Frances Powell

MADISON, Miss. Frances Williams Powell, "Our sweet Nana", died on Monday, July 8, 2013, at River Oaks Hospital in Madison, Miss."NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAY KIND WORDS TO OTHERS" Was a phrase spoken and practiced daily by Nana.Born in Red Bank, she was the daughter of the late Ralph Oliver Williams and Ruby Brewer Williams. Frances graduated with honors from Red Bank High School and attended Tennessee Technical College on scholarship. While at Tennessee Tech she met and married the love of her life, the late H.T. Tommy Powell, labor leader and Tennessee State Representative.A longtime Memphis resident, Frances retired from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union after more than 35 years as office and business manager. In retirement Frances and Tommy lived, worked and enjoyed the Memphis area until his death in 2008. They truly enjoyed being the "Toast of the Town" while entertaining friends over refreshments in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel.In life and retirement Frances turned her considerable passions to her family, love of life and never missing an opportunity to dance.She is survived by her brother, Ralph (Evelyn) Williams, of Red Bank; children, Tony (Nancy) Powell, of Vicksburg, Miss.; Dr. Tammy Powell (Ray) Booker, of Franklin, Tenn.; and Terry (Lee) Powell, of Madison, Miss.; and her beloved grandchildren, Perry Brewer Powell and William Powell Booker.The family thanks the angels in her life, LaTaunia Catchings and Delores Powell, and the entire Sunnybrook family for their support.Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Ararat Baptist Church, 3608 Brownsville Highway in Jackson, Tenn.Interment will follow in Ararat Baptist Church Cemetery.Online guestbook http://www.wrightferguson.com/ Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home, 350 High St., Jackson, MS 39202.