C. Powell Obituary

Name: Viewing for C. Powell
Start: 2020-10-31T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-10-31T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. - West End Chapel

POWELL, Dr. C. Clayton

Dr. C. Clayton Powell, hailing from southeastern town of Dothan, AL has built a life of distinction and service in the arenas of scholarship, business, civic life, civil rights, and optometry. His name will be forever associated with the National Optometric Association (NOA) and the Development Authority of Fulton County (DAFC) because of the remarkable legacy he has created.

At his uncle's urging, Dr. Powell moved to Atlanta to live with him and arrived with a strong desire to excel. And excel did he. As a newcomer to Atlanta's prominent Booker T. Washington High School in 1942, Powell swept to a landslide election victory as President of the Student Government, and soared academically to become the salutatorian of the 500-member Class of 1944. Afterward, the prestigious Morehouse College beckoned. Powell entered the Atlanta liberal arts college as a classmate of Martin Luther King, Jr.

His involvements at Morehouse included memberships in Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Society, Morehouse Glee Club and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, where he served as basileus.

Attracted to a profession rarely pursued by African Americans during those times, Dr. Powell was the only black student in his class when in, 1949, he entered the Illinois College of Optometry, often known as the Chicago College of Optometry. Even there he did not abandon his predilection for boldly making his mark.

Dr. Powell is presently married to the former Deborah Small, and is the father of C. Clayton Powell, Jr., Dr. Rometta E. Powell, stepdaughter, Camille G. Stephens, and the grandfather of Jordan, Arayah, Clayton Powell Lee (C.P.) and Malik. Dr. Powell was predeceased by The Late Honorable Judge Romae Turner Powell.

Dr. Powell is a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, National Optometric Association (NOA), Morehouse National Alumni Association, NAACP, 100 Black Men of America and 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Pine Acres Town and Country Club

A Private Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Clayton will be Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 1 PM, Zion Hill Baptist Church, 6175 Campbellton Rd. SW, Atlanta, GA 30311. A public viewing will be held Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 2 PM - 6 PM, at Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel. A Private Interment will be Monday, November 2, 2020 at 11 AM, at Westview Cemetery. Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel (404)-758-1731.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Oct. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for C. Powell

Sponsored by Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. - West End Chapel.

4 Entries

JEANNE

November 3, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Clayton was my eye doctor and personal friend. I'm so thankful that our friendship led to his meeting Deborah, my bff. He will truly be missed. Deborah, I am just a phone call away.

Dobbs Jordan

November 2, 2020

Although I never knew you, reading your obituary demonstrates what an outstanding person you were. I indicated that I was a “student” because your life-actions inspire us all. God blessed us all with your contributions to this earth. You made the most of your outstanding life and stand as an inspiration of human dignity, strength and compassion to us all. Rest In Peace great brother

Michael Littlejohn

October 30, 2020

Daddy Powell,
You will remain in our hearts always. Your legacy lives in your works and more so from your heart. Your leadership and contributions span community, profession, alumni, politics, and economics. And throughout your great deeds, you were personable, humble, proud, supportive, and approachable. Thank you!

To my Sister and Brother, we have beautiful memories of a life well lived to cherish, exemplify, and pass along to those who follow us.
Much love,
Michael

The Staff of Willie A. Watkins, Inc.

October 30, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.