Ilda Marlene Powell

ILDA MARLENE POWELL, age 83, of Marion, passed away at 4:09pm on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at her home in Marion. Ilda was born in Crab Orchard on December 6, 1932, the daughter of L.D. “Jack” and Nona Elizabeth (Clarida) Norman. Ilda graduated from Crab Orchard High School in 1950. She later graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in 1963, her master’s degree in 1966, and continuing on to also receive her specialist degree.  After years of teaching for the Benton School District and Marion Junior High School, Ilda became the special education supervisor at the Williamson County Special Education District. Ms. Powell was a member of the Marion First United Methodist Church, where she continued her love of teaching, serving as a fourth grade Sunday School teacher. Ilda lived life to the fullest and possessed a true competitive spirit, inner-youth, and even athletic prowess. She enjoyed spending her winters in Cape Coral, Florida and created fond memories from her extensive travels all over the world.  Ilda was a proud fan of baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, however, her favorite player remained Pete Rose.  She had a passion for history, wildlife, musicals, and shopping trips for her grandchildren. Always generous to a fault, Ilda was a loving mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her. Survivors include two sons- William “Bill” (Shelby) Powell of Ava, IL Nicholas “Nick” (Jamie) Powell of Marion, IL Four Grandchildren- Brittany Powell of Scottsdale, AZ Neil Powell of Dillon, CO Adi Powell of St. Peters, MO Brett Powell of Marion, IL Brother- Richard (Astrid) Norman of Carbondale, IL Roger (Martha) Norman of Carterville, IL Special lifelong friend, companion, and caretaker- Doris Baker of Marion, IL She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother- Jack Gary Norman. Funeral services will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Rev. Jeff VanDyke will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be held from12:30pm until 2:30pm on Sunday at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge or the First United Methodist Church of Marion. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home; 800 N. Market Street; Marion, IL 62959.