Mother Reatha Mae Powell

A Tribute to Reatha Mae Anderson-Powell (Bay)

A Life of Love and Service

Reatha Mae Anderson-Powell, born on September 26, 1930, in Tupelo, Mississippi, was a beacon of light in the lives of everyone she touched. As a child, she was nicknamed “Bay”, which stuck with her throughout her life.   She was a dedicated and loving matriarch, a generous friend, and a loyal servant to her church and community. Her life was indeed profound, touching countless hearts, and leaving a legacy of love and service. She transitioned peacefully on July 20, 2024, in Detroit Michigan surrounded by family.  Although difficult to endure, the family’s faith helps us to accept and understand her departure.

A Steward of Hospitality

Bay was a steward of the hospitality industry, her dedication evident in her long service at Azar’s Big Boy, where she worked for over three decades before retiring in 1999. Not one to rest on her laurels, she embarked on a second career at Marriott, where she served for another decade. Her work ethic was unparalleled and her warmth infectious. She always greeted her customers and colleagues with a smile and a kind word, making them feel welcome and appreciated. She was a mentor and a role model to many, sharing her wisdom and experience with grace and humility.

A Nurturing Spirit

Bay’s hobbies of gardening and baking reflected her nurturing spirit. She had a green thumb and a sweet tooth and loved to share the fruits of her labor with her family and friends. She took pride in her beautiful flowers and plants, which brightened her home and her neighborhood. She also enjoyed baking delicious cakes and pies (especially her beloved caramel cake), which were always a hit at family gatherings and church events. She had a knack for making people feel special and loved with her homemade treats. She would always reply when told "I love you" with her favorite phrase "I love you more!"

A Pilar of Faith

Bay’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a dedicated member of Emmanuel Church for over 30 years, serving as an usher and even becoming an ordained minister. In 1997, she transitioned to New Life, bringing her unwavering faith and dedication to her new spiritual home. As someone who loved everyone, she always had the right words in any situation, and her love was unconditional. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. Bay was one of those beautiful things, a force of love and kindness that was felt by anyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

A Loving Family

Love for family mattered the most to Bay. She was a loving mother to her surviving daughters, Dovella West (Silas) and Beverly Reed, and her sons Ronnie Anderson (Nila), Johnie Powell, and Michael Powell (Angela). A loving sister to her survived siblings Ida Clotelle, Edna, Newt, Joyce, Frankie, and Jo Ray. She was preceded in death by her lovely daughter, Clara Powell, her Parents Claude Sr. and Dovie Anderson, her grandson, Corey Stewart, and 12 siblings.

She was also a devoted grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Including her best friend and sister Lenora (Nucey) Anderson. She cherished every moment spent with her family, whether it was traveling to the yearly Anderson Family Reunion, attending family functions, or simply having a phone conversation. She expressed her love in words and deeds, always supporting, encouraging, and praying for her loved ones.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She was a woman of faith, hope, and love, and she left a lasting impression on the world. She was a blessing and an inspiration, and we are grateful for the time we had with her. Rest in peace. “We love you more”!!

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