Goldie Bernice (Warfel) Powell, 100, of Atwood, IL, peacefully transcended into the arms of her Lord and Savior at 11:20 a.m., Thursday, March 28, 2019 at the Arthur Home, Arthur, IL.

Bernice was born Sept 30, 1918 in Rose Hill, IL, the daughter of Carl and Bessie (Coen) Warfel. She was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers and three sisters, and all their spouses.

Bernice married Joseph Merle Powell on August 23, 1941. He passed away on May 22,1979.

She is survived by her two sons and their families: Leroy (Gwen) Powell of Chandler, AZ. and Danny (Gaye) Powell of rural Arthur, IL. Also surviving are her five grandchildren: Kriston (Andrea) Powell of Scottsdale, AZ; Todd (Robin) Powell of Philo, IL; Pamela (Kory) Budinger of Chandler, AZ; Kara (James) Butler of Farmer City, IL and Joseph Powell of Decatur, IL.

She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Bernice graduated from the Tolono High School and Eastern Illinois State Teacher's College in Charleston, IL. Fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher, she began her teaching career in a one room school house located northwest of Arthur, IL (Mentzer School), where she met her future husband through one of her students. (Merle's younger brother Duane)

Bernice taught in both the Arthur and the Atwood school districts, taking a brief time off to care for her boys when they were young. She retired from the Atwood School District in 1981. One of the comments her family never grew tired of hearing from people was, "Your mom was my favorite teacher."

She was an active member of the United Church of Atwood and served on many church committees throughout her years as well as being a Sunday school teacher.

As an avid quilter, she chaired and participated in many quilt shows that were held at the church.

She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association in both Piatt and Moultrie Counties, and received recognition as the Moultrie County Retired Teacher of the Year.

She was a member of the Sixteen High Club of Atwood, the Piatt County Volunteers Association and several other volunteer organizations. Her motto was "you need to give back."
A soft-spoken lady who personified a wife, mother and grandmother to all. It can be safely said, " that to know her was to love her."

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at the United Church of Atwood, 210 North Main Street, Atwood, IL
Services will be conducted by Pastor Mike Drake and assisted by Leroy and Danny Powell. Bernice will be laid to rest beside her husband Merle at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign, IL.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., on Wednesday, prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Arthur Home, Eberhardt Village or United Church of Atwood.

The Powell family would like to express their gratitude for the love and care given to their dear mother from the fine folks at Eberhardt Village and Arthur Home.

Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Atwood, IL is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared via hilligosssshraderfh.com