Carolyn Joy Powers, age 84, of Clinton, MI, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2025, at home, with her family at her side, and under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. She was born on February 28, 1941, in Hazard, KY, the daughter of the late Rexford Raymond and Alma Lou (Shockey) Ritchie. She graduated with multiple degrees: an Associate’s degree from Warren Wilson Junior College in North Carolina, a Bachelors degree from Berea College in Berea, KY, and then two Masters degrees from Eastern Michigan University. On June 15, 1963, Carolyn was joined in marriage with Scott Powers at the Forrest Avenue Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, MI, and they enjoyed sixty-two years together before her passing.
Carolyn was a talented and dedicated elementary and music teacher who taught in the Van Buren Public Schools for thirty years. She was a devoted and faithful member of the Clinton Baptist Church. Music was Carolyn’s main passion, and she loved singing and being very active in the Ypsilanti Community Choir. She especially enjoyed attending Family Folk Week at Hindman Settlement School in Kentucky. When she wasn’t involved in music, Carolyn found pleasure in gardening and fishing. Carolyn’s home was always open and welcome to anyone who needed love and family or just a safe place to stay. Her family extended beyond just her immediate and she was a mother to many and her love shown no boundaries.
In addition to her husband, Scott, Carolyn is loved and missed by her two children, Scott (Beth) Powers of Saline, MI, and Heather (Bill) Schaare of Clinton, MI; four grandchildren, Nathan and Dylan Powers, Amanda Schaare, and Toby Fleenor; and her great-grandchildren, Weston Fleenor, Andreas Gunther, Dallas Fleenor, and Braylen Fleenor; and her sister, Judith Ritchie Hudson of Berea, KY.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Raymond Ledford Powers; her brother, Raymond Paul Ritchie; and an infant brother, William Raymond Ritchie.
Visitation for Carolyn will be from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. A funeral service with Pastor Jon Turner officiating will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Clinton Baptist Church in Clinton, MI, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and continuing until the time of the service. Interment will take place at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton, MI.