Marileta Powell Stone

Marileta Powell Stone was born at Vaughn Memorial Hospital in Selma, Alabama, on August 2, 1929. She passed away on December 18, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama.

Marileta was born to Calvin Elias and Leta Rikard Powell of Ackerville, Alabama. She lived most of her life in Wilcox County, Alabama. She was a true daughter of the Black Belt.

Marileta graduated from Moore Academy in Pine Apple, Alabama, in 1947 and from API, now Auburn University, in 1951.

On July 2, 1952, Marileta married William Edward Stone, Jr., of Pine Apple, Alabama. They were blessed with two daughters, Debra Whatley of Opelika, Alabama, and Kathy (Billy) Perryman of Ackerville, Alabama. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Libby (Mike) Burch, Edward (Elizabeth) Whatley, Mary Kathryn Whatley, and Walter Whatley, as well as Stover (Melody) Perryman and Calvin (Samara) Perryman. She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Kate, Jackson, Anne Stephens, Margaret, Marley, Mary Stover, Ward, Camden, Jake, and Sommer.

Marileta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son-in-law, Alex Whatley.

In her younger days, Marileta enjoyed sewing for her girls, cooking for her family, and playing bridge with her friends.

The last three and a half years of her life, she resided with her daughter, Debra, in Opelika. Her very lively Lee County great-grandchildren and an exuberant Standard Poodle kept her entertained.

This past Saturday, December 16th, Marileta traveled to Troy, Alabama, and attended a birthday party for her youngest great-granddaughter and was able to spend time with all of Kathy’s family. She was blessed to be very engaged with her family and maintained her sharp mind to the very end.

Funeral services will be on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Bethsaida Baptist Church in Furman, Alabama. It was in this antebellum church that Marileta and Eddie were wed. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Earl Ballard officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing. Interment will follow at Ackerville Baptist Church in Ackerville, Alabama. Marileta was the last person baptized, around 1941, in this church shortly before it closed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ackerville Cemetery, 380 County road 26, Pine Apple, AL. 36768 and to Friendship Baptist Church, P.O. Box 27, Pine Apple, Alabama 36768. Marileta was a member from 1955 until her death.