Idella Dean Powell

1950, she relocated with her mother to Houston, Texas, where many family members were seeking

greater opportunities. Idella attended and graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston

before continuing her education at Texas Southern University.

In 1961, she married James Dean, and the following year welcomed their only child. During this period,

Idella focused on her family as a homemaker. In 1969, after a decade of marriage, she began her

professional career at Southwestern Bell as a Telephone Operator. Her strong performance led to

promotions, and over her three-decade tenure, she held numerous challenging positions at various

locations. She retired in 1999 after thirty years of dedicated service.

Later in life, Idella married Jessie Powell, with whom she shared fourteen years until his passing. She remained devoted to her mother, Irma Williams, caring for her until Mrs. Williams’ death in 2021.

Idella is survived by her child, Beverly Dean Odom, and grandchild, Dominic Pierre Odom, both from

Cypress, Texas. She was an active member of New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church for over

sixty-five years. In retirement, she enjoyed sewing and gardening.

She also leaves behind her uncle, Ananias Johnson and his wife Elaine, as well as cousins, friends, and a

special friend, Tommie Reeves.