Mary Alice Powers

We are saddened to announce the peaceful transition of Ms. Mary Powers of Alexander City, Alabama on Monday, February, 23, 2026, surrounding with the love of her family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 in the sanctuary of Early Rose Baptist Church with interment following in Armour Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm.

Mary Alice Powers was born on August 3, 1947, to the late Joseph and Mary Eliza Shelton of Eads,

Tennessee. A proud graduate of Mount Pisgah High School in Cordova, Tennessee (Class of 1965),

Mary went on to pursue her higher education at Tennessee State University, where she ultimately met

her husband, Dr. Runas Powers, Jr.

Mary confessed her faith in Christ at an early age, first uniting with Gray's Creek Baptist Church in

Eads, Tennessee. At the time of her passing, she was a dedicated member of Early Rose Missionary

Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Develkio A. Wilson. She was a part of the Women on

Mission Ministry. A woman who truly loved the Lord, Mary's faith was the cornerstone of her life and her

connection to her community.

Mary was a woman of many talents and vibrant interests. She was an accomplished jewelry designer

and artisan, expressing her creativity through beautiful, handcrafted pieces. She also prioritized a life of

wellness; daily walks, healthy eating, and fitness were integral to her daily routine. When she wasn't

staying active or creating wearable art, Mary could often be found following her favorite sport, tennis,

with great enthusiasm.

Above all, Mary cherished her family and friends. She came from a large, loving family and treasured

every moment spent with her sisters and brother. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest

pride and joy; she reveled in watching her grandchildren grow and flourish into young adults.

Mary also leaves behind a close-knit circle of friends. Together, they shared countless lunches, outings,

and celebrations, forming a sisterhood that brought her immense happiness.

She was also a loving wife, devoted mother, and homemaker for her late husband, Runas, and their

three children.

Mary departed this life on Monday, February 23, 2026 in Alexander City, Alabama, surrounded by her

children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Charles Shelton, Bobbie Jean

Tucker, Ann Shelton Branch, and Joseph Shelton Jr.

She leaves three children cherish her memory: Tiffany Renee Powers-Reid of Chicago, IL, Trina

Geneva Stevenson (Rodney) of Houston, TX, and Runas Coley Powers III, of Alexander City, AL,

Siblings: Earnestine Atkins, Mattie Ruth Sims, Gillie Shelton Holmes, Mildred Greene (Alvin), Bernita

Fondren, and Toni Gail Shelton.

Mary was also a proud grandmother to four grandchildren: Caleb E. Reid, Raven R. Reid, Rodney

(Kaden) Stevenson, Jr., and Kai A. Stevenson, and she is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews,

cousins, relatives, and friends

Professional services are provided by Wright's Funeral Home.