Rev. Val J. Powe, Longtime AME Zion Pastor, Dies at 77

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Rev. Val J. Powe, the Presiding Elder of the Southern Illinois District of the Indiana Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, passed away on March 11, 2026 at the age of 77. Rev. Powe had a long career in the ministry, serving as a pastor for 27 years at Blackwell Temple AME Zion Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois and later returning to his home church of Rick's Chapel AME Zion Church in Centralia, Illinois.

Why it matters

Rev. Powe was a pillar of the Centralia community, known for his decades of service, his leadership in the AME Zion church, and his impact on those around him through his ministry, community involvement, and personal relationships. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of an influential figure in the region.

The details

Rev. Powe was born in Centralia in 1948 and grew up there, later serving in the U.S. Army from 1968-1972. He went on to earn degrees in Bible counseling and divinity, and was ordained as a deacon and elder in the AME Zion Church in 1991. He served as pastor of Blackwell Temple AME Zion Church in Mount Vernon for 27 years, leading the church in building a new facility and expanding its outreach ministries. He later returned to his home church of Rick's Chapel AME Zion in Centralia, where he continued to serve the community until his passing.

• Rev. Powe was born on May 30, 1948 in Centralia, Illinois.
• He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1972.
• Rev. Powe was ordained as a deacon and elder in the AME Zion Church in 1991.
• He served as pastor of Blackwell Temple AME Zion Church in Mount Vernon for 27 years.
• Rev. Powe passed away on March 11, 2026 at the age of 77.