Mr. James Willie Powell, Sr.'s Obituary
James Willie Powell, Sr. also known as J.W. was born June 26, 1923 to the late parents of Alf Crockell and Jack Ann Powell in Livingston, Alabama. J.W., along with his brothers, Eddie Lewis and Willie (deceased) and sister Rosie Glenn were reared by their grandparents, Jack and Charlotte Powell. After an honorable discharge from the Unites States Naval Reserve, J.W. met and married the late Alberta Hood of Coatopa, Alabama. This union was blessed with five daughters and one son. Two daughters, Joyce Ann Powell Creer and Jacquelyn Powell, preceded him in death. J.W. was educated in the Livingston Public Schools and also learned many skills while working on the family's land. One of his memorable jobs, as a young boy, was helping to dig and construct the family's water well, which became the only source of water for the family and friends who lived in the area. The most important and lasting thing that J.W. learned during his youth was his ability and passion to repair engines and cars. After working at several jobs, he took a leap of faith and opened his own garage, naming it "J.W. Powell's Garage." Having the expertise of rebuilding cars and engines, he soon became the most sought after automotive mechanic in Meridian and the surrounding area. Prior to opening his garage, he also worked at Flinco, and became lifelong friends with Earnest and Mattie Fisher. J. W. was a people person and knew no strangers. He always made an effort to assist others when needed. At an early age, J. W. joined Johnson Baptist Church in Livingston, AL and later in life faithfully attended Pilgrim Progress Baptist Church with his family, under the leadership of Ministers Darryl Flucker and Gregory Daniels. After a brief illness, J.W. departed this life on June 6, 2015 at the Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. J. W. leaves to cherish his love and memories a very devoted family: Three daughters, Mary Virginia Gamer (John) of Jackson, MS; Mary Lynn Powell-Wright of Southfield, Ml; Rosa Brown of Bronx, New York; one son James Powell, Jr. (Maxine) of Cincinnati, Ohio; twenty three grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren; one sister, Rosie Glenn, of Indianapolis, IN; one aunt, Amanda Oliver. He also leaves to cherish his memories Willie James of Meridian, MS; Ruby Kilpatrick (Clifford) of Zanseville, OH; Patricia Easley of Meridian, MS. and Ollie Huell of New York, NY and a host of relatives, special friends, and the 12th Ave. caring neighbors.
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