GREENWOOD
Alma E. Powell, 95, passed away Sunday evening, Nov. 27, 2016, at Franciscan St. Francis Hospital, Indianapolis.
Mrs. Powell was born in her parents’ home at Leonard and Sanders streets on the near Indianapolis southside on June 22, 1921, to Elmer and Marie Childers. She was their only child. Her grandparents are immigrants from Germany.
The Childers purchased a home in 1920s, located at 118 Berwyn St., where Alma was raised and attended school.
She attended William Evans Grade School, Indianapolis Public School No. 2, located right behind their Berwyn Street home. She graduated with honors from Manual High School, where she was a high school class officer. She received a college scholarship but was unable to use it due to financial hardship and family health considerations.
Mrs. Powell was a lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ at U.S. 31 and Southport Road in Indianapolis. She was baptized and confirmed at the church’s original location, which was then at Orange and Leonard streets in the Fountain Square area. The church was torn down to make way for the construction of I-65 on the near southside of Indianapolis.
She married Carroll E. Powell, who was born on Nov. 1, 1914. For over 60 years, the couple lived at 6051 Camden St., in Perry Township. The home was built by her late husband, Carroll, a research department electronic instrument designer, who retired from Eli Lilly and Co. in 1981 with 27 years of service. Carroll passed away on Nov. 7, 1996.
On Sept. 26, 2000, Mrs. Powell and Raymond Miller were married. Mr. Miller is retired and a World War II U.S. Air Force veteran.
Mrs. Powell’s first priority was her family and home. She has three grown children, Stephen E. Powell (Dorella), Phyllis J. Powell, Indianapolis, and Lewis R. Powell (Marsha), Indianapolis. She has three grandchildren, Steve Powell, (Courtney), Austin, Texas; Robert Powell, MD (Holly), Denver, Colorado; and Dori Caras (Matt), Greenwood.
She has five great-grandsons, Alex Powell, Gabe Powell and Sutton Powell, the children of Steve and Courtney Powell and Adam "AJ" Powell and Victor Powell, the sons of Robert and Holly Powell. She had longingly been awaiting the birth in December of her first great-granddaughter, Dorella "Ella" Caras.
Of course, her favorite child was her dog, Babe. Sadly, when she moved to independent living at Greenwood Village South in 2013, Babe could not join her. But she was consoled with visits from Babe who lived with her son, Lewis.
Mrs. Powell was involved in the community. She organized and served as an officer of the Near Southside Neighborhood Association. She was named a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club of Greenwood.
Over the years, she worked full and part-time at Stewart Warner, Indiana National Bank, Detroit Diesel Allison and Von Maur. She retired from Perry Township School Corporation, where she was assistant treasurer. Later, she studied and obtained a real estate license and sold real estate for A. H. M. Graves.
Mrs. Powell is survived by her three children, Steve, Phyllis and Lewis. She is also survived by Mr. Ray Miller, who, until her death, called her lovingly on a daily basis from the assisted living facility where he now lives.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 17 at St. John’s United Church of Christ. 7031 South East Street, Indianapolis. Rev. Dr. Don Crismon, Minister of Visitation, will preside over the service. She will be buried in a private internment next to her loving husband, Carroll, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. A reception for family, friends and guests will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at Greenwood Village South, 295 Village Lane, Greenwood.
Those wishing to make contributions can do so on-line at St. John’s. <a href="http://www.stjohns-indianapolis.org">www.stjohns-indianapolis.org</a>
Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Greenwood Chapel, has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit <a href="http://www.wilsonstpierre.com">www.wilsonstpierre.com</a> to view Alma’s obituary online, share a memory or order flowers for the family.
