Shirley Schneider Powell

Shirley Schneider Powell, 97, widow of Charles Perry Powell, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, in the comfort of her home. 

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Shirley was the daughter of the late Ervin Schneider and Margaret Wilk Schneider. She spent much of her early life in Saginaw and in East Tawas, Michigan, where her family built a cherished log cabin on the shores of Lake Huron—memories she held close throughout her life. 

A dedicated and accomplished professional, Shirley served as an executive administrator at Lufkin Rule Company in Saginaw before continuing her career at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she and her family lived for more than 20 years. During this time, Shirley became a beauty consultant with Mary Kay, a role that reflected her lifelong passion for helping others feel confident and at their best. 

In 1991, Shirley and Chuck relocated to Aiken, South Carolina, where Chuck worked as an engineer for Bechtel Corporation at the Savannah River Site. Shirley became an active and devoted member of St. John’s Methodist Church, where she deeply valued her faith, her community, and the friendships she formed. 

Shirley was deeply loved by all who knew her. She loved to travel and had a special passion for plants and gardening, finding great joy in sharing that love with her grandson. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Shirley’s warmth, kindness, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone she touched, and she will be greatly missed. 

Shirley is survived by her son, Kelly C. Powell; daughter-in-law, Casey Powell; granddaughter, Emma C. Powell; and grandson, Owen K. Powell, all of Oceanside, California. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Schneider; nieces and nephews, Teri and Bob Eberly, Jeff and Robin Schneider, Dan and Nina Schneider, Greg Schneider, Rick Schneider, and Tami Schneider Niswander, and their families. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Methodist Church, with The Rev. Greyson “Butch” Blackwell officiating. A reception will follow in Ward Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to Hitchcock Woods at www.hitchcockwoods.org/support/give-now.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC