Upon the death of his mother, when he was 2, he was nurtured through life by his maternal grandparents, Charlie Levias, Sr. (Ella), special uncle and wife, Charlie Levias, Jr. (Leura) and special aunt and husband, Doretha (Miller, Sr) Farr. He graduated from Biloxi High School, Class of 1947 and attended Business College. Through the years, he served in the US Army, worked for Wyatt Industries and the United States Postal Service. Jerry Vernon Powell was baptized at Greater Law Memorial COGIC in Houston, Texas in the early ’60s, where he served as a faithful member and deacon until his relocation to the Fort Worth area in 2009. In Fort Worth, he joined First Saint John Cathedral under Pastor Bishop Kenneth B. Spears. Jerry loved the Greater Law Memorial Church where he was instrumental in heading a campaign to burn the mortgage, a pew drive, creating a library with a scholarship fund for graduating students, singing in the male chorus, serving on the usher board, and working in the finance office. He was a member of the American Legion for over 30 years. He even played on the basketball team. Jerry loved sports, especially basketball and football. He loved to laugh and enjoyed watching comedies.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Norene Gosey Powell; his faithful "only" daughter, Katrina and his "one and only" son-in-law, Darrell Druery of Keller, TX, granddaughters, JeRae' Druery, Darriana Druery, and Lauren Foreman; brothers, L.J. (Marjorie) Powell of Fresno, CA and A.V. (Shirley) Powell of Eureka, CA. Although he had only one daughter, he served as escort and father figure for three other brides, Shirley Parker (Charles), Shirley Roberts (Jesse), god-daughter, Yolanda Bryant (Bishop Prince E., Sr.). Jerry and Norene have shared their love and care with many children and adults who will remember him fondly. He was affectionately known as “Mutt”, “Uncle Mutt” and “Papa Powell” by family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Odessa (Levias) Powell, his maternal grandparents, Charlie Levias, Sr. (Ella); special uncle and wife, Charlie Levias, Jr. (Leura) and special aunt and husband Doretha (Miller, Sr) Farr.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m (CT) at Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be open to the public and live-streamed during this time.
Mr. Powell's Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. (CT). Due to current health restrictions, in-person accommodations will be limited. The family asks that all attendees please wear a mask.
You are welcomed and encouraged to view the service at Shannon Rufe Snow Facebook Live Stream. If you would like to share your thoughts, stories of Mr. Powell, and any condolences with the family, you can share a memory at 'Below' - All of which will be compiled into a "Life Remembered" Book which will be presented to the family after the services.
