Marcie Ellen Powell, age 54, passed away at Bronson Hospital on October 20, 2026. She was born in Kalamazoo on September 5, 1972, the daughter of Jack and Nancy (Carmien) Challender. A kind, loving and gentle woman, Marcie was a joy to know and made a positive impact in the world around her. She grew up in the Portage community and graduated from Portage Northern High School, Class of 1990. It was there that she would meet the man who became her husband many years later. She went on to receive an Associate’s Degree and worked for many years at the post office. On May 19, 2001, she married the love of her life, James R. Powell III. They made their home in Portage and began a family. Marcie was a loving mother and lived her life for her children. She was a selfless person and her compassion shone as she cared for her mother later in life. She found ways to enjoy the quiet tranquility of life, loved spending time in her garden, involved herself in many crafts and creative projects. She enjoyed singing, laughing and making memories. She hosted movie nights and slumber parties where family and friends were all welcomed. Marcie’s kind smile, loving embrace and caring nature will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband James Powell III; sons, James Powell IV and Blake Aaron Powell; mother, Nancy Challender; aunts, Carolyn (Mike) Thyer and Sharron Redding; best friend, Sara (Nate) Ammon; cousins, Ben Rhinesmith and Elizabeth Fick, extended family and friends. She was preceded in passing by her father, Jack Challender; two cousins, Francis and Brock Redding.