Mary Helen Powell, 88, was reunited with her husband Jim on December 15, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., exactly 23 years after his own passing. As a retired English professor, there is perhaps no one who can respect the poetic nature of her departure better than Mary Helen herself.
She was born in Helper, UT to Omar and Helen Ellis Bunnell on June 10, 1935. As her father was the oldest of five brothers, everyone was excited at the arrival of the first daughter and granddaughter in the Bunnell family. Mary Helen also liked the idea of being the first in things, but she was quick in letting those expectant relatives know that being first afforded her the privilege of defining the role, and her definition did not include playing with dolls or working in a kitchen.
At the age of six, her family made the seven-mile pilgrimage from their Helper home to a house on 5th Avenue in Price, Utah. Showing the early signs of her brilliantly imaginative mind and determination to “never let the facts get in the way of a good story,” she referred to that move as a “great migration” to a “glamorous abode.”
School always came easy to Mary Helen. She attended Central and Harding Elementary, Price Junior High, Carbon High School and then Carbon College. The conversation in the Bunnell family was not “if you go to school” it was just when and where. She adopted that same culture and mindset for her family. For her it was always just a given to go to Carbon College and then BYU. She received an academic and a 4-H scholarship to BYU where she graduated Phi Kappa Phi in Elementary Education, and later in 1989 received a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, also from BYU.
Mary Helen participated in the band at an early age. She played the clarinet and became the drum major of the Harding School marching band. As a young girl during her summers, she participated in 4-H winning many blue ribbons at county and state fairs. She participated in sewing, home beautification, and cooking. The highlight of her 4-H experience was being chosen from the state of Utah, along with three others, to attend National 4-H camp in Washington D.C.
Her love for writing began at a young age. At Price Junior High, she wrote for her student newspaper, the Carbonicle, and was a member of the high school yearbook staff. She also worked as the society editor of the weekly Sun Advocate, a job which paid $20 a week. She continued writing for the rest of her life and found great joy in it. Some of her accomplishments include multiple road shows, comedic sketches and co-authoring a book, “Strengthen thy Stakes” (a history of Carbon Stakes). On the 75h anniversary of the Carbon (Price, Utah) Stake, she was asked to work on a commemoration program. She helped develop the theme, wrote the script, and some of the lyrics for original songs. One of the songs was submitted to the Relief Society song contest held in connection with BYU’s Women’s Conference and was one of the winners.
Her professional career included teaching elementary school, a stint of substitute teaching, a tutoring job at CEU which then led to a permanent position. She spent 18 wonderful years teaching in the English Department and serving as an academic advisor and department head.
On June 25, 1959, Mary Helen married James LeRoy Powell in the Manti Utah temple. In the years that followed, their small family of two would grow to include six children, 26 beautiful grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Together they made a great parenting team and it was very clear that their family was the center of what was most important to them.
Mary Helen was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as the president of many auxiliaries but her favorite calling always involved that of teaching.
During her 23 years as a widow, she found joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren. As the last years of her life found her in a wheelchair, she handled it with such grace and good nature. She spent time reading books, doing a good puzzle and being the best Jazz fan and supporter of any BYU sporting event…especially football.
Everyone who knew Mary Helen knew that she loved a good joke. She was often asked to do skits or to simply “do something funny” at ward, family, and community events. Many of her skits involved a special collaboration with her younger sister and best friend, Ann. The two have remained close throughout their lives. She also enjoyed so many other meaningful friendships through her community and work.
Mary Helen’s legacy lives on through her sister, Ann; six children, Mary Egbert (John), Matt Powell (Marilyn), John Powell (Lisa) , Andy Powell (Jann), Robert Powell (Rachael) and Jenny Hathaway (Derek), and their posterities.
Welcoming her home on the other side are her parents; brothers, David and Steven; and her beloved husband, Jim.
Mary Helen is a woman of resolute strength and intellect, a devoted sister, teacher, disciple and mother. The memory of her resilience lingers and warms the hearts she leaves behind. Her love and faith will continue to show the way.
Funeral service, Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 10:00 a.m., Highlands Ward Chapel (1520 Foxpointe Dr Kaysville, Utah 8403), where the family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. Mary Helen will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband following the service in the Price City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. An open house will then take place at the Price 8th Ward building (995 East 700 North Price, UT 84501) following the graveside service. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Mary online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.
Livestreaming of the service will begin 15 minutes before the service. The livestream can be accessed right below this paragraph 15 minutes before the service begins.