Reverend Edith Barbara Powell was born January13, 1939 to the late Ann Powell in Brooklyn, New York. Edith was the only child. Edith was raised by the late Reverend Dr. Ruth Maness. Edith Barbara accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and remained devoted and dedicated throughout her entire life. Edith Barbara Powell had one son, the late Kyle N. Powell. While living in Lansing, Michigan, she became a licensed minister and ministered in several organizations throughout the city. Edith Barbara graduated from J. W. Sexton High School in 1958 and received a scholarship to attend St. Lawrence School of Nursing from the Prince Hall Grand Chapter. Edith Barbara received her Practical Nurse License in 1960. Edith was recognized by Senator Martha G. Scott for being the first Black Pioneer Surgical Nurse at St. Lawrence and Sparrow hospitals in the 1960's and 1970's. She received her Associate Degree in Science from Lansing Community College in 1975. She was employed as a Surgical Nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Edith Barbara did not restrict herself to any one occupation. She received a diploma from Melba Academy of Beauty Culture and received a license to practice with the Board of Cosmetology in 1970. She completed the Dale Carnegie course of Effective Speaking and Human Relations in 1986. In 1989, she completed the 12 week course on Self-Development, Spiritual Absorption, and Basic Principle from Inter-Faith Association of Higher Learning. She also received a certificate in Massage Therapy in 1989. Edith retired from General Motors, as employee on the Lansing Car Assembly in 1999, after working for 22 years. Edith Barbara was known for her giving spirit, love for Jesus Christ and her unconditional love for her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and preaching the gospel. Edith was a Charter Member of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. She became a licensed minister at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in 1999. Edith was a Commissioned Minister through Inter-National Association of Universal Truth U.S.A. Rev. Edith Barbara Powell enjoyed delivering, Sermons on Love and reading scriptures. She donated to many charities and individuals in need. Edith Barbara made her transition on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at approximately 6 pm at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing. Edith Barbara leaves to cherish her memory: her uncle, Calvin Powell, Sr.; aunt, Rose Powell of Brooklyn, New York; cousins, Drs. Williams K. and Denise C. Lloyd of Uniondale, New York, Calvin Powell, Jr. of Brooklyn , New York, Lakisha C. Lloyd-Forde and Marvin Forde, both of Baldwin, New York, Christopher O. Lloyd of Uniondale, New York, Christopher O. Lloyd of Hempstead, New York, Sophia Powell and Mocha Powell, both of Queens, NewYork, Kimalee Perry and Devon Sludd, both of Brooklyn, New York, Sherrod Gillian and Faith Gough, both of Baltimore, Maryland, James Ray of Manhattan, New York, Joan J. Johnson of Hamiliton, Virgina, Barry and Marlene Dothard, Bradford Dothard, Horace Dothard, David Dothard, and Steven Dothard , all of Lansing, Michigan; and daughter-in-law, Letisha Powell of Lansing, Michigan. Friends may visit Mrs. Powell Thursday, September 20, 2012, 1-6 pm, at Riley Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Friday, September 21, 2012 1:00 pm at Riley Funeral Home.