Shirley Jean Powell

Shirley Jean (Cahill) Powell, age 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026. She was born on November 1, 1935, to Jack Edward and Lois (Anderson) Cahill.

A proud graduate of Guthrie High School, Shirley was the Valedictorian of the Class of 1954 and served as Editor of the GHS Kaleidoscope Yearbook. She went on to attend the University of Oklahoma, where she studied Art and was a member of Chi Omega Sorority.

On September 18, 1954, Shirley married the love of her life, Alvin Robert "Bob" Powell, on his birthday, in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Together they shared 71 years of a beautiful and devoted marriage. Their journey began in Okinawa, Japan, where Bob was stationed in the United States Air Force. After two years abroad, they returned to Guthrie, where they built a life rooted in family, service, and community.

Shirley was deeply involved in her community, and generously gave her time and talents to many organizations. Not only did she help Bob manage the Melba and Beacon Theatres, but she also served as the President of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce (JC's) Auxiliary, worked with the 89er's Committee, and was a dedicated Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She also served as Chairman of the Territorial Christmas Ball, President of the Jonquil Garden Club, and was a proud 50-year member of Chapter AD PEO.

A passionate supporter of the arts, Shirley owned and operated Kaleidoscope Gallery for many years. She was well known throughout the art community for hosting Fine Arts Shows and Sales featuring renowned Southwest and Native American artists.

Shirley found great joy in painting, playing bridge, and traveling the world. Among her favorite destinations were the annual trips to Bradenton, Florida to spend time on the beach and visit dear friends, to visit Japan and China, and she treasured her travels with the Oklahoma Friendship Force.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lois Cahill; her brothers, Gary and Edward Cahill; her in-laws, Al and Erlene Powell; and her beloved grandson, Kale Powell.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband, Bob Powell; her brother, Richard "Dick" (Phyllis) Cahill; her children, Janna (Brian) Pierson, Marsh (Nancy) Powell, and Retired Sheriff R. Douglas Powell; her grandchildren, Shana (Nick) Bench, Brandon (Namali) Pierson, Doug Pierson, Tyler (Heather) Powell, Brooke (Dylan) Harman, and Paige (Donte) Foster; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Makenna and Gabriella Bench, Caroline and Alex Pierson, Eloise Pierson, Camille and Bray Foster, Tallen and Lawson Harman, and Bran and Parry Powell; her dear friend, Luann; and her many nieces and nephews.

Shirley will be remembered for her creativity, her generosity, her love of family, and the lasting impact she made on her community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

A service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church located at 402 East Noble Avenue in Guthrie. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.

Private graveside services for Shirley will be held prior to the celebration of her life.

Visitation will be held Thursday, 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, 402 East Noble Avenue, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo.com.