Woman pastor, 102, still occupies her Ohio Church pulpit

At 102 years of age, the Rev. Elizabeth Powell has set enough records, preached many sermons, and inspired plenty of believers in Youngstown, OH, to become a self-made "angel" in the former steel mill community.

Ever since she arrived in the town in 1925, the native of Buena Vista, GA, has made it clear that this is the territory the Lord picked for her to work ... and she hasn't stopped her mile-a-minute spiritual awakening.

Spiritually dedicated and motivated, she boldly solicited a preacher's license from the Baptist Church, a request that was neither encouraged nor common for women.

A trailblazing pioneer, she triumphed over obstacles to become one of the first African-American females ordained and licensed in Ohio, and certainly the first in Youngstown.

Seven years later, she opened the World Fellowship Interdenominational Church and burned the mortgage a decade afterwards. Throughout her many years of service and hard work, she never asked a salary from the church because of her belief: "My Father takes care of me."

In her late 80s, instead of resting and enjoying the fruits of her labor, she decided to erect a new facility in the same location.

At the age of 90, she dedicated the new building with her congregation debt-free. Church members couldn't believe their eyes, observing the miracle right before them.

Inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame in 2001, Rev. Powell was cited for her many years as a leading civil rights activist and major NAACP recruiter.

At her 102nd birthday tribute at her church, "Mother Powell" was besieged by admirers and praised by fellow ministers and civic leaders.

Designated "the First Lady," Rev. Powell was remembered with moving testimony at the tribute for "breaking her hip a few years ago."

Testified a church member, "She replaced her automobile with a walker, but untouched was "her desire to continue to serve."