Carolyn Bickers Powell, age 84, went to receive her Heavenly reward after passing from this life on Tuesday, August 20th, 2025. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, but awoke to the splendor of Heaven & the Presence of her Lord! Carolyn was born on her McGriff grandparents farm in the Corinth Community in Bradley County, AR on October 2nd, 1940 to her parents, Benne Gene McGriff Bickers & Harle Bickers.
She came to faith in Christ at age 9 during a revival at First Baptist, Warren with Dr. Angel Martinez of Ft. Smith. At age 16, she committed to lifelong Christian service at a revival at First Baptist, Warren with Dr. J. Harold Smith, also of Ft. Smith. Little did she know, that J. Harold Smith’s son, Dr. Don Smith & family, would become their neighbors in Newport, TN in their retirement! Don was President of “The Ol’ Time Gospel Hour” that broadcasted his dad’s sermons. Also, little did she know at that time, that on July 6th, 1958, she would marry her husband of 67 years, Kerry Powell and she would be a Pastor’s wife &/or military Chaplain’s wife the rest of their years of ministry together!
Carolyn not only had those ministry opportunities, but was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, homemaker, decorator, Bible study teacher, choir member, hostess cmte. mbr., Christian Hospitality seminar speaker, hostess & gourmet cook extraordinaire! She could cook anything from good ol’ country cookin’ to gourmet! At her table, many have sufficiently dined: Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, Musicians, State & SBC Presidents, even two Governors, a future Ambassador to Israel & a future White House Press Secretary.
Mrs. Carolyn was President of the AR Baptist Ministers Wives’ Conference in 1998-99. An Executive Assistant at the U of A – East Arkansas College in Forrest City while completing her degree. Previously a Ministry Assistant at 3 Virginia churches, Exec. Travel Coordinator for Potlach Corp. in McGehee & Warren, & was the Executive Secretary for the Norfolk, VA Metro Billy Graham Crusade in 1973-74. She had also graduated Warren High School as salutatorian.
“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits with the elders of the land. Her children rise up and call her blessed; But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. And let her own works praise her in the gates!” -Proverbs 31: 10,11,23,28,30 & 31.
Proceeding her in death were her parents, and her husband by just 10 days. She is survived by her brother, Gerald Wayne Bickers of Bradley County and a sister-in-law, Gaylia Powell of Fayetteville (formerly of Warren). Four sons: Rev. Brent Powell (Linda) of Powhatan, Rev. Jamie Powell (Traci) of Lawton, OK, Rev. Gary Powell (Norma) of South Carolina, & Kerry Christopher Powell of Maumelle. Eight grandchildren: Rev. Craig Powell of Powhatan, Justin Powell (Anna) of Jonesboro, Janai Powell Rindels (Dr. Ryan Rindels) of CA, Kati Powell Cannon (Rev. Andrew Cannon) of OK, Caleb Powell (Rhyanne) of UT, Emily Carolyn Powell of Little Rock, Grace Powell Cervantes (Pedro Cervantes) of SC, & Bethany Joy Powell of CO. Two step- grandchildren: Abby & Natalie Moore of N. Little Rock. Eleven great- grandchildren: Micah & Briella Powell; Josiah, Stella, Sophia, Scarlett & Augie Rindels; Elijah Cannon; Aleo, Adrian & Lina Cervantes, and a host of nephews, nieces & friends!
Funeral service was 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Warren, AR with Rev. Jesse Bickers, Rev. Johnny Ross, and Dr. Carlos Peterson officiating. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Active pallbearers were Craig Powell, Justin Powell, Caleb Powell, Pedro Cervantes, Richard Bickers, and Andrew Cannon. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Sparks, Steve Powell, Scott Powell, Kolby Reep, Ryan Rindels, and Jesse Bickers.
