Philip Melancthon Powell, 81 years of age, passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones. Philip was one of nine children of Mamie Lee McCain and Phillip Powell, Sr. He was born in Greenwood, Mississippi on January 30, 1941, and spent his formative years in Chicago.
Philip was the valedictorian of his high school class at Crane Technical School. He attended Grinnell College and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University. Philip earned a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Committee on Human Development at the University of Chicago in 1971. He had a long and illustrious career in academia and was a trailblazer for Black educators. He was a professor at Yale University for six years and a tenured professor at the University of Texas for 19 years where his research focused on genius and human development. He was also an adjunct professor at Huston-Tillotson College and St. Edward’s University. After retiring from higher education, he returned to work as a middle school teacher in Leander and Taylor ISD. He had the pleasure of teaching thousands of students, including his youngest three children, before retiring in 2016 after 45 years of dedicated service.
Philip was a member of Mensa for many years and served a term as their Research Director. Philip was a very spiritual person; he was an ordained Baptist minister and a scholar of several other religions. He was a master of the game of Go as well as an avid reader, writer, and storyteller. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Philip is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Sykora Powell. He is also survived by his children: David Powell, Aaron Powell & wife Suzette, Robert Powell, Kirby Powell & wife Patton Pray, Diana Powell & husband Jamie Law-Smith, and Adam Powell & fiancé Mackenzie Holst. He has two wonderful granddaughters, Haley and Sabrina Powell. His surviving siblings include: Sarah Apollo, Velma Powell & husband Austin Thornton, Romero Powell & wife Lynnette, and Arnelle Powell. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
