb E. Reid, Raven R. Reid, Rodney
(Kaden) Stevenson, Jr., and Kai A. Stevenson, and she is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews,
cousins, relatives, and friends
Professional services are provided by Wright's Funeral Home.
Send flowers to the service of Mary Alice Powers
K. P. Whitehurst sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Mary Alice Powers - March 03, 2026
We send our sincere condolences to the family. May God strengthen you and give you peace. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Spring 1993 Sorors
Sending my condolences
To the Power's family, you have our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. Sis. Mary was a member of Our Journey of Hope Cancer Care Ministry. Her quiet and gentle spirit will be missed.
Always with a big smile and pleasant.Sending Condolence
My Sincere Condolences and Sympathy to the Family of Sister Mary Powells and Friends. May God's Eternal Love, Grace and Mercy Sustain You and Comfort During this Most Difficult Time 🙏🏽With Heartfelt Love and Prayers
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