Life and Legacy
On July 20, 2024, the Lord God Almighty called one of his precious angels home to be with Him. Yvette Marie Francis Powell was born on May 17, 1976, in Alexandria, Louisiana to Yvonne Francis and Roscoe Douglas.
Yvette was an affectionate, loving, passionate, dedicated, and hardworking individual. Yvette was devoted to her family, her church, her friends, and her employer. Unbeknown to some, Yvette was a talented musician. She started playing the piano at the age of six years old and had won many awards and accolades. Her first solo piece at the age of six was “No Never Alone.” Yvette grew up in the church at True Vine Missionary Baptist in Alexandria, Louisiana where she served as the musician for the children’s choir. During her high school years, she played piano for the show choir.
Yvette graduated from Norfolk State University with a bachelor’s degree in health information management and a Business degree from Harvard University. She was employed with Maximus where she served as VP, IT Operations.
In May 2024, Yvette completed catechism as part of Zion Church’s all-woman Ordination class, also known as the “Fab 5.” On June 15, 2024, with passion and determination she stood before the Ordination Council and passed the oral examination to become an ordained Pastor. She was a source of comfort for all who had the opportunity to engage with her directly and indirectly. Her presence radiated warmth, making everyone who encountered her feel valued, accepted, and welcomed.
Yvette continued her walk with Christ at Zion Church Woodbridge, joining in 2019. Yvette was a high-capacity volunteer serving as a role model to many, epitomizing love, humility, and sacrifice. Acknowledging her call to ministry, Yvette attended training and was licensed as a minister in 2022. She led the women’s ministry on the Woodbridge campus, “The Circle” and was also on the Global Circle Women’s Ministry Lead Team. She became a part-time staff member in November 2023 as the Assistant Lead Pastor of Zion Church Woodbridge.
Yvette is survived by her daughter Sydney Marie Powell, her mother Yvonne Francis (Alexandria, Louisiana), her stepfather Erwin Wilson (Covington, LA), Roscoe Douglas (LA), Her brother Thornton Wilson (Covington, LA), Uncle Karl Francis (Las Vegas), Uncle Keith Francis (Marsha) Colorado Springs, CO, Uncle Billy Brownlow, Sr. (Chon) San Antonio, TX, Uncle Cartelis Wilson (Sharon) Stafford, VA, Great Aunt Patricia Robinson (Darrell) of Atlanta, GA, Aunt Lynn Lamott (Alexandria, LA), and Uncle Eddie Douglas (New Orleans, LA) and a host of cousins.
Yvette also leaves an array of close friends, coworkers, and a special group of her Sister Circle at Zion Church to cherish her legacy.
The family wants to extend a special thank you to dear sister-friend, Heather Anderson, who remained by Yvette’s side during this difficult time.
Order of Service
Officiant – Pastor Keith Battle | Senior Pastor, Zion Church
Eulogist – Pastor Shamon Smalls | Lead Pastor, Zion Church Woodbridge
Prayer of Consolation...............................................................................Pastor Keith Battle
Scripture Reading:
Old Testament: Psalm 23 – Deacon Nathaniel Benjamin
New Testament: 2 Timothy 4:7 – Deacon Tiffany Wood
Selection We Are Zion Music
Acknowledgements
Pastor Patrice Wooten
Poem....................................................................................................Cartelis Wilson (Uncle)
Selection.....................................................................................................We Are Zion Music
Reflections (Please limit to two minutes)
Pastor Gregg Cooper – New Garden of Prayer IV, Portsmouth, VA
Pastor Joy Oguntimein – Lead Pastor Zion Church Anywhere, Global Women’s Ministry Director
Fab 5 Ordination Sisters:
• Pastor Celeste Kennedy
• Pastor Kelli Richardson
• Pastor Alicia Simmons
• Pastor Donna Stradford
Sydney Powell – Daughter
Presentation of Ordination Certificate and Bible
Pastor Shaun Mason
Selection We Are Zion Music
Eulogy....................................................................................................Pastor Shamon Smalls
Closing prayer
Pastor Keith Battle
Acknowledgements
The Powell/Wilson family wishes to thank everyone for all the expressions of kindness, acts of love, and sympathy shown to us during the passing of our beloved Yvette. Your thoughtfulness will continue to be a source of comfort and we pray God’s blessings upon you. Our special thanks to Dr. Andrea Arango, Dr. Sarah Gao, Dr. Kathryn Miller, Dr. Timothy Cannon, the INOVA Schar Cancer Institute and INOVA Fairfax Hospital.
A special thank you to Zion Church Woodbridge and the entire Zion Church Global community for embracing our family.
Donations to the American Cancer Society can be made in honor of Yvette by scanning the QR code.
