Jeffrey Francis Powers

Jeffrey Francis Powers was born on March 14, 1964 to Theodore Francis and Shirley LaChance Powers in St. Louis, Missouri and died on July 10, 2014 in Collierville. He is survived by his wife, Staci Simpson Powers; his mother; his brothers, Scott and Dennis Powers, and 15 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. Jeff graduated from Collierville High School, earned a BA and MA from Memphis State University (University of Memphis), earned a M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and was working towards his Doctorate of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Seminary. He had completed all his field work and was expecting to complete his oral defense in the fall of 2013 when he became ill. Jeff also served his country in the U.S. Navy on active duty and as a naval reserve officer. His life’s work and passion, however, was service to His Lord as a missionary for 16 years in Botswana and Zambia through the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He was a gifted teacher of the Word of God who longed to return to those he left behind in Africa. As an outdoorsman, Jeff enjoyed the opportunities of big game hunting, fishing, game viewing and camping that his African home afforded him. He had many other hobbies and interests including sports, dogs, and coffee. He will be missed by many on several continents. Visitation will be at Collierville Funeral Home from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, July 14th. Services will be held at Collierville First Baptist Church at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 15th . The graveside service follows. Jeff’s wishes were that donations be made to the International Mission Board, SBC, Office of Finance, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767 designated to the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zambia in his name.

http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/stories/view/bible-becomes-real-for-non-readers-in-zambia

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