George Powell

Obituary

George Edward Powell was born to Eddie Langston Powell and Mary Brodnax Powell on August 19, 1930 in Lawrenceville, VA. He was raised with his siblings Thomas Woodley, Raymond Powell and Mary E Boston who preceded him in death.

In 1947, he received a diploma from St. Paul Polytechnic Institute and also a Trade Certificate in Tailoring. By 1951, he enlisted in the United States Army to serve our country and help fight for the freedom of South Korea from the North in the Korean War. He received an Honorable discharge in 1953.

A picture is worth a thousand words. George’s godmother, Nancy Thomas showed her neighbor, Elgie Taylor (who lived in the same building) a picture of her godson, and Elgie said I am going to marry him. So George arrived from Germany having no idea that his future wife was already waiting for him on the stoop of 205 East 148th street. They were married three months later on May 24th, 1954. Sixty-six years later and they’re still married. Wow! That must have been a great picture!

George worked for a leather clothing factory making coats, skirts and pants for over 20 years. He was a man of many talents and this one helped many receive the best custom-made clothing. He later established his own business, “George’s Cleaners”, on Prospect Avenue. George and his business were neighborhood favorites. Seemingly, everyone in the neighborhood knew him and they all stopped by and said hi. With his growing family in mind, he successfully operated the business for over a decade.

George was a faithful member of the American Legion. He was an active member of St. Augustine Presbyterian Church, including being an elder, tenor in the choir, usher and worked in the credit union.

George was an avid fisherman, catching many fish over his lifetime. It was his passion. He also enjoyed dancing to golden oldies on his 8 track and later his cassette tapes. He was a member of the Seventeen Gentlemen’s club that hosted old school dance affairs. One of George’s nicknames was “Bow Powell” growing up because he had bowlegs. That could not stop him from cutting loose on the dance floor. Also, he was a very talented basketball player racking up points with his patented hook shots. He even played while attending St. Paul’s. Some of his other favorite past times were watching sports, playing cards, chess and checkers with his grandchildren. He loved playing Pitty Pat, Bid Whist, and even I Declare War.

George’s sons George Joseph Williams, and George Edward Powell Jr. and grandson Terence Branch preceded him in homecoming.

George leaves behind a big family: his wife Elgie Powell; daughters, Sandra Davis (William), Yolanda Anderson (Kenneth), Stephanie Powell; a host of stepdaughters; grandchildren, Tonya Carter, William McBride, Corey McBride,Janea Powell, George Powell III, Elliot Anderson, Javon Powell, Monique Anderson, Joshua Davis; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. 

G.P. was blessed with a strong spirit that has now returned to the hands of God. He will surely be missed by all.

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