Annie Laura Williams Powell came to the garden alone, while the dew was still on the roses; and the voice she heard, fell on her ear, the Son of God disclosed. And He walked with her, and He talked with her, and He told her she was His own. And the joy she shared as she tarried there, none other has ever known. But he bid her go, through the voice of woe. His voice to her called. And to us, she bid farewell.
Annie Laura Williams Powell was born February 27, 1936, to the late Reverend Robert Williams, Sr. and Annie Mae Howard Williams, in Pompano, Florida. To their union, five children were born. Annie Laura was the second oldest and the only sister to four brothers: Woodrow (deceased), Robert Jr., Hue Edward, and Lee Andrew. In 1951 the Family relocated to Gifford, Florida. Annie Laura attended Gifford High School. She played varsity basketball, and was crowned Miss Gifford High. She was married to the late Lloyd B. Powell for 63 years. They were blessed by God with three children: Ben, Marion and Terri Ann. Together, the Powell's raised their children in a loving home, and in the fear and admonition of God.
Annie Laura Williams Powell, the ideal portrait of wife and mother, dedicated her life to her family. She ensured their welfare and daily needs were provided without fail. Not only was she the loving and faithful wife within her family, she was also the committed and devoted servant within the community. She and her mother Mrs. Annie Williams opened Powell's Nursery and Day Care. Their service of love and dedication was committed to the children in Indian River County for more than 20 years.Affectionately known as "Ms. Annie Laura," a deeply spiritual woman, she faithfully served her St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church family with a heart of love and compassion, as Nursery Attendant, Faithful Sunday School advocate and attendee.Annie Laura Williams Powell's mission has always been to help lift her community.
She exemplified service by actively participating in civic engagements where she offered selfless service. Her signature project, Parents Involved in Education, (P.I.E.) an organization created to better the educational values of students. This organization stayed abreast of happenings in the School District; making sure that African American students were recognized for accomplishments which may not otherwise have been noted. An All Stars Award Ceremony was initiated. The last Ceremony was held on May 16, 2013.As a result of an idea from Ms. Annie Laura Williams Powell, The Gifford Youth String Orchestra began August 2003. It was funded by the Gifford Front Porch Revitalization Council for two years. As a servant of God, Annie Laura Williams Powell continued to listen for God’s Voice. God spoke and she listened. She never complained or questioned God for her life. She trusted God with her whole heart, so, on February 12, 2020, when he name was called from the Lamb’s Book of Life, she peacefully transitioned from labor to reward. Memories of her love and life will forever be cherished by her children, Ben (Bonnie), a loving a devoted daughter-in-law; Marlon (David); Terri Ann (Barry); Denise Sharpton, and affecionate & kind God-daughter; brothers: Hue Edward, Robert, Jr and Lee Andrew; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one great, great, grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins, and sorrowing friends.
A Memorial Service for Ms. Annie L. Powell will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church in Gifford. Rev. Andrew Jefferson, Pastor.
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