Hazel Ilene Powers

Hazel Ilene Powers, of Bradenton and formerly of Holmes Beach, passed away peacefully in the care of Tidewell Hospice on Wednesday, November 26, 2008. She was surrounded by loved ones as she passed from this world and was reunited with her loving husband, Gordon E. Powers, Sr. She was 87 years old. She is survived by her devoted son, Gordon E. Powers, Jr. and his wife, Mary Lynne, of Bradenton, three grandchildren: Grier Powers, Kelly Powers Ferguson and Justin Powers, their spouses, and seven great-grandchildren. Hazel was known and revered by all who loved her as a spirited, hard-working, loving, and determined individual whose primary focus in life was the care and support of her family. She was a school administrator in Champaign, Illinois, who was so well respected by her peers that a special education wing of Carrie Busey Elementary School in Champaign was constructed to honor her long-standing achievements to the school district. Throughout her long life, she remained a steadfast supporter of her husband, her parents, her sister, her son, her daughter-in-law, and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So important to her were her son's accomplishments that she and Gordon regularly traveled long distances during his college years to cheer him on in football games and to continue to be a part of his life. Her life was a testament to the importance of the family unit and the many blessings that are yielded from having a closely connected family. Arrangements are under the care of Brown & Sons Funeral Home. A family memorial will be held at Parrish United Methodist Church. Memorial donations may be made to Parrish United Methodist Church (12140 69th St. East, Parrish 34219) or Tidewell Hospice (3355 26th St. West, Bradenton 34205).