Mary Grace Powell

Mary Grace Powell, beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, after a brief illness, just two days shy of her 88th birthday. Born on August 19, 1938, in Grand Saline, Texas, Mary Grace was the cherished daughter of Rev. J.C. and Gracie Guinn. She was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her, living a life filled with devotion to her Lord, Jesus Christ, to her husband, her family, her many friends and her church. Mary Grace, she always went by Mary Grace - not Mary) grew up in Grand Saline, where she graduated from Grand Saline High School. After graduation she moved to Dallas for work. It was there she met the love of her life, Altis Lee Powell. They were married on August 16, 1958, in Dallas. Theirs was the first of three unions between the Powells and the Guinn’s. Their marriage was a testament to love and partnership, spanning 53 years until Altis's passing in 2011. Mary Grace embraced her role as a homemaker, finding joy in creating a warm and welcoming environment for her family. She also contributed to the family business, AAA Septic Tank Company, working off and on over the years as needed. Her heart was truly in her work with the Assemblies of God, where she served in various ministries, including Sunday School, Children’s Ministry, and Junior Bible Quiz. She was also, along with her husband Altis, huge supporters of missions work, supporting and encouraging many missionaries. At the time of her passing, she was an active and treasured member of First Assembly of God in Lavon. Mary Grace’s love for life was evident in her many hobbies and interests. She delighted in traveling, playing games, and organizing family gatherings that brought everyone together. Known for her “experimental cooking” in her earlier years, Mary later became a connoisseur of dining out, savoring meals shared with loved ones. Her phone conversations with friends were legendary, often lasting for hours as she nurtured her relationships with warmth and sincerity. Mary Grace was preceded in death by her parents, husband Altis, sister Jo Ann Powell, brothers Benny and Billy Ray Guinn, granddaughter Tarah Powell Phillips, and grandson Bennett Isaiah Peace. Mary Grace was welcomed into eternal peace by her beloved family members who went before her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in her surviving family: her sons Mike Powell and wife Renay, Frank Powell and wife Kellene, and David Powell and wife Leeann; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Her brother-in-law Troy Powell and wife Peggy, and sisters-in-law Earline Guinn and Kathy Powell, also cherish her memory. There will be a visitation for family and friends Sunday evening August 23rd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Charles Smith & Sons funeral home in Lavon, Texas (at the intersection of Hwy 78 and fm 6). A service celebrating Mary Grace’s life will be held on August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Assembly of God, located at 301 Main Street, Lavon, TX 75166. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to love, faith, and family.