Minerva Patricia Powers, 82, resident of Clinton, TN, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, died on Sunday, May 27, 2018. She was born March 17, 1936. As her mythic namesake would suggest, she was strong, quick-witted, and had the spirit of a natural adventurer. She was a fighter through and through as anyone that knew her could attest. It was this spirit that led her to enlist in the United States Air Force at the age of eighteen in 1953.
During her time with the Air Force, she developed computer systems for U.S. air bases and was trained as a computer specialist. While stationed in New York state, she met and married the love of her life and soul mate, Herman Otis Powers (1935-2006). After marrying in 1956, Minerva was honorably discharged from the military to begin her family.
While raising her six children, Minerva maintained a full-time position at the bank. Attending university night classes and training programs, she worked her way to becoming an executive loan officer. Using her training from the Air Force, she also helped to develop and implement computer systems at the bank.
In retirement, Minerva kept her spirit for adventure close at hand, always traveling with her husband to new places. She also developed a love for antiquing and collectibles, stemming from her passion for discovery and exploration. As a grandmother, she was committed to fostering that selfsame sense of adventure and strength of will in her grandchildren. She could always be found walking around her neighborhood, grandchild in tow, making every day a discovery in waiting for her charge.

Minerva is preceded in death by her husband, Herman Otis Powers, and daughter, Debra Ann Powers. She is survived by five children; Sandra Dee Powers Carr and Matthew Carr, Otis Powers (Sandra), Darrell Powers, Tyrone Powers and Duwayne Powers (Elizabeth); seven grandchildren; Alyson Lily Carr, Caroline Ashton Carr, Otis Powers III, Britany Powers, Gabrielle Powers, Duwayne Powers Jr, Marques Powers and three great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, May 31, 2018 with a rosary service to follow.  Her funeral Mass will be 10:00 am, Friday at St. Therese Catholic Church with a graveside to follow her funeral Mass at Sunset Cemetery.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.  holleygamble.com