Melissa A. Powell

Melissa A. Powell, age 77, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born and raised in Gulfport, Melissa dedicated her life to hard work, family, and faith. She was preceded in death by her father, George Bass; her mother, Mildred Howard; and her brothers, George Bass Jr. and Leroy Bass.

Melissa’s greatest joy in life came from her family. She leaves behind her beloved children, Gerald Powell and Shawn Powell; her cherished siblings, Joyce Bass, Ross Lee, Terry (Bernice) Bass, and Gregory Knight; and her adored grandchildren, Sharisse Genwright, Jessica Faith, Lewis Powell, and Leon Powell. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy—Antonio McKoy, Skye Genwright, Lenyx Powell, and Bennett Faith; her nephews Pierre Bass, Elijah Bass, Joshua Bass, Pierre Bass Jr., Terry Bass Jr., Michael (Delois) Drakeford, Kenneth Drakeford, Allen (Josephine) Drakeford and Donald Drakeford; her nieces Dominque Bass, Zipporah Bass, and Gabriella Bass and host of great -nieces and great- nephew's an many more cherished extended family members. Melissa has a special spot in her heart for her god-daughter, Simone Travis. She also leaves behind four cherished friends: Robert Washington, Pam Haynes, Theresa Evans and Alice Jeter, who walked beside her through every season of life.

A lifelong resident of Gulfport, Melissa earned her Master’s degree in Health Services Administration and devoted over 30 years of service as a Contract Manager in Acquisitions. After retirement, she continued to give back to her community as a substitute teacher for local schools, where she found deep fulfillment in encouraging and guiding young minds. Her compassion, patience, and steady presence made a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know her.

Melissa will be remembered for her warmth, her unwavering strength, and her quiet acts of kindness. She was a woman who always put others first—whether lending a listening ear, offering a word of encouragement, or showing up with a smile when it was needed most. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will live on through her family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception.

A procession will depart from Riemann Family Funeral Home to Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with the committal service beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Powell family.