of Harrison, AR
December 2, 1934 - April 20, 2015
Phyllis Katherine Powers went home to be with her Lord Monday, April 20, 2015, at NARMC, Harrison, AR. Phyllis was born December 2, 1934, to E. Gordon and Ruby (Selvidge) Starkey. She was married to the Rev. Edward L. Powers and was an active member of Eagle Heights Baptist Church.
Phyllis was ready to go to her Heavenly home. She prayed for families by name and for every country they had been to over the years, just wanting to lift up one more prayer on their behalf before departing. She quoted John 3:16 over and over with passion, a verse that gave her comfort in the last hours. Her telling others about Christ was her mission in life, only wishing she had more time to witness.
If everyone would have the faith in the Lord Jesus and moral attributes Phyllis and her husband of nearly 60 years had, it would be a better world. Phyllis and Ed ministered to many churches in Arkansas, Texas, and Michigan together over the years. She served on the reorganization committee for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and on the WMU Executive Board for 8 years. They have left a legacy for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to strive toward.
Phyllis was a perfect example of a Proverbs 31 woman, always thinking of others first and self second. Her husband and children rose up and called her blessed. She served on the Board of Directors for the Associational and State WMU for many years. She was a faithful and supportive pastor's wife. In order to help make ends meet while Ed was in seminary she made Barbie doll clothes by the hundreds and sold them. Her house was always open to the members of the churches they served. She cooked and served meals to many and her words of encouragement to others gave hope in hopeless situations. She was a testament of God's healing power being a survivor of inoperable cancer for 30 years and would share that story to any and all that would listen. It was her joy to work with the children in AWANA at Eagle Heights.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Hulen and Mildred Powers; and her brother-in-law, Bill Ingram.
Phyllis is survived by her husband; Edward Powers; her son, Phillip Powers and his wife Carleen of Cabot; her daughter, Sarah Andrews and her husband Robert of Conway; five grandchildren, Christopher Powers, Angela Ferrell, Zack Andrews, Matthew Powers and Rebecca Powers; three sisters, Mary Ingram of Harrison, Venita Stafford and husband Keith of Mtn. Home; Sammye Barnard and husband Garry of Valley Springs; her brother, Gordon (Sonny) Starkey and wife Jackie of Harrison; her great-grandchildren, Matthew, Amanda, Loran, Brandon, Caitlin and Toxey; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Visitation for the Powers family was Friday, April 24, 2015.
Services were at Eagle Heights Baptist Church, Harrison, AR, Saturday, April 25, 2015, with Bro. Glenn Crenshaw and Spencer Barnard officiating.
Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Christopher Powers, Matt Powers, Matthew Powers, James Cole, Zack Andrews, Roger Wagner, Bryan Stafford, Kevin Stafford
Honorary Pallbearers: Mark Carter, Harold Stephens, Joel Moody, Toxey Ahrabli, Brandon Powers and her Sunday School Class at Eagle Heights Baptist Church
Memorials may be made to the AWANA program at Eagle Heights Baptist Church, 703 E. Walters, Harrison, AR 72601 or to Gideon International for Bibles, PO Box 997, Harrison, AR 72602.
My thoughts and sympathy are with you all during this painful time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Power's and the Starkey Families. I have many memories of Olvey growing up.
So sorry for yor loss she was a wonderful lady and will be missed but i know she is in heaven with Jesus watching over all of us
So sorry for yor loss she was a wonderful lady and will be missed but i know she is in heaven with Jesus watching over all of us
I am so very sorry to hear of Phyllis's passing, but God has gained a very special angel. My prayers and thoughts go out to Ed, and all the family.
Sorry to hear about Phyllis but GOD another beautiful flower for his beautiful GARDEN. May GOD BLES EVERY ONE.
Love to all
Clyde & Dorothy
Dear Ed and Family- May God give you comforting peace in your sorrow. Phyllis was an inspiration and blessing to me and all my family for many many years. A life well live for her Lord. What a legacy.