Shirley Atkinson Powell

Mrs. Shirley Mae Atkinson Powell of 202 Forest Dr. South Boston, VA died Wednesday, May 06, 2015. She was born in Pittsylvania County, VA May 2, 1930 and made South Boston her home since September 1959. She was the daughter of Mr. John Albert Atkinson and Mrs. Ilah Mae Moorefield Atkinson, Java, VA and was married to Mr. Earl Gunn Powell. She was a graduate of Spring Garden High School class of 1948 in Pittsylvania County and graduating Class of 1950 at Virginia Commercial College, Lynchburg, VA. She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, John Clifton Atkinson and E. L. "Pete" Atkinson, a sister, Frances Atkinson Hall Brumfield and a step-son Dennis Wayne Wilborne. She was the last surviving member of her family. She was the first elected woman official for the City of South Boston and appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Revenue from 1960 until 1972. She ten was elected Commissioner of the Revenue until her retirement in 1991. She was a member of the Commissioner of the Revenue Association, local Government Official's Conference and VALECO. She also was Assessor and Disaster Coordinator for South Boston. Mrs. Powell was a member of First Baptist Church, served as a deacon, choir member, Sunday School pianist for Adult III assembly until it ended. She was a member and treasurer for the Fidelis Sunday School Class and pianist for the Lacy Bible Sunday School Class until her health failed. Also served on several committees. Before joining First Baptist in 1976, she was a member of Second Baptist Church for 12 years and served as adult choir director, led singing for children in revivals, assisted as church pianist, Sunday School Teacher and pianist in the Junior Dept. for Girls, served in Women's Missionary Union and Girls Auxillary, Training Union and Vacation Bible School. She greatly enjoyed volunteer work and played the piano at Boston Commons Retirement Home, all the Nursing Homes for Minister and Groups including Circles at First Baptist Church. She is survived by he devoted husband and closest friend, Earl Gunn Powell of the home; god-daughter and great niece, Geri Regina Hall Rheinheimer, Douglasville, GA; god-daughter, Sarah Brynes Rosche, South Boston, god-son William Jeff Cuneo, Chester, VA, step-daughter, Cynthia Gayle Wilborne Bradley and husband, Edward, Glen Allen, VA; sister-in-law, Lois Jones Atkinson, Williamsburg, VA; two nieces, Sandra Atkinson of Richmond, and husband, Jack, Lake Jackson, TX; Elois Brumfield Hooker and husband Bobby, Ringgold, VA; three nephews, Raymond L. Hall, Sr. Smiths Station, AL; Dexter l. Atkinson and wife Debbie, Williamsburg, VA; Frank V. Atkinson, Rex, GA; special friend, Lindy Lloyd Heath and husband Gary, Roxboro, NC; nephews: many special friends and a precious dog, Hunter. There will be no visitation; however, everyone is invited to visit and sign the guest register at Powell Funeral Home. Graveside funeral service will be held in Halifax Memorial Gardens at 2 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2015 with the Rev. Dave Anderson and the Rev. Susan Davis, officiating. Mrs. Becky Hutcherson will sing "Going Home" composed by Antoinin Dvorak, Symphony No. 9 - Largo. Pallbearers serving are Eddie Powell, Gene Faucette, Mike Wilborne, Carlyle Wimbish, John Taylor and Rick Hutcherson. For memorials, consider First Baptist Church, c/o Bus Fund, 815 N. Main St., South Boston, VA 24592, Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592 or Halifax Humane Society, P. O. Box 969, South Boston, VA 24592