Ms. Dorothy J. Powell

Dorothy Jean Powell was born September 15, 1934, in Stephens, Arkansas. She was the eleventh child of twelve children born to the union of the late Lee L. and Lanie Quarles Thorns. She accepted Christ at an early age and united with the Mt. Vernon A.M.E. Church in Rosston, Arkansas. Dorothy graduated from Yerger High School in Hope, Arkansas in 1952. After graduation, she attended the Madam C.J. Walker School of Beauty Culture in Kansas City, Missouri. She successfully completed cosmetology training and earned a cosmetology license from the State of Missouri. Dorothy married Hewitt W. Powell on April 10, 1953. Two sons were born to this union, Kenney and Pervis. Hewitt was a member of the U.S. Army and during one of his early overseas deployments, the family lived in France. Dorothy successfully operated her beauty salon business while living in France. After returning to the states, the family relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado (Fort Carson). In 1963, Dorothy and her sons moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she worked as an office clerk for an insurance company. In 1966, Dorothy accepted a position as a secretary for the Upward Bound program at the University of Missouri at Kansas City (U.M.K.C.). Later, she took a position as an administrative assistant at the Ethnic Awareness Center at U.M.K.C. Co- workers described her as the “glue” that held the place together. She was responsible for keeping all financial records, collecting and maintaining outreach activities, handling office management duties and coordinating material accompanying grant proposals. In 1988, when the Swinney Recreation Center opened at U.M.K.C., Dorothy was asked to serve as manager of membership relations for the center, which she did until her retirement on August 31, 2000. She excelled in effectively and professionally addressing customer issues. She was extremely organized and known as a meticulous record keeper. Dorothy also served as an informal mentor and advisor to students that worked with her at the center. She often referred to them as her “babies”. After retirement, Dorothy served as a member of the U.M.K.C. retirees association. Dorothy joined the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in 1963 and remained a faithful member until her health declined. She served as secretary for her Sunday School class for many years. She thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings and believed passionately in the unity of the family. During family reunions and gatherings, she worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything was taken care of. Whether that meant producing family program booklets, helping to prepare meals or washing dishes, she was always a willing worker and happy to serve. Our family always enjoyed it when “Dot” would tell one of her funny family stories but the real highlight we all looked forward to was when she would “demonstrate” how a particular occurrence took place (according to Dot)! She was a gracious donor and supported many charities and humanitarian causes through her generosity. She often said, “I have more now than when I started, so it's important to help others”. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, her sisters: Audria, Artie, Gertrude, Ernestine and Ruby; her brothers Justin, Booker, Curtis “Duke”, Odail and Jim. She is survived by her two sons, Kenney (Anita) Lee's Summit, Missouri and Pervis (Rosalyn) of Kansas City, Missouri; her twin sister, Barbara Coppage (Farris), Jackson, MI; six grandchildren, Jessica Davis (Lesley) of Kansas City, Missouri, Cyndrea Jordan, Olathe, KS, Felicia Powell, Lee’s Summitt, MO, Erin Powell of Raleigh, NC, Sean Powell of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, William Powell of Kansas City, Missouri; and seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, 11:00am at Metropolitan Baptist Church. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation from 10:00am-11:00am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Dorothy J. Powell

September 15, 1934 - December 8, 2024