Lois Jean Powers

Jean was born in Peoria, Illinois on May 25, 1935 and was the first daughter of Joseph and Grace Ladley. She was a graduate of Woodruff High School, class of 1953. Among her many activities while there, she was a member of the National Honor Society, very active in the home economics department and played in the school band. She had very fond memories of babysitting for the band director Larry Fogelburg’s son Dan during that time. She formed deep friendships while there, which endured for her entire life.

Jean graduated Bradley University in 1957. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and remained an active member of the organization throughout her life. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Education from Bradley several years later.

Jean spent her entire career specializing in Elementary Education, teaching at numerous schools throughout the city. She retired from her position as a kindergarten teacher at Kellar Elementary school at the age of 57. Upon retirement she and her husband Ray enjoyed traveling both domestically and abroad, took numerous cruises and summered every year at Hilton Head Island with her extended family. She relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina in the fall of 2019 to be closer to her family.

Jean was a loving caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoyed nothing more than spending time sewing, cooking, socializing with her many friends, supporting her community, attending Bradley Braves basketball games and cheering for her Bears every Sunday.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Raymond L. Powers and her sister Joellen Ladley Milliren.

She is survived by her son Richard Powers and wife Judy; daughters, Nan Powers Habig and husband Phil; Lynn Dunnavant; grandchildren Lauren Habig, Erin Habig, Ryan Dunnavant and wife Morgan, Garrett Dunnavant, Zachary Dunnavant; great grandchild Tate Dunnavant.

Services will be held on Sunday, August 15 at 4:00 PM at Forrest Hill United Methodist Church. A visitation will be one hour prior to the services. A small reception at the church will be held after the service.

Jean will be laid to rest in a private, family burial, next to Ray, her loving husband of 43 years. Woosley-Wilton Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorials in her honor can be made to the Bradley University chapter of the Chi Omega Sorority and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital which were close to her heart.