Annalisa Johanna Powell

Ellie was born September 4, 1928 in Astoria, Queens, New York. Ellie was introduced to ballet as a young girl and as a young woman became an accomplished dancer. She was a member of the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes and traveled the United States and abroad with the Rockettes. In addition, she traveled with the Aquanymphs, a water ballet team, and performed in the Johnny Weissmuller Watercade of 1950, featuring Johnny Weissmuller, who portrayed the original Tarzan in the movies.

Ellie met her future husband, William Powell, Jr., in her hometown of Lynbrook, New York while helping out at her father’s diner during a break from touring. Bill was a customer and he soon became a frequent customer, eventually asking Mr. Thomann for permission to take Ellie on a date. They were married on May 3, 1953.

Ellie and Bill had three children and moved to Richardson, Texas in the early 1960’s where they remained until retirement in 1998. Ellie was employed by Rockwell International for 25 years as a circuit board tester in their development lab. In retirement Ellie and Bill settled in Mineola, Texas and made many wonderful friends.

Ellie was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Quitman, Texas and was a member of their Bell Choir. She was a member of the N-Joy Line Dancing group, which performed at area nursing homes and other local events. She volunteered with the Mineola League of Arts at their annual Kid’s Camp for many years and was also active in a local Mahjong group.

Married for 59 years, she is predeceased by her husband, William Powell, Jr. in January 2013. She is survived by her daughters, Kathryn Powell Reinertsen and Debra Powell Donovan of Richardson, Texas, and her son, William Powell III of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren Sarah Dawson, Steven Dawson, Adam Reinertsen, Ela Grace Reinertsen, and Garrett Reinertsen, and great granddaughter Brianna Duncan; sister Linda Thomann Scafuri, nephew Frank Scafuri, and niece Gina Scafuri Luciano, and grandnephews Kristopher and Nicholas Luciano.

Ellie was involved in a serious automobile accident on August 10 in Mineola, Texas and was airlifted to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas. Surrounded by her children, she succumbed to cardiac arrest while in the Trauma ICU on August 14.

Ellie never knew a stranger and loved everyone she knew. Her love touched everyone and she will be terribly missed. We take comfort in knowing that she is home now and with her Lord.

Funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Metrocrest Funeral Home, 1810 N. Perry Street, Carrollton, TX 76006 (972.242.3646).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 10:00 a.m. at her church, First United Methodist Church of Quitman, 406 E. Lane Street, Quitman, TX 75783 (903.763.4127).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church of Quitman.