Martha Marie (Campbell) Powell entered the portals of heaven on September 9, 2012 at 10:35 pm. It’s widely believed that Marie, as she was lovingly called during her pilgrimage on earth, entered the gates of heaven singing, “I’ll Meet You In the Morning,” or “The Prettiest Flowers,” both of her favorite songs. Marie had served the Lord faithfully during the brief 93 years and nine months that she was allotted for her mission on earth, primarily as a servant of the Lord, to her husband and to her family.

After entering into the rest of her Lord and Savior Jesus, Marie was met in heaven by a host of loved ones including her husband Pascal, her mother and father, her brothers Charlie, Reuben and Pearl and her sisters Iona, Dorothy and Nell who went home earlier. We’re told by the Master’s handbook, the Bible, that Marie will be receiving rewards for all her faithfulness while on earth. According to Jesus in John 14, Marie has received a mansion prepared by her Lord Jesus and she has entered into her gift of eternal life. While Marie can’t come back to earth for a visit, she warmly invites you to join her in heaven someday by accepting the unmerited love and forgiveness of Jesus who was sacrificed on Calvary over 2,000 years ago.

While on her pilgrimage on earth, no one can recall a negative word spoken by Marie. She always spoke positive and loving words to everyone, was always concerned that their needs were met before hers and loved the people who came into her life.

It’s widely thought that Marie will have several heavenly rewards as promised by her Maker for her acts of love, kindness and faithfulness while on earth. One of Marie’s fondest acts of love was her “calling” to cook for preachers. She was no doubt supernaturally gifted for the preparation of her delicious meals which notably included such sought after entrées as country fried iron skillet chicken, her chicken and dumplings and more. Marie had also perfected the art of the fried apple pie, rich chocolate pies, banana pudding and many more sought after desserts. At the top of the sweet list was her famous peanut butter roll candy, often imitated, but never duplicated!

Marie’s husband, Pascal J. Powell, preceded Marie in the trip to heaven, leaving earth in September of 1999. Pascal and Marie had been married 63 years.

While no doubt singing, shouting and sitting at the feet of Jesus in perfect health and with no night because Jesus lights up the city and without any consciousness of time or space, Marie will await the arrival of those she left behind which include a sister, 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren, along with her extended family and many friends.

Remaining here on earth is her sister Rose Howard of Harlan.

Also residing here on earth are her sons Roy Powell and his wife Sadie of Deltona, Florida, Donnie Powell and his wife Priscilla of Nicholasville, Kentucky, and Roger Powell and his wife Sharon also of Deltona, Florida. Marie leaves behind two daughters, Ann and her husband Cecil Adams of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Sue and her husband Lee Rutherford of Lexington, Kentucky. Grandchildren include Rick, Ronnie, Glenda, Tammy, Troy, Michael, David, Karen, Richard, James, Suzanne, Spencer, Chris, Myles, Loree, Brandon and Bradley. The great grandchildren are Jason, Wesley, Ryan, Laurie, Haley, Jake, Brody, Katharine Louise, Corbin Robert, Luke Morgan, Nathaniel James, Trenton Joshua, Trae, Olivia, Cameron, Sabrina, Brooklyn, Lyncoln, Presley, and Declan. Marie also had several great, great grandchildren. She also leaves a host of family members that she loved very dearly.

A celebration service will at Harlan Funeral Home in Harlan, KY. Pastors Gene Bond and Myles Rutherford will officiate. Pallbearers are Spencer Rutherford and his son, Trae, Chris Rutherford and his son Cameron, Cecil Campbell and James Adams. Honorary Pallbearers include Cecil Adams, Lee Rutherford and Marie’s great grandsons Corbin Adams, Luke Adams, Nathaniel and Trenton Raby and Lyncoln Rutherford. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 14, at 1:00 pm, with Celebration Services starting at 2:00 pm at the Harlan Funeral Home. Graveside Farewell Services will follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Share online condolences at www.harlanobits.net.