Mary Powell

On Wednesday January 14, Katy Powell, loving mother of 3 children departed this world to be with her husband Leroy in Heaven. She was 78. She was born 9/19/1942 in Athens Tennessee to Wendell and Ruth Yarbrough. She was a long-time resident of Gulfport Mississippi.

Katy graduated from Harrison Central High School in 1960 and then went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from William Carey College. Katy worked as a volunteer for the Red Cross and then held several jobs in the community prior to becoming a career civil servant. She retired after working 30 years at Keesler Air Force Base as a Computer Specialist. She was the widow of Leroy Powell of Gulfport MS.

She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who showed unwavering support and steadfast love for her children and grandchildren. She was rarely seen without a smile and never met a stranger. She loved her dogs like family and read the newspaper daily with her cup of coffee on the back porch. She was the president of the Babe Ruth softball league for several years and was an integral part of the building of Community Baseball Fields in the 80’s. She was a great supporter of girls softball and organized trips and tournaments throughout the state for travel. She continued her love of baseball with her grandsons, where she insisted on bringing her own personal scorebook. Katy was active with the Brownies and Girl Scouts where she made countless memories and spent many a weekend making crafts, earning badges with the girls, and camping with the troop at both Camp Wilkes and Camp Ita Kana over the years.

Katy was preceded in death by her parents, Wendell Yarbrough (Ruth); and her brothers, Robert, Kilburn and Richard Yarbrough. She is Survived by her brothers, Don (Betty), W. Howell “Winky” and Tom (Billie); Her sons, Troy (Shannon) Bass and Kerry (Leigh) Bass; her daughter, Katherine (Benny) Murphy; her Grandchildren, Bailey and Brady Bass, Reagan and Tate Murphy, Jesse and Kellen Bass; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family request any contributions to be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 228.863.3354 or on their website, www.hssm.org

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., with the Funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m., at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503. Burial will follow at Evergreen Gardens in Gulfport.

The online guestbook may be viewed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com