Carolyn Faye VanderWaal Powell, age 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 11, 2025, in Biloxi, Mississippi.
She was born on Aug. 4, 1941, in Volga, South Dakota, to Arie and Marvella (Dahl)VanderWaal.
Carolyn lived a full and meaningful life. She cherished time spent with family, playing bingo and cards, and sewing and other creative hobbies. In her younger years, she worked as a waitress before pursuing her passion for caregiving, becoming a certified nurse assistant and dedicating 15 years to caring for the terminally ill. Never one to stop learning, she later earned a certificate in accounting. However, her favorite job came after retirement when she became the head “lunch lady” at Hillcrest School, where she found joy in her co-workers and the students she served.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Calton “Pete” Powell; her sister, Shirley Welch; her brothers, Gene and Dennis VanderWaal; her granddaughter Brittany Steinback, and her great-grandson, Jack Dean Tatreau.
She is survived by her children, Dale Steinback, Donna Steinback and her partner Warren Williams, and DeAna (Steinback) and Brice Autry; her twin sister, Marilyn McKinney and husband Steve McKinney; step-sister Beverly Westall and grandchildren Dylan Bradfield, Jade (Autry) Tatreau, Danton Autry, Kenyon Autry, and Brooke Autry, extended family, and friends who will hold her memory close.
The family held a private memorial service, sharing time together to grieve, remember, and celebrate the happiness she brought to their lives. Carolyn’s kindness and unwavering love will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
