Mary Belle Powell

Mary Belle Simpson Powell, 87, went to her heavenly home on May 16, 2017, and was joyfully reunited with her husband A.C. and son David. She was born on May 7, 1930 in Coushatta, Louisiana to Thomas Howard Simpson and Bernice Ball Simpson. After graduating from Coushatta High School in 1948, she attended business college in Shreveport, and subsequently worked for the telephone company. In 1952, she met and married A.C. Powell, with whom she enjoyed 44 years of marriage. They lived first in Shreveport, and owned and operated City Auto Supply in Vivian for 40 years, working side by side. Their son David, born in 1961, was the light of their lives until his untimely passing in 1984. The family moved to Vivian in 1972, where Mary became an active member of the First Baptist Church. She sang in the church choir, designed and sewed costumes for Christmas and Easter plays, and led Bible study groups in her home. Her creativity made the Gospel live for all who were fortunate enough to know her. Although advancing age and illness eventually forced her to resign from this vital work, she continued to bear witness by praying with and for everyone she met. From her caregivers and doctors, to her many nieces, nephews, and friends-we all glimpsed God through her. She had a servant heart. Left to cherish Mary\'s memory are her sister-in-law, Wanda Simpson, and her nieces and nephews: Rebecca (Jeff) Day, Hodge (Jo) Raburn, Cathy (Daryl) Dursum, Debby (Jack) Herms, Anne (Bill) Henry, Linda Bamburg, Cindy (John Paul) Jordan, Susan (Joe) Robbins, Frances Simpson, Audrey (Wayne) Durham, Tommy (Kristi) Simpson, and Michael (Suzan) Simpson. Many great-nieces and -nephews as well as great-great-nieces and -nephews also treasure her memory. We were blessed to call her "Aunt May May," but she was, truly, our second mother. Welcoming Mary home were her husband, son, parents, sisters Gladys Raburn, Willie Drilling, and Louise Bamburg, and brothers Thomas Howard Simpson, Jr. and Joe Dan Simpson. She was also welcomed by her nephews Ernie Bamburg and Thomas Simpson. Our family would like to thank Lolitha Shepard, who affectionately cared for Mary and assembled a wonderful group of loving hands, which included: Rebecca Coleman, Mary Jefferson, Nita Sullivan, and Pauline Terry. We also thank Mary\'s special friend, Debbie Shaffett, for being a ray of sunshine in her life. Debbie drove Mary to and from doctor appointments in Shreveport, often three or four times a week. We thank as well Drs. Michael Futrell and Ben Quinney for their excellent care, and Susan Dungan, Cardiac Nurse Practitioner. Her compassionate words were a constant companion for the difficult journey. Finally, we wish to thank the rest of the Shepard family-Eddie, Pete, Gary, and Craig-for planting and tending the vegetable and flower gardens around Mary\'s home. Haven and playground to birds, butterflies, squirrels, and deer, the gardens filled her with joy. Her friends, feathered and furry, will miss the kind lady who fed them. The services will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Vivian, Louisiana, 311 N. Pine Street. We invite friends to join us from 9:30 to 11:00 am for visitation, followed by the service at 11:00 am, conducted by the Reverend Jeff Day. The Reverend Truett Brown and Richard Beeman will assist. Interment will follow at Vivian Cemetery. Pallbearers are James LaCaze, Matthew Raburn, Hodge Raburn, Bob Shaffett, Eddie Shepard, and Daniel Simpson. Honorary pallbearers are Daryl Dursum, Dr. John Haynes, Bill Henry, and Jack Herms. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Hands and Feet Ministry of the First Baptist Church of Vivian, or to the charity of your choice.