Eugenia Sarah Powell

Obituary for Eugenia S. Powell Eugenia Sarah Powell, was born to Alfred Eugene and Sarah Emma Simms on Thursday January 25, 1923 in Saint Joseph, Missouri. She passed away on Sunday January 6, 2012 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, after prolonged medical challenges. While a young child, Eugenia expressed an unrelenting interest in music, especially piano and vocal. Her parents provided piano lessons and it was soon obvious that they had given birth to a prodigy! She began playing piano in Church, organized children’s choirs, and before long, concerts and recitals were added to her credit. Eugenia received her formal education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln Campus. There she received her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Choral Arrangement and Conducting, with a minor in piano and organ. Determined to excel, Eugenia attended The Julliard School of Music to increase her knowledge of music. Eugenia also honed her musical talents in association with noted choral directors: Robert Shaw, of the famed Robert Shaw Chorale, and Fred Waring, of the renowned Fred Waring and The Pennsylvanians. Eugenia shared her gifts on the college level at Jarvis Christian College, near Hawkins, Texas, and continued to make contributions with The Fisk Jubilee Singers and at Howard University in Washington, DC. Eugenia founded the Debt Chorale Society in Paterson, New Jersey. This group of gifted vocalists delighted audiences with their mastery of the classics: Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn’s Elijah. But their signature offering was the treatment of Negro Spirituals, uniquely arranged and interpreted by “The Maestro”, as Eugenia was affectionately known. Eugenia taught music in Paterson, New Jersey, and retired from The John F. Kennedy High School after 30 years of musical excellence. Eugenia was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and other civic organization which included the NAACP and Urban League. She had a passion for the Ministry of Church of the New Covenant, Presbyterian (USA), where she was an ordained elder. There was a mutual affection between Eugenia, the Pastors and Congregation at Church of The New Covenant, one that she treasured and shared with family and friends. As a member of Presbyterian Women, Eugenia took great pride in helping with the nurture of Seminarians at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, at the time when Rev. Dr. James H. Costen was President at The Interdenominational Theological Center and Doctor Melva W. Costen was Professor of Music and Worship. Elder Eugenia S. Powell, was married to the late Rev. Robert E. Powell, whom she affectionately called “Bobby”, for 25 years. Reverend Powell and Elder Powell faithfully served the Presbyterian Church, USA, as pastor and wife in New Jersey, New York and Georgia. Eugenia is survived by 3 Sons: Michael, David and Kevin; 3 Daughters: Wanda, Veronica and Cassandra; 1 Sister: Roberta; 2 Nieces: Karen and Linda; 12 Grandchildren; 12 Great Grandchildren; 6 Great Nieces and Nephews; and a Host of Beloved Friends and Extended Family. Visitation will be held on Friday between 6 and 8 pm at HM Paterson and Son-Ogelthorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Chapel Road NE, Atlanta Georgia. The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 12, 10:00 am, at Church of the New Covenant, Presbyterian (USA), 3330 Chestnut Drive, Doraville GA 30340, www.cncdoraville.org. The Rev. Richard G. Neale, Pastor, will preside. Interment will take place at 1 pm on Saturday January 12th,  North Atlanta Memorial Park, 5188 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody Georgia.