Frances Powell

Frances Ann Powell, age 85, of Gulfport, passed away on October 2, 2022.

Frances graduated from Gulfport Hight School in 1955.  She married Robert Powell in 1958.  She worked as an independent caterer making beautiful wedding and Celebratory cakes.  Frances also taught cake decorating for Gulfport’s Community Education Program.  As a mother of three girls, she was active in band boosters, Girl Scouts, and organized multiple events as a member of the Gulfport Church of Christ.  She was a member of the Home Extension Club for 60 years and served as president of the Mississippi City Club for many years.  Under her leadership, the club provided college scholarships, handmade clothing for orphans overseas, items for nursing home residents and supported the local men’s and women’s shelter.

Frances was a master seamstress, winning multiple blue ribbons for her quilts and made hundreds of Covid masks for family, friends, and the medical community.  She was a faithful volunteer at the voting poles, always greeting voters with a smile.  She was the creator of the family “Bake Day” in which she made jelly, fudge and sought-after divinity for friends and relatives, sharing her love for baking with others.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Noel and Ruth Fulcher; and her sister, Nola Fulcher.  She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert L. Powell; her children Alison Clay (David), Elizabeth Powell, and Kellie Istvan; her siblings, Geraldine Dawson, Walter Fulcher (Miriam), and Alma Howard (Robert); her grandchildren, Jeremy Clay (Brandi), Katie McFarlin (Seth), Melissa Hover, Steven Powell (Jillian), Daniel Istvan, and Hannah Istvan;  and Great Grandchildren, Ethan Boulware, Cody Evans, Taylor Evans, Jaxon Clay, Connor Clay, Clay McFarlin, Emmie McFarlin, and Madelyn Powell.

Frances will be remembered for her generosity, many creative talents, and her fortitude to always care for others, opening her home and heart to many in her lifetime.  Her unconditional love for her family will live forever in their memories.  She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, with the visitation for family and friends starting at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at Biloxi Nation Cemetery, 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi.

An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com