RUTHIE POWELL

Ruthie May George was born on February 22, 1944 to the parentage of Lula Mae Mixon and Rufus George. At an early age Ruthie united with Rocky Mount Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas (Smithland, Community); under the leadership of Pastor William Moore.  She remained a member there until 1957, at which time she united with the new Zion Baptist Church also in Magnolia, Arkansas under the leadership of Pastor Taylor. She served in both churches as an usher and in Sunday School.

Ruthie attended C. S. Woodward Elementary School in McKamie, Arkansas and Columbia County High School in Magnolia Arkansas; graduating in May 21, 1961. She attended a year and a half at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2009, she was invited and attended Southern Bible Institute, learning about God was her passion; and she found this to be a true calling from God.

Ruthie was married to Leonard Charles Powell of Dallas, Texas and united with St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church; Pastor C. J. R. Phillips, Sr and remained there until she and her family moved; at which time she united with Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church; Pastor Norris Hamilton. She remained a member there until 1984. In 1984, Pastor Hamilton organized Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and she became a faithful member. She is one of the Charter members. Ruthie served as Pastor’s Aide president from 1984 until 2007.  She was assigned Servant Leader for Sunday School by Pastor E. R. Island, Sr. in 2009 and served until January, 2022.  She thanked Pastor Island for assigning the job to her and she really considered it her job. She considered that her most precious work for the Lord. She served in other areas of the church from the kitchen to the choir, but she is most thankful for the opportunity to have served her Pastor in the Pastor’s Aide Ministry.

Ruthie retired from the Dallas County Community Supervision and Corrections Department in 2006.

Ruthie leaves to cherish her memory, sons; Eddie Eugene and Edward Timothy, daughters, Ollie Elizabeth and Emma Ruth; two grandchildren; Brandy Russell Powell, and Shaquita Jackson; great grandchildren; Brianna Powell, Cairo Martin, and Cyrus Martin; two sisters, Lela Mae Thomas and Christene McDaniel; a niece that was raised with her as a sister, Delzie (Doll) Lambert, 21 nieces and nephews, too many to count of grand, great grand and great great grand nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.