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Obituary For Willa Viola Powers
Willa Viola Powers, 68, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Born on December 31, 1956, in Spartanburg, SC, she was the beloved daughter of Mrs. Vivian Powers and the late Mr. Willie Payden.
Willa’s religious upbringing was deeply rooted in Mount Moriah Baptist Church, where she became a devoted member at the age of nine. Her service was heartfelt and extensive - participating in Church School, Bible study, the Children’s Ministry, Youth Choirs, Junior Missionary Ministry, and the Girl Scouts. In adulthood, she continued her passion for youth development through dedicated work with the Children’s Ministry until her health no longer permitted.
She was educated in the Spartanburg District Seven School System, Willa attended Mary H. Wright Elementary School, Carver Junior High School, and graduated from Spartanburg High School, Class of 1975. She continued her education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she joined the sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Professionally, Willa gave over three decades of faithful service to the Spartanburg District Seven School System as a Career Counselor and Cheerleading Coach at Carver Junior High School. She retired after 33 years of shaping young lives with wisdom,compassion, and integrity.
Willa was preceded in death by her siblings, Mr. Phrederick Powers and Ms. Karen Aye.
She leaves a legacy of love and treasured memories with her devoted mother, Mrs. Vivian Powers; a cherished second mother, Mrs. Sara Austin; her sister, Cheryle Young; her brother, Benjamin (Harriett) Means both of Spartanburg, SC; Porsha Means of Spartanburg, who was like the daughter she never had; a special cousin, Wanda Powers of Philadelphia, PA; uncles, Herbert Powers of Philadelphia, PA and Kenneth Powers of Wilson, NC; and a circle of friends she held dear: Julia Potter, Linda Drummond, Cynthia McNally, Jackie Davis, Brenda Lee Pryce, and Margarette Miller; and a host of loving relatives and dear friends all of whom she loved dearly.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Spartanburg,SC. Burial will be in the Lincoln Memorial Gardens, Drayton, SC.
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AnthonyBrothers sent Red and White Handled Basket for Willa Viola Powers - July 10, 2025
Just now hearing about Willa passing away. I have never known a more comical person in my life. Heart of gold and I never saw her when she was in a bad mood. I'm very sorry for your loss.
To Vivian My Condolences & Prayers To You & Your Family
We're saddened to hear of your loss. We're wishing you Peace during this difficult time. Our Prayers & Thoughts are with you and your family.
Shirley Miller & Family
The family has my deepest condolences. Wilma was my classmate a sweet and humble person always had a beautiful smile.RIP my friend.
To Ms. Power, you was the flyest,sweets most caring teacher of all at Carver Jr. High.I loved your bell bottom jeans and your afro. You had a good heart to match your beautiful smile. You always Encouraged and inspired me to Be the best I could be. You used what I loved the most to help me to do good. You took me across the street from Carver to riteaid drugstore and purchase me Lee press on nails. Every time I did good. You brought me. Lee press on nails to my 50th birthday party.Ten years ago. it was the highlight of the night. We recently spoke about you coming to my 60th birthday party next year'i'm gonna miss you. I will have a Rose there for you. Love you miss Powell forever in my heart rest in peace, God got you, you're a beautiful soul.
I was so sorry to hear about Willa's passing. I taught at Carver for many years and Willa was always a smiling face for all of us. She was truly an advocate for students. My condolences to her family and friends. Margie Dobbins
Willa was my best friend. I know for a fact she was that kind of friend to a lot of people. That's just the way she was. Whenever she saw a need, she tried to fill it. In the process, she filled a lot of us with love, joy, encouragement, and probably a piece of pound cake.
We meet in elementary school and I'll always remember her heartwarming smile. My prayers and condolences are with you all
I send my deepest condolences to the Powers Family for your loss. Arleen Newett
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She was a smiling face, we as students loved to see. Rest in peace.
Willa was a vital member of the faculty and staff at Carver Junior High School for many years. She was loved by many and will be truly missed. My condolences to the family.
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I send my condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of meeting her. I enjoyed being around that sweet spirit she always had. She also was a wonderful cake baker ❤️ May God continue to strengthen the family during this difficult time of bereavement. Love, Tasha Hopkins.
The world needs more people like Willa Powers. We shared long careers at Carver Junior High. She served as a bridge: between students and teachers, old and young, school and community. Spartanburg is a better place for the life she lived here. Cynthia Urquhart
Willa and I went from 1st grade to 12th grade. From that experience, we fought and loved each other. The girls being me, Willa, Wanda Smith, Anita Sullivan, Delores Fleming, Geraldine Dye and others. The boys were Otis Dawkins, Eric Wilkins, Ernest Young, Barry Denny and others fought for leadership. Sometimes Willa would beat everyone up so the girls would follow her. In another day one of us would beat Willa up. Same thing went for the boys. We fought each other but loved them at the same time. We left high school with the same love and respect even if we haven't seen each other today. I haven't seen Willa in probably 45+ years but from reading all of the memories I can see that she carried her leadership qualities until the end. My heart goes out to the family for I feel that you have lost a leader for your family! God bless and take care of each other for family is first!! Priscilla Nash aka Pat Nash
My sincere condolences to the Powers family. She was a sweet lady.
Liked Her As A Person At Carver Jr High. We Do Pray Here Fam. Keep God Almighty Your Focus.
Our condolences to the family during your time of bereavement .
"My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and strength in the memories you shared."
A true woman of God you will be miss ❤️
Take Your BOW QUEEN👸🏿
Willa Powers was a phenomenal, caring person who saw the good in every person! She loved children in general and her Carver students in particular. She relished her time as Cheerleader Coach and enjoyed seeing how her students developed and impacted the world! May she sit next to God in heaven!
Our deepest condolences to the family it's a heartfelt sadden to loss a sweet soul like Willa I would see her out and about in stores we would speak I remember her from Carver Junior School where my daughter went many students loved her as I did it was a privilege that we met you will be missed truly Debra Reeder
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Condolences to the Powers family 🙏🤲🙏. Willa was a sweet and kind person. Always smiling and calling me by my whole name every time she met me. She will be missed. Trudy Woodruff
Deepest sympathy is extended to the Powers family❤️🙏🏾
Ms. Willa was the sweetest, most humbling person. She loved the children and treated them like they were her own. While at Carver, she made the biggest impact on the students. My daughters and I loved her. Sending Prayers of Comfort, Peace, Strength, and Understanding to all of her family members.
I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Willa. My thoughts are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
