Beverly Joan Bankson Powell went home to be with her Lord on November 8, 2025, surrounded by family and love.

She was born on August 5, 1936, at home in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Floyd Randolph Bankson and Eva Lenore Porter Bankson. At around the age of two, Beverly moved with her family to the Appanoose County, Iowa area and attended the Centerville, Iowa schools.

At the age of 11, Beverly accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized at the age of 12 at the First Baptist Church in Centerville, Iowa. Her deep and abiding faith in Christ became the foundation of her life. She was a strong Christian who worshipped faithfully and spent her life joyfully in the service of the Lord Jesus. At her passing, she was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Kirksville. Missouri.

On August 6, 1953, Beverly married Floyd Earl Powell at Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church in Centerville, Iowa. Together they built a loving marriage that lasted more than seven decades, filled with faith, family, laughter, and adventure.

Beverly graduated from Centerville High School and went on to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Indian Hills Community College in Centerville, Iowa.

She was a lifelong learner and later earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Long Term Health Administration from Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa.

Beverly owned and operated Powell Accounting & Tax Services in Unionville, Missouri, where she proudly served her community with integrity and care for many years. She later joined Life Care Services as the Long-Term Care Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, where her dedication and compassion earned her the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Beverly was listed in the 13th edition of “Who’s Who of American Women” 1983-1984.

After “retiring” in 2003, Beverly pursued a lifelong dream and opened The Vintage Book Shoppe in Kirksville, Missouri along with Earl—a welcoming haven for book lovers that reflected her warmth and love of reading.

Beverly and her beloved husband, Earl Powell, shared a beautiful life together. They loved traveling the world, exploring new places, and making friends wherever they went. During the winters, they made their home in Texas, where they enjoyed an active social life and strong community connections.

Beverly’s faith inspired her to serve others in countless ways. While wintering in Texas, she and her dear friend Judy Simmons made warming blankets for many charities in the Westlaco, Texas area, bringing comfort and care to children in need. She also supported numerous charitable and mission organizations throughout her life, always seeking to share God’s love through acts of kindness and generosity.

She is survived by her husband Earl, children: Cheryl, Don (Dana) & John William; grandchildren: Mark (Missy), John Robert, Jerilyn (Joe), Kathryn (Nick), Emily (Simon), Amanda & Lindsey; and 14 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandson. She was preceded in death by parents, Floyd and Eva Bankson, brother Floyd Bankson Jr., Sister-in-law Geraldine Bankson, and grandson Dylan Perkins.

Funeral services for Beverly will be held 10:00 a.m. on November 14, 2025 at Travis Noe Funeral Home. Visitation is planned for 9am with funeral service following. Graveside services will be held at 1:30pm at the Fairview Church of the Brethen, Unionville, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beverly’s Fleece Throw Mission to purchase supplies to continue her legacy. Contributions may be left at Travis Noe Funeral Home or mailed to Cheryl Powell Micetich, 4325 E. 29th Street, Lot 134, Des Moines, Iowa 50317.