We are here today to celebrate the life of one of God's angels who has reached the triumphant end of her earthly existence. On Friday, September 26, 2008, God in His infinite wisdom realized that Celestine "Mitchell" Powell was tired and worn, so He offered the clarion call "Come Home My Child, Your Work Is Done. The Victory of Life Is Won."

Celestine Powell, a native of Halifax County, was born December 26, 1927. She was the fifth child of the late Jimmy Lee and Catherine Mitchell. She was educated in the public schools of Halifax County, North Carolina.

At an early age she joined Crowell Baptist Church. She immediately became active in Sunday School. Celestine married Jesse Powell on August 20, 1945. After this union she moved her membership to Cedar Creek Baptist Church. Throughout her life she was a dedicated church member; as a Deaconess, and a Mother of the Church until her health began to fail her.

This union was blessed with six dynamic children. Her son, Robin Powell and three brothers, Jimmy Lee Mitchell, Warren Hardy Mitchell, Mayfield "Pep" Mitchell, and two sisters, Pearlie Best and Lucy Glen, preceded her in death.

We are grateful to God for the longevity of her life and for the influences she has had on the lives of many. Her hobbies included cooking, cleaning, sewing, and working in her flower garden. Everyone knew Mrs. Jay loved talking on the telephone and she loved being the neighborhood baby-sitter, she truly loved kids. She couldn't drive, but Mrs. Jay knew everything that happened on Wade Road. She also worked part-time for Halifax County Schools in Dawson Elementary School's cafeteria as well as volunteering whenever needed.

Those left to cherish her precious memories are her husband: Jesse Powell of 63 years; four sons: Calvin (Connie) of Silver Springs, MD, Jimmy of Scotland Neck, NC, Jesse (Lucy ) of Waldorf, MD and Marvin (Connie) of Sharpsburg, NC; one beautiful daughter: Debra Powell Stephens (Benjamin) of Scotland Neck, NC; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; eight sisters: Delois Greene, Eunice Mae Adkinson, Gladys Knight, Catherine Mitchell, Barbara Moore, Shirley Jones, Catherine Walker and Gladys Draughn; two brothers: Madrie Mitchell and Richard Whitaker; one brother-in-law: Alexander Moore; three sisters-in-law: Lillie Bee Mitchell, Mary Mitchell and Bertha Heath; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.