Jesse Roy Powell

Jesse Roy (“Bitty”) Powell was born, March 25, 1949 in Austin, Texas to Richard Luther Powell, Sr. and Eleanor Elizabeth Brown.   He was the fourth son born to this union.  This bundle of joy was the life focus of the family since he was born with Cerebral Palsy.   Because of his condition, his mother opened the first private Black Nursery School so she could look after him and other children with special needs. Through the efforts of the Austin Cerebral Palsy Center, Jesse learned to walk and communicate very well. During his lifetime, Jesse defied all the odds which included: being able to walk, to talk, to attend public school and graduate, to be gainfully employed and to marry. Jesse did all of this despite his limited abilities.

Jesse was a member for many years at Grant Chapel AME Church where he acknowledged and accepted Christ in his formative years.   As a young adult, he served on the Steward Board at Grant Chapel and was an avid Sunday School attendee as he enjoyed driving his Mother to worship every Sunday.  

 He was educated in the  Austin Public schools and graduated from the “original” L.C. Anderson High School in 1967.  He was employed at the Steck Building for many years before being employed at Bergstrom Air Force Base.  It was during his employment at Bergstrom that he was awarded a certificate of Achievement as Employee of the Month.  Jesse was conscientious worker wherever he was employed. 

Jesse met and married his first love, Jacklyne Davidson Hill and they were inseparable until her death in February of 2022.  No children were born to this union but they shared their love for Jacklyne’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jesse was the consummate uncle to his only niece that lived in Austin, KasSaundra. He often picked her up from school, dance classes as needed.  He taught KasSaundra how to drive and they shared a special bond.

Jesse was preceded in death by his father Richard Luther Powell, Sr. his mother, Elizabeth, step-father Arvan Washington, his older brothers Richard Luther Powell, Jr. Henry Lewis Powell, Willie B. Powell and two sisters Anne Elizabeth Powell and Martha Earlene Powell. Those left to cherish his memory are his sister Reverend Bunnie Stark (Eugene); Sister In-Law Lanier Powell of Chula Vista, California. His nieces: Diane Powell and Elizabeth Marie Alexander of Atlanta, Georgia and his favorite niece KasSaundra Stark-Ringer (Lloyd) of Marietta, Georgia; nephews Edmond, Edrick and Erick of San Diego, California; and a host of relatives and friends.

Jesse R. Powell, 74, of Austin, passed away peacefully Friday morning, January 12, 2024.  Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Grant A.M.E. Worship Center of Austin, Friday, January 19th from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM with the Reverend, Dr. Sylvester Patton, III presiding.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.