Funeral services were held Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Sweet Beulah Church of God in Christ for Pastor James Breland Powell, 79, who died Saturday, March 16, 2024, at his residence.

Pastor Marq Powell officiated with interment following in Powell Ministry Church of God in Christ in New Hebron.

Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Pastor Powell was born to the late Rita Anderson Walker and Curry Powell in New Hebron. 

He grew up working in his home church, St. Mary Church of God in Christ where he served as Deacon, Trustee, District YPWW President, musician and Minister.

He worked several jobs during his lifetime, Bridge construction, pulpwood hauler, pipeline worker, farming and later retired from Jefferson Davis County Division of Public Work.

After being called into the ministry, Pastor Powell, with little resources but great faith had the vision to begin Powell’s Ministry church of God in Christ. 

He worked his job during the day and worked on God’s house at night alone. In 1997, the ground for Powell’s Ministry was broken and this ministry became a staple in the community.

He was preceded in death by his wife, First Lady Rosie Powell, one daughter, Vanessa Hill and one stepson, Reggie Weathersby.

He is survived by seven children, Marq (Doris) Powell, Barbara Draggins, Adrian Weathersby, Terrance (Delois) Blackwell, Katina Blackwell, Cindy Blackwell and Vernon (LeQuieta) Dampier; one sister, Mattie J. Walker; one brother, John H. Walker, 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and Kyria L. Powell, who he was helping to raise and many other relatives and friends.