Porter Clarence Powell

Porter Clarence Powell passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024, in the Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital following a gradual decline in health. Porter was born on February 1, 1932, to Charlotte Powell in Evergreen, Alabama. He was the oldest of two children, with one younger sister, Pastor Nimire Mary King-Burnett, who preceded him in death, as did his mother. He is the last within his generation to go to be with the Lord. Porter spent much of his youth living with his maternal grandmother, Bertha Quates Powell. Their ancestry was of American Indian heritage and they spent some time living on a reservation. Although growing up in the South proved challenging, Bertha did her best. She instilled Christian values within him that would benefit him throughout life. Porter accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age in Alabama. Nearing the end of his high school years, while still in Evergreen, Alabama, he voluntarily joined the Airforce. He was Honorably Discharged July 27, 1951. Porter relocated to Chicago, IL and joined the National Guard and was Honorably Discharged October 1, 1954. Porter was drafted into the Army on April 6, 1956. He spent two years in the Army at Fort Carson in Colorado. During his time in Colorado, he met and married Eloise Polk on January 10, 1957. From this union, three children were born: Anthony (Tony), Carmella and Travetta. They brought much love and joy to his life. Porter was honorably discharged from the Army on April 29, 1961 with the rank of SPC4, he then relocated to Chicago, IL. Upon relocating to Chicago, Porter joined Greater Salem Baptist Church for a brief time, however by an invitation by his aunt to visit, he found a home with Carter Temple Church. He joined Carter Temple under the pastorate of Rev. S. J. Laws in January of 1958. At Carter Temple, he began to grow in his Christian service, both as a Tenor in the choir and a choir director. He was in the capable hands of Mr. Winfield, who was a wonderful music teacher. The Lord provided Porter with many job opportunities within the city of Chicago: Kent Industries, where within four years, he was promoted from a Maintenance engineer to Purchasing agent in the front office. Next, he worked for The Chicago Housing Authority as a Janitor Foreman. He then decided upon entrepreneurship, as he wanted to work for himself, which he accomplished, and was successful as a Shell Oil dealer for six years. His last position was with TWA Airlines for 24 years, retiring from TWA in 1996. Porter married Helen B. Brown on March 24, 1984, at Carter Temple Church, where the Reverend S. J. Laws and Reverend Lawrence Craigg were the officiants. Porter’s hobbies were fishing, travel, and photography. He always enjoyed a delicious meal, and was very fond of the family pet, Mimi. Porter leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife of 40 years, Helen, three children: Tony (Ruby) Powell, Carmella Powell, and Travetta Powell; four stepchildren, nine Grandchildren, thirteen Great Grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Porter Clarence Powell

February 1, 1932 - July 31, 2024