DORIS JEAN POWELL

Doris Jean Powell was born May 19, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri. She went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Her father, Luther G. Bell, mother, Rosella Bell, and her brother, Luther G. Bell, Jr. preceded her in death.  Doris was married to James J. Counts in March 1958 in Indianapolis. She subsequently married Clifford L. Powell in October 1964.

Graduating from Sumner High School in St. Louis in 1950, Doris was an enthusiastic learner, earning recognition for scholastic achievement as a member of the National Honor Society, straight A’s in her college studies, and on the Dean’s List. She attended Stowe Teachers’ College, St. Louis. 

Having embarked upon a career with the United States federal government, Doris Jean relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1951, when the United States Army Finance and Accounting Center moved their operations to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana. After over 30 years of service as a Computer Programmer for the United States government, Doris retired from Ft. Benjamin Harrison Finance Center in 1987.

Doris continued her collegiate studies at Purdue University, Indianapolis; Vincennes University, Vincennes, Indiana and Martin University, Indianapolis.

Having professed a belief in Christ at an early age, she was baptized and became a member of Lane Tabernacle C. M. E. Church, in St. Louis. After moving to Indianapolis, she became an active member of Barnes United Methodist Church, and then became a faithful member of the choir at Forest Manor United Methodist Episcopal Church  until 1999 when she joined Eastern Star Church where she served as a member of the Senior Saints, assisted with the bulletin ministry, and a regular attendee in the Adult Sunday School. In addition to her faithful Christian service, she was a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women and the NAACP, a member of the Red Hatters Club and a Girl Scout Troup Leader. She was always ready to serve as a volunteer. She volunteered at Methodist Hospital, as a Reading Volunteer at School #27, and answered the telephone at the Public Broadcasting Station fundraisers.

In 2014, Doris moved to Florida to spend more time with her daughter’s family and to be a part of her granddaughters’ lives. The best moments of her life were spent with her family preparing meals and baking her famous cookies and yeast rolls. She was especially fond of attending and supporting the activities of her children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader, enjoyed shopping, traveling, live theatre and completing crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her son, James Jeffrey Counts (Lillian Green) and daughter, Valerie Powell-Stafford (Marcus), and three beloved granddaughters, Kaila Leigh, Gabriella Iman and Alexandria Allen. She leaves to mourn, her nieces Pamela Bell and Crystal Bell, a host of cousins, extended family, her church family and friends.

Truly Submitted..............

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