Lori Powell

Lori Powell, age 63, a resident of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at her home following an extended illness surrounded by her family and friends.

Lori was born January 6, 1963, in Hartford City, Indiana, the daughter of Clell Russell and Alma Ruth (Crocker) Norris. She graduated from Jay County High School in 1981 and earned an Associates Degree in Medical Records Technology at Indiana Business College. Lori worked at Indiana Glass, Jay Garment, Bright Beginnings Daycare, Ball Memorial Hospital and retired from Smith Brothers after 20 years of service. She married Clarke Powell on June 12, 1982.

Lori was kind, compassionate, hardworking, responsible, independent, courageous, fun-loving, a great listener and talented are just a few of the words that best describe Lori. She enjoyed singing, cooking and baking. Some knew her as a friend. Derek, Phillip, and Kelsey knew her as mom. She loved being a mom and grandma, especially spending time with her grandkids who brought endless happiness and laughter into her life. Clarke made a wise choice 44 years ago to make her his wife. Her three grandbabies left behind to carry on her legacy will never forget her. Lori was the kind of person who saw the good in people, who laughed easily, never gave up when life got difficult, and stayed in the fight until our Lord took his warrior home. Her sense of adventure brought joy to those who were fortunate to travel with her, share holiday meals, and get up in the middle of the night for Black Friday sales. She knew the value of a dollar and yet was the most generous if she saw someone in need. If it wasn’t a monetary gift she shared, she would freely give her time, an encouraging word, food, a spare bed in her home, the loan of her car, and a place at the table for her family card games with her children and grandchildren. Family vacations were the best, and spending time in Florida on the beach. The conversations resulting from those were priceless, yet not an insult was spoken by her. She had a strong spiritual connection. Lori was a loyal friend, her ability to love everyone came easy as she touched so many lives. No one felt left out or overlooked with her around. The void left behind in her absence is vast. She may have been born in the coldest month of the year, but she’s the warmest soul God has given this side of Heaven. Lori will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Survivors include:

Her husband: Clarke Powell – Portland, Indiana

Her children: Derek Powell (wife Nicole) – Royerton, Indiana

Phillip Powell – Portland, Indiana

Kelsey Powell (Fiancé Zach Kappes) – Portland, Indiana

Her siblings: Clell “Junior” Russell Norris, Jr. – Pennville, Indiana

Mike Norris (wife Zora) – Portland, Indiana

Patty Quinton – Alexandria, Indiana

Bruce Norris (wife Cathy) – Portland, Indiana

Natalie Turner (husband Scott) – Dunkirk, Indiana

3 grandchildren: Liam, Corbin and Scarlett

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clell Russell Norris and Alma Ruth Norris, and her siblings, Betty Rogers and Darrell Norris.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Andy Isch will officiate and burial will follow at IOOF Twin Hill Cemetery in Pennville, Indiana.

Memorials may be directed towards Jay County Cancer Society.