Dr. Theresa A. Powell

1952 - 2023

Dr. Theresa A. Powell
February 10, 1952 - January 3, 2023
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Dr. Theresa A. Powell, age 70, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 3, 2023, while visiting family over the holidays. She was the ninth child born to the late Steave and Amanda Powell in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 10, 1952. The Powell family resided in the historic neighborhood of "Stop-Six," where they worshipped at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. A woman of strong Christian faith, Theresa accepted Christ at an early age.
Theresa was educated in the Fort Worth Independent School District and was a 1970 graduate of Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School. While enrolled at Dunbar, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the illustrious Dunbar Wildcat Marching Band. She was also the first in the family to be presented as an Ambassadors of Fort Worth debutante in 1971.
She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, her master's degree from Texas Christian University, and her Doctoral degree from The Ohio State University.
A highly respected career professional in higher education administration, Theresa served as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Temple University.
Theresa had a distinguished career in institutional leadership with many accomplishments, which included being the first African American female president of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
Theresa was a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Penn Town Chapter of Links Inc., and a charter member of the Kalamazoo Chapter of Links, Inc. She was a member of Second Mount Zion Baptist Church (Philadelphia, PA) and was responsible for the New Member Orientation.
Theresa leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Bobbye (Sam) Traylor, and brothers Marvin (Rev. Dr. Anita) Powell, Esq., James (Debra) Powell, sister-in-law Alice Powell, and sister-in-love Gloria Towner and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues. Her brothers, Steave Powell, Jr., and Harold "Petty" Powell preceded her in death.
The wake will be held at Gregory W. Spencer Funeral Directors, 4000 Miller Ave. Fort Worth, TX, 76119 from 7-8 pm on January 13. The celebration of Theresa's life will be held at 11:00 am on January 14 at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 301 W. Sanford Street, Arlington, TX 76011.