Verlean J. Powell, 69, Upper Marlboro

Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Verlean J. Powell, 69, of Upper Marlboro died after a long illness Oct. 16, 2009, at Doctors Community Hospital, Lanham.

Known as "Rea," she was born in Kelford, N.C., the seventh child of the late Edward and the late Cherry Johnson.

In June 1958, she graduated from John B. Bond High School in Bertic County, N.C. She also attended several trade schools in Washington, D.C., in food service subjects.

In January 1966 she married Thomas Powell. They raised two sons, Tyrone and Arandre. She took pride in her ability to manage the household. She was an exceptionally good cook, especially of potato salad. She had a day to wash, a day to clean, a day for ironing and time to relax and reflect on her family. She also had a day to worship. She joined Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington on May 7, 1989. In addition, she was a member of the Clinton Boys and Girls Club fundraising committee from 1978 to 1981.

After being a homemaker for several years, in 1969 she began her working career and retired from the General Services Administration in the Washington, D.C., government.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Clarean and Maureen; and brother, Edward Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Powell; sons, Tyrone and his wife, Leslie and Arandre and his wife, Tracy; granddaughter, Lauren; grandson, Christopher; brothers, Linwood Johnson and Oliver Johnson; sister, Gladys Pecorn Johnson; sisters-in-law, Earline Holloway and her husband, Clarence, Vivian Baker and Gwendolyn Yates and her husband, Mendoza; brothers-in-law, Curtis Powell and his wife, Penny and Kenneth Powell and his wife, Angie; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A service was held Oct. 23 at Fort Lincoln Mausoleum Chapel, Brentwood.

Pallbearers were family and friends.

Arrangements were handled by Johnson Funeral Service, White Plains.