Evelyn Clark Powell

A celebration of life service honoring the life of Evelyn Clark Powell was held on Tuesday, August 22.  Officiating the service was Rev. Chad Hardbarger and Rev. Ben McGehee(grandson).  Visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Evelyn Powell was born on April 11, 1928 in Luann, Arkansas and passed away at home in Mansfield on August 17, 2023.  She moved to Houston, Texas as a child where her mother died when she was 15.  She then moved to Rodessa, LA to live with her beloved Uncle Leroy and Aunt Billie Curtis and graduated from Rodessa High as Valedictorian in 1944.  Evelyn attended LA Tech Polytechnic Institute, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega and Blue Jackets.  After graduating, she took her first job at Mansfield High School where she met the love of her life, Raymond Powell.  They were married on December 22, 1948 and were blessed to be married for 74 years.

Evelyn is remembered by her students as a petite, immaculately dressed English and Spanish teacher who had complete control of her class with just “a look”.  Many students returned from college to thank her for preparing them so well.  One former colleague referred to her as a quiet lady, but when she spoke, they listened to her.

After 30 years of teaching she retired, but continued working alongside her husband in his real estate appraisal business. 

Evelyn was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Mansfield for 75 years and was involved in many ministries, Bible studies, UMW and worship.  She was on the building committee for the new First Baptist Church building.   She was one of the first women to become a member of the Lions Club and served in several offices.  She was also involved as an officer in LRTA.  She was also involved in the Historical Society, Friends of the Mansfield Female College, Delta Kappa Gamma, and American Rose Society.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Lois Chilson Clark and brother Orville Clark.

She is survived by her loving husband, Raymond E. Powell of Mansfield, LA; son Robert Powell and wife Susie of Shreveport, LA and daughter Carolyn Powell McGehee and husband Don of Ruston, LA.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Paige Comer, Allyson Lawson (Timothy), Ben McGehee (Alisa), Greg McGehee (Linzay), Jeff McGehee (Janie), Robert McGehee (Julianna), and Lauren Hannon (Patrick), and eighteen great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who have been an essential part of helping Evelyn stay home with her beloved husband.  Special thanks to Chris Washington (her new best friend), Rhonda Wilson and Ciji Walker. 

The family suggests memorials be made to First Baptist Church in Mansfield, Manna Feeding Ministry, 1710 McArthur Drive, Mansfield, LA  71052; Christ Memorial Episcopal Church –Brother Lawrence Feeding Ministry, 401 Washington Avenue, Mansfield, LA  71052, or the charity of your choice.