Celebration of Life for Beresford W. Powell, Sr.

A Tribute To Our Dad

Our Dad Is Our Hero – As children we admired our dad. We just knew that more than Michael Jordan, Spider-man, or the President of the United States, none of them loved us or sacrificed for us more than our dad.

Our Dad Introduced Us To Jesus – Our dad regularly led us in family worships Friday evenings. God would speak through our dad to our hearts. We came to know Jesus through our dad.

Our Dad Built a Church – Convicted by the Advent message, our dad left his former church to follow his newfound faith. Since integrated churches were not accepted back then, our dad built a church, brick by brick. It is the church we grew up in, were baptized in, and the place where we developed so many of the skills, abilities, and faith we have today.

Our Dad Educated Us – God gave our dad a good mind. That’s why he married our mom! He also prized Christian education. He worked hard and prayed to send all 7 of his children through Adventist education for a small fortune. By his sacrifice, we’ve become soldiers, skilled technologists, accountants, nurses, attorneys, engineers, doctors, and the list goes on.

Our Dad Was Courageous & Fearless – Time will not permit us to tell the many stories of our dad confronting and talking down drug dealers and irate tenants with knives. Our dad was very fearless and courageous.

Our Dad Sacrificed For His Family – Our dad didn’t grow up in the best of homes so he made his home as best a place as he could. The cost of schooling, housing, family vacations, and medical bills are just a small sample of the sacrifices he made to provide for and to protect his family.

Our Dad Left Us a Great Example – Dad set the bar very high. Our dad demonstrated hard work, persistence, faith, honesty, conviction, healthful living, and discipline. Our dad’s word was his bond. He meant what he said and said what he meant, but more than that, he walked the talk.

Our Dad Loved God – Our dad loved God, till the very end. He was a devoted servant of God and soldier of the cross who will be sorely missed.

Your Forever Grateful Children

In Honor of Our Dad B.W. Powell, Sr. November 8, 1920—September 17, 2023

Life Reflection

The

Early Years in Jamaica (Read by Chandler Powell, granddaughter)

Beresford Wesley Powell, Sr., known to many as “B.W.,” was born on November 8, 1920 to Hilda Hanson and John Wesley Powell in Mocho, Saint James, Jamaica. He was the eldest of his six siblings: Steadman, Lionel, Ellen, Archibald, Enoch, and Clara.

B.W. grasped the importance of self-sufficiency and hard work early on, while being raised by his grandmother, Catherine Hanson. At just 13 years old, he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, raising and selling farm animals to support himself and his family. Astonishingly, at the age of 14, B.W. purchased his first parcel of land in Jamaica. Following his schooling, he moved to Kingston and, at the young age of 19, established a “cold supper shop” featuring beloved Jamaican dishes like ackee and saltfish.

B.W. had a passion for learning and sport. According to his cousin, B.W. was a masterful Cricket player and excelled in playing Dominoes. Throughout his school years, B.W. demonstrated exceptional proficiency in subjects like mathematics and history. He developed a deep appreciation for poetry, frequently reciting words of wisdom from scripture and poems throughout his lifetime. Additionally, he dedicated two years to college-level accounting courses. But it was his studies in geography that would ignite his aspirations to explore the world.

Travel Adventures (Read by Caleb Braswell, grandson)

In May of 1945, at the age of 25, B.W. entrusted his restaurant to a cousin and embarked on a journey to the United States, driven by a desire to expand his opportunities. His ship landed in Port Everglades, Florida, where he initially worked in the sugarcane fields. He later ventured to the northeastern region of the U.S. where he took on employment in logging and fruit picking. After a few years, B.W. returned to the southern states in search of a milder climate. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1949.

Throughout the years, B.W.’s journeys led him across various regions of the United States and to destinations like Canada, England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. But the pinnacle of his travels was when he got the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, encompassing the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea roughly corresponding to the modern State of Israel and the Palestinian territories. Walking in the same places where Jesus and the Apostles had once trodden left an indelible mark on B.W., making it one of the most remarkable moments of his life.

Life Reflection

Building a Career in Sarasota, Florida (Read by John Michael Johnson, grandson) In 1949, B.W. established his residence in Sarasota. He worked in insurance sales and took on various odd jobs, which eventually paved the way for him to enter the construction field. He secured a position with a local contractor who would later become both a friend and mentor. In 1955, while working in this capacity, B.W. began building his own duplexes on the side. His success in this venture eventually allowed him to leave his job and become self-employed full time. Real estate development and property management became his means of livelihood, enabling him to support his family.

B.W. constructed numerous single-family homes in the Sarasota area and also built 51 apartments that provided housing for members of the African American community. Although he was a Jamaican immigrant unfamiliar with racial segregation, B.W. recognized the need for affordable housing within the black community. Before long, word-of-mouth alone was all the advertising needed to fill “the rent man’s” properties for over 50 years. In recognition of his lengthy and successful career as a landlord in Sarasota County, B.W. was bestowed an award from the Sarasota Landlord Tenant Association. In 2015, he was honored at the NAACP Sarasota County Branch’s 30th Annual Freedom Awards Banquet, in recognition for his achievements as a business leader, contractor, and manager of rental properties.

Family Life (Read by Hilary Martin, granddaughter)

B.W. met the former Albennie (Davis) Johnson at one of his apartments, where she was visiting a friend. They began a whirlwind courtship, which largely involved attending church services together. A mere three months after their initial meeting, B.W. and Albennie exchanged wedding vows on June 4, 1959, officiated by Pastor W.S. Banfield. Their union lasted for more than 64 years until his passing.

Together, B.W. and Albennie had seven children: Leonard Davis Johnson, Randy Orestes Johnson, Debra Maria Powell, Hortense Eugenie Martin, Gwendolyn Ann Powell Braswell, Beresford Wesley Powell II, and Maceo Benjamin Powell. Later, they would be blessed with 15 grandchildren: Mario Jermaine Bradshaw (deceased), Wade Lindsey Jr. (deceased), Jesse Bernard Lindsey, Bahattan Dumbre Lindsey, Tremaine Yonta Lindsey, Randy Orestes Johnson Jr., John Michael Joel Johnson, Justin Wayne Martin,

Life Reflection

Hilary Taylor Martin, Karis Hope Powell, Lauren Rose Powell, Chandler Naydia Powell, Marie Albennie Powell, Maicy Alexandra Nata Powell, and Caleb Beresford Braswell. At the remarkable age of 100, B.W. was delighted when he received the heartwarming news that his grandson, Justin, had recently become a parent himself.

Education, particularly Christian-based education, was immensely important to B.W. and Albennie. They devoted substantial resources to ensure their children received education at various institutions, including Westcoast Seventh-day Adventist Junior Academy in Oneco, Florida, Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, Florida, Oakwood Academy and Oakwood University in Huntsville Alabama, Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, Walla Walla University in Walla Walla, Washington, and Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. During the period when their own children were enrolled, B.W. negotiated a group rate with Westcoast Jr.Academy so that other children from their church community could also access the benefits of a Christian education. In later years, the B.W. Powell Scholarship Fund would be established to provide financial support for the educational aspirations of young people in the Newtown Community.

Passion for the Kingdom (Read by Lauren Powell and Marie Powell, granddaughters) Though construction was his life’s work, it was not his life’s true passion. B.W.’s greatest zeal lay in building the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. His commitment to spreading the Gospel, guiding people toward a Christ-centered life, was unwavering. He shared with Albennie that he was going to construct a house for the Lord before he built his own, a promise he fulfilled. He would not build a home for his family until seven years after he built a church.

B.W. held deep concerns for the spiritual growth of those around him. Annually, the family embarked on a 10-day spiritual retreat to Camp meetings in Hawthorne, Florida, often traveling in the family’s trailer. As Christmas gifts, B.W.’s children could count on receiving a devotional book for the upcoming year, “wrapped” in a simple brown paper bag. Many late Christmas Eve nights were spent wrapping devotional books to distribute as gifts to all his tenants.

Life Reflection

In his early years in Sarasota, B.W. Powell was a member of the Truvine Missionary Baptist Church. However, in 1953, after extensive Bible study, he joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At that time, there was no Adventist church in the black community in Sarasota. So, B.W. began offering Bible studies to anyone willing to listen. He also worked as a colporteur, sharing books that illuminated the character of Christ. His favorite book to share was “Steps to Christ,” a work that delves into the profound love of Christ for humanity.

As a result of B.W.’s efforts, the Adventist community in Sarasota began to grow. Every Sabbath, he would take a few elderly ladies with him to the Mt. Calvary Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tampa, Florida. Later, they rented the Lilly White Hall to hold their Sabbath worship services in Sarasota.

As the fledgling group of Adventist believers began to grow, B.W. put his construction skills to work for God. In 1963, he constructed the Mount Sinai Seventh-day Adventist Church on Leonard Reid Avenue in Sarasota, Florida. Over the years that followed, he conducted numerous tent meetings in Sarasota to invite people to follow Christ.

Because of his concern for the church’s future growth, B.W. urged denominational leaders to assign a pastor permnently to the area. Eventually this request would fearlessness, and penchant for “plain speaking.” B.W. was honored to have served for several years on the Executive Committee of the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He would go on to serve as first elder of the Mount Sinai SDA Church for over 50 years, delivering countless Sabbath sermons well into his 90s.

Healthy Lifestyle (Read by Randy Johnson Jr., grandson) B.W. prioritized his health, frequently proclaiming, “Health is cheap; sickness is expensive!” In the 1960s, he became a vegetarian, though he would occasionally eat fish. He preferred to eat his main meal at breakfast and his last meal in the early afternoon. B.W. was known to consume “healthy” food combinations that would make some cringe. He liked to say, “Eat to live. Don’t live to eat!” Despite his lofty intentions, though, B.W. had a sweet tooth that was legendary!

Getting adequate rest was important to B.W. He routinely went to bed early and arose early to begin his day with prayer and Bible study. He would often say, “Early to bed, early

Life Reflection

to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise!”

B.W. also remained physically active well into his later years. He would typically work from sunup to sundown, except on Sabbaths. He did much of his work outdoors, in the sunshine and fresh air.

He understood the importance of guarding his mental health as well. He often used laughter as a way to shake off things that could otherwise disturb his peace of mind. To maintain a healthy perspective, he was known to declare frequently, “Could be better, could be worse. Thank the Lord for what it is.” B.W. actively strove not to become bogged down by worldly troubles, believing that the only things that should ever consume one’s mind were the things of God.

Called to Rest (Read by Justin Martin, grandson)

After his final Sabbath on earth, B.W. was called to rest on Sunday afternoon, September 17, 2023, at the age of 102. He was surrounded by his devoted wife, Albennie, and several of his children and grandchildren. As he drew his final breath, they were singing one of his favorite hymns, Trust and Obey.

B.W. leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Albennie Powell. He also leaves all of his seven children: Leonard (Anita) Johnson, Randy Johnson, Sr., Debra Powell, Hortense (Wayne) Martin, Gwendolyn (Robert) Powell Braswell, Beresford (Patricia) Powell, Jr., and Maceo (Nerissa)Powell. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, a host of beloved nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

It is fitting that we conclude this reflection on B.W.’s life with the following words of encouragement, which he often prayed at the end of his sermons: Have faith in God, though fear thy soul has taken. Have faith in God, though heaven and earth be shaken. Have faith in God, for we are not forsaken. May the peace of God and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit rest, rule, and abide with you all, both now, henceforth, and forevermore. Amen.

Order of Service

Musical Prelude/Picture Slideshow Musicians

Processional/Final Glance Platform Guests/Family

Opening Prayer Pastor Byron Wells

Scripture Old Testament Bro. Frank Holloman

Psalms 116:15

Scripture New Testament Bro. Ronald Mathis

Romans 8:38-39

Opening Hymn Trust and Obey Congregation

Special Remarks Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Official

Life Reflection Read by Grandchildren

Poem Ms. Dazery Dyer

Musical Selection Draw Me Nearer Ms. Maicy Powell, Granddaughter

Reflections

As a community leader Former Sarasota Mayor Fredd Atkins

As a church member Sis. Cynthia Kindred

As a pastor Pastor Dion Henry

Organ Selection . Amazing Grace/Pass Me Not Mr. Matthew McKinnon

Reflections

As a friend Mr. Calvin Bryant ( video)

As a church member Sis. Marlene Campbell

As a friend Mr. Jetson Grimes

As a neighbor Mr. Joseph Wright

Musical Selection It is Well Powell Family

Eulogy Pastor Barry K. Bonner, Nephew

Closing Hymn When We All Get to Heaven Congregation

Expression of Appreciation Dr. Maceo Powell, Son

Prayer of Comfort Pastor Dion Henry

Acknowledgements Mr. Carlos Jones, Jones Funeral Home

Recessional Come Thou Fount (Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir) Platform Guests/Family

Please remain seated during recessional.

Committal Service (immediately following service)

Palms Memorial Park

170 Honore Avenue

Sarasota, FL 34232

Repast

Light of the World Church

3809 Chapel Drive Sarasota, FL 34234

HYMNS

TRUST AND OBEY (J. H.

Sammis)

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.

(Refrain)

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blest if we trust and obey.

(Refrain)

But we never can prove the delights of His love, until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey.

(Refrain)

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, where He sends we will go, Never fear, only trust and obey.

(Refrain)

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN (Eliza Hewitt)

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus. Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll prepare for us a place. Refrain: When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway, clouds will overspread the sky; But when trav’ling days are over, not a shadow, not a sigh.

(Refrain)

Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving ev’ry day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory, will the toils of life repay.

(Refrain)

Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open. We shall tread the streets of gold. (Refrain)

B.W.’s Favorite Sayings

Could be better, could be worse. Thank the Lord for what it is.

Eat to live. Don’t live to eat.

Health is cheap; sickness is expensive.

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

Love not to brag. Love not to boast. Grief comes to him who brags the most.

The two most important things in life are to know God and to know yourself.

A man is not lost because he is a sinner. Neither is a man saved because he, himself, is righteous.

Temptation is not sin. Yielding is.

No one can fight the devil and win.

Every job can’t afford every lifestyle. So, choose wisely.

Chicken merry, hawk nearby.

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

Money doesn’t grow on trees.

Have faith in God, though fear thy soul has taken. Have faith in God, though heaven and earth be shaken. Have faith in God, for we are not forsaken. May the peace of God and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit rest, rule, and abide with you all, both now, henceforth, and forevermore. Amen.

PALLBEARERS

Wayne Martin (Son-in-law)

Robert Braswell (Son-in-law)

Randy Johnson, Jr. (Grandson)

John Michael Johnson (Grandson)

Justin Martin (Grandson)

Caleb Braswell (Grandson)

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

Mt. Sinai Seventh-day Adventist Church Deacons

FAMILY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are eternally grateful for the overwhelming love and support of family and friends during this difficult time. Perhaps you visited, prayed, or came and just sat quietly nearby. Perhaps you sent flowers or made some other kind gesture. Perhaps you rendered a service unseen from near or far. Perhaps you called, sent a text, or emailed. Perhaps you have simply kept our family lifted in prayer over the past few weeks. Whatever you may have done to console our hearts for that we thank you so very much.

We also send our thanks and appreciation to the many members of the Sarasota community he called home and the Mt. Sinai Seventh-day Adventist Church he worked alongside for so many years.

Additionally, we want to express our thanks to Senior Pastor Kelvin Lumpkin, church leadership, and the Light of the World Church family for their graciousness and assistance to the Powell family during our time of bereavement.

Finally, we express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Diane Van Ryn, the nurses, and staff of Tidewell Hospice and to Concepción (Connie) Lopez and the staff of Assisting Hands agency, for their dedication and care for B.W. and concern for Albennie.

We weep, but not as those who have no hope. For our hope comes from the faith we have in God to strengthen us during this most difficult time. We especially thank you for your continued sincere prayers during the coming days and weeks.

The Family of Beresford Wesley Powell, Sr.

SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO Jones Funeral Home 4005 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234

Program Layout & Design

info@24-6design.com

COMMITTAL SERVICE

Palms Memorial Park 170 Honore Avenue Sarasota, FL 34232