Jean Shirley Powell

Jean Shirley Powell, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, in Katy, Texas at the age of 89 surrounded by her beloved family. Jean's life was defined by her grace, kindness, compassion, unconditional love of family and friends, and a strong Christian foundation formed in the Church of England. Jean was born on July 11, 1936 in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. She grew up on the East Coast of England, and had a lifelong love of the seaside. Growing up in a large loving family, the sixth of eleven children, she spent the summers of her youth at the beach with her siblings. She claims to have learned everything she knew about creating a loving home from her devoted parents, Audrey and Robert Hacon. In 1940 at the age of 2 during World War II, she was relocated from the coast with her mother and two siblings to the safety of the English countryside in Langold, England just east of Sheffield. She resided there for about four years. Returning to Great Yarmouth allowed her to participate as a junior in the British Red Cross, as a Girl Scout, and as an active youth member of St. Nicholas Parish Church, The pinnacle of her youth education was achieving Top Girl at her school and receiving scholarships in art. She met the love of her life, Richard Thomas Powell, a handsome young United States Air Force Lieutenant, whom she married in 1959. Moving "across the pond" shortly after their honeymoon, she arrived in Middletown, New York. She was married for 61 years to her beloved Richard, until his passing in 2021. The life they built together was a testament to enduring love and a powerful example of what it means to be truly committed to another person. In 1966, Jean and Richard moved to Putnam Valley, New York, where she raised her young family. Always loving children, she worked as a cook at the local elementary school, Girl Scout Leader and Sunday School teacher for youth at her church. In 1978 the Powell family relocated to Alief,Texas. She worked as a supervisor at Methodist Hospital in Houston covering two stints. After retiring in 2000, following over 20 years of accomplished service, she was asked to return in 2001 to oversee restoration of medical records destroyed by Tropical Storm Allison. After retiring she moved to Heritage Grand in Katy, Texas in 2003, where she happily spent her retirement years enjoying the fellowship of good friends and family, travel, service to her church and community, and tending to her garden. As the mother of three, grandmother of five, and loving mother in-law, Jean was the heart of the Powell family. Her home was the gathering place for holidays and celebrations, always filled with the warmth of kindness, and the whistle of a kettle. She is fondly remembered for her hospitality, and the cherished ritual of offering guests a warm beverage upon arrival, "Would you like a cup of tea?". Nanna, as her grandchildren knew her, had a deep love for her family. She was her grandchildren's biggest fan and cheerleader, attending every school and life event. While she will be deeply missed, we find comfort in the endless trove of memories we shared, many of which were made around the table playing cards. The grandkids were taught how to play her favorite card game, hand and foot, from an early age. The sound of cards being shuffled and dealt was an invitation to sit and play, to laugh until our sides hurt, and take on the challenge of beating Nanna and Grandpa. Our precious Mom and treasured Nanna's memory will live on forever in the hearts of her family and friends. She was an inspiration, a beacon of joy, and the epitome of love and grace. Cheerio, sweet Jean, until we meet again. Jean is survived by her daughters Susan Eileen and Donna Leigh, son Andrew Richard, son-in-law Charles Michael, daughter-in-law April Marie, siblings John, Rita, Maureen, Robert, and Alan. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Nicholas Ryan, Austin Mitchell, Gregory Thomas, Nicole Danielle, and Kelsi Elizabeth. Jean is preceded in death by her parents Audrey May,and Robert Thain; husband Richard; son-in-law Kyle Wesley and siblings Barbara, Audrey, Diane, Della, and Rae. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jean's memory to the St. Peters United Methodist Church Care Team.