Kelvin Lee Powell

Kelvin Powell, 66, of Stevensville, peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on March 6, 2026. Born on August 21, 1959, he was the eldest twin, alongside his brother Melvin Powell, in Benton Harbor, MI, to the late Maebell (Jackson) Powell and Albert Powell Sr. Kelvin graduated from Benton Harbor Area Schools, Class of 1976.

After dedicating 17 years to Coach’s Bar and Grill, Kelvin retired in late 2025, where he excelled as one of the main chefs. He poured his heart into serving customers daily, often being the first to arrive and the last to leave. Kelvin cherished his time with the Coach’s staff and spoke fondly of the owners, Tim and Jeannine, who were always just a phone call away. Prior to this, he also served as a chef at Fireside Inn in Stevensville, MI, for over 20 years.

For the past two decades, on November 11th, he made it a point to cook for 400-500 veterans at the Southwestern Michigan Veterans Group Center. Cooking was not just a job for Kelvin; it was his passion. He devoted countless hours to creating delicious meals filled with love, fostering connections, and making memories that will last a lifetime. With gentle hands and a joyful heart, he found true happiness in the kitchen. His legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will endure forever.

Kelvin leaves behind his cherished children: Kelvin McClinton of San Diego, CA, Risque (Demetrius) Gilmore of Montgomery, AL, and Kinyetta Powell of St. Joseph, MI. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Johnnie McClinton of Benton Harbor, MI, Charles (Sharlotte) Pierce of Las Vegas, NV, and Johnathan (Jalah) Thomas of Kalamazoo, MI; as well as 16 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his sisters: Jane Williams of Romulus, MI, and Carol McTear of Ferndale, MI. He is also remembered by his twin brother, Melvin Powell of Miami, FL, and Albert Powell Jr. of Benton Harbor, MI, along with his sister-in-law Leah Jackson of Benton Harbor, MI.

Kelvin is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Powell Sr. and Maebell Powell; his sisters Josephine Edwards, Brenda Powell, and Ramona Evans; his brother James Jackson; and his former wife, Donna

The word says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  

A prayer for the family and friends: O, gracious lord my time here may have been short, but it was sweet, with each person that has a hurting heart I pray that god’s love and mercy wraps around them, so they find comfort and ways to keep the faith. I ‘am not alone, I ‘am not afraid, but I’m headed home to my eternal place where peace lives. To each and every one of you that I have encountered in my earthly life, I thank you and hope to see you again. 

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