PROFILE

PROFILE
The Rev. Elizabeth Powell
Born: Buena Vista, Ga., moved to Youngstown in 1925, graduated from South High School and attended Bible Theological Institute of Youngstown and Youngstown Baptist Ministers Institute.
Grandparents: They were slaves. Her grandfather told stories of days when slaves had to hide prayer services from slave owners.
First job: As a maid at the Ohio Hotel in Youngstown making $10 a week. She was prohibited from using the front elevator. She also worked plowing a farm and had a job at General Fireproofing during World War II.
Family: Married Marion Powell in June 1932. He died in 1976. She has a daughter, Helen Summers in Florida, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Professional and social life: Organized the South Side Prayer Band in 1945. Before her ordination, was a member of the Third Baptist Church and taught at the Angie Johnson Missionary Circle for 30 years and Sunday school for 15 years.
Ordained in 1956, pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church until she founded the World Fellowship Interdenominational Church in December 1962.
Met Charles Evers, brother of civil rights promoter Medgar Evers, in 1972 when Charles Evers was mayor of Fayette, Miss.
Met President Clinton in 1996, introducing him at an Independence Day appearance at the B & amp;O Railroad Station. He called her "the best-looking 94-year-old woman in the world."
Served on the Youngstown Human Relations Council and in the Youngstown chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Awards: Received honors from several groups including the local and national NAACP, Youngstown chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, West Federal Street YMCA, Buckeye Elks Lodge 73, her church, city mayors, and city council members.
Induction: She will be inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame during a reception and ceremony Oct. 17 at Severance Hall in Cleveland. The event is open to the public, and tickets are $35. Call (614) 466-4496 for details.
Sources: The Rev. Elizabeth Powell, Vindicator files