Dolores Guild Powell

Madison - Dolores “Laurie” Guild Powell, age 92, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024, in Madison, WI. She was born January 22, 1932, and grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur Burritt and Thelma (Henkel) Guild. She graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1953, with a major in piano and voice. She was one of the first members of the Beta Mu Chapter of the professional fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota, serving one year as its president.

Laurie had three careers: a teacher of 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grades in Aurora, Illinois, Madison, Wisconsin, and East Cleveland, Ohio; a church secretary at Wheaton Bible Church in Wheaton, Illinois, for ten years, where she sang for 50 years in the choir and directed both high school and adult handbell choirs; an Executive Assistant in the publishing field, working with both the CEO and President of Christianity Today, Inc., (founded by Billy Graham) and as copy editor for its first issue of “Leadership Journal.”

She was married to Hoover Wescott “Scotty” Powell on June 11, 1955, and they traveled from coast to coast for Scotty’s work, eventually returning to her hometown of Wheaton, IL. After both she and Scotty retired, they moved to Madison, Wisconsin to be closer to their daughter. They resided at Coventry Village Brookline Apartments where she volunteered her time welcoming new residents. She also was the Brookline volunteer resident librarian and was a regular in their weekly Bible study. Laurie loved the Lord and her faith was very important to her. She had assurance of her salvation and that she will be reunited with her husband and others who passed before her.

 Laurie is survived by a daughter, Kathryn; a nephew, Craig (Marcy) Voight; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband; her younger sister, Judy (Larry) Guild Voight, and a nephew, Douglas Voight.

            Per her wishes, no services are planned.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road

Madison, WI 53705

608-238-3434