James Powell

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. II Corinthians 5:1 NKJV

James Edward Powell was born on March 20, 1931 in Scott, Arkansas to Jesse and Ruth (Bivins) Powell, the third of their seven children. He was raised in a loving extended family—close to his brothers and sisters, and to many cousins who were more like siblings to him. James was also raised in a Christian family, accepting Christ at an early age. He cherished his formative Christian education and foundation at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in College Station, and continued to serve His Lord in many capacities as long as his health allowed. He was ordained and served in the Deacons Ministry at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Little Rock. He chaired the Deacons, taught Sunday School and served faithfully until he with others founded the Christway Missionary Baptist Church. Of all his service, James’ true passion was Sunday School, and to the faithful teaching of God’s Word. At the time of his passing, James was a member of the Church at Rock Creek, and particularly loved participating in the teaching ministries and small groups.

James was educated in local public schools in Pulaski County, Arkansas. Upon graduating from high school at Arkansas Baptist College in 1949, James began to pursue a career in math education at Philander Smith College. He interrupted his college education when he was drafted into the US Army and served during the Korean War. After his military service ended, he returned to Little Rock where he completed work on his Bachelor’s degree, and joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1957. He earned his Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from Roosevelt University in 1971. A true Omega man with over 60 years of committed service, James was a member of the Pi Omicron Chapter in Little Rock where he served for many years as Chaplain and chaired the Scholarship Program for Achievement Week.

In 1958-59, James moved to Chicago, Illinois with his aunts Lusynthia and Mary Powell, to begin his career. In April 1963, he married Marye Maurine Fletcher in Chicago, and they were loving parents to two children: Cheryl Yvonne and Darryl James. After 40 years of marriage, Maurine preceded James in death.

As a family man, James worked hard in the Chicago Public Schools, often moonlighting at the US Postal Service and Sears Roebuck Department Store. In the best interest of his family, he returned to Little Rock in August 1974 where he continued his career in public education at several secondary schools in the Little Rock School District. In 1996, he retired to the activities he most enjoyed: gardening, raising cattle, Bible study, puzzles, political analysis and spending time with family and friends. God smiled on James once again in October 2005 when he married Mary Williams. Their marriage was blessed with travels, conversation, Bible Study and family time. When James’ health began to decline, Mary was there for him as a devoted wife, his constant companion, and ultimately as his caregiver.

On December 25, 2020, James passed peacefully into eternity, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Williams-Powell; his daughter, Cheryl Powell; his son, Darryl (Carolyn) Powell, all of Little Rock; and two granddaughters, Brittany Elizabeth Powell-Savoy (Taurean) of The Colony, Texas, and Dominique Maurine Powell of Little Rock; his bonus granddaughters Deandra Brandon of Malvern, AR and Alexius Johnson of Little Rock with bonus great grandsons Princeton and Peyton Vanley; his step-son, Matthew Lee of Springdale, AR and bonus grandchildren, Alan Bradley, Jamire Lee, Kaiden Lee. Survivors include his brother Lucious (Edith) Powell and two sisters Ruthie Hayes and Arzina Washington all of Little Rock; his aunt Jessie Fowler of Kenosha, Wisconsin along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives, friends and colleagues. His parents along with his beloved sister and brothers, Earmie Chism, Jesse James Powell and Lloyd Powell, all preceded him in death.

Forever loved, James Powell will be missed but his family is comforted to know that he has found joy and rest in the arms of the Savior that he loved and served, and in the presence of those who have gone before.

Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., prior to the service. Interment with military honors will take place at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, January 4, 2021.