Sunrise Christopher Anson Powell, the first-born child of Charles E. and Nellie H. Powell, dawned this earth on July 3,1968. The first and only son to his parents and his mother’s “Inhale”, Chris’s SUNRISE came at a time when the country was in turmoil, with front line civil disobedience for change and civil rights for black people. Chris’s parents knew that his life was the beginning of a DASH to be well lived; yet with challenges as an African-American male, a loving son, brother, father, cousin and grandfather, Chris’s DASH was well lived.
The Dash Chris accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church pastored by Reverend Mose Pleasure. He later joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Charles J. Patterson, Jr., where he was a member of the youth choir and active in the youth ministry. Chris was always very proud to be the big brother and “First Friend” to his beloved sister, Cristal. From the day that Chris held his sister in his arms all the way home from the hospital, he was always her cheerleader, friend, and protector. He cherished her. They had a very special brother-sister bond, sharing jokes that only they understood. Chris would often declare that Cristal was his biggest supporter and fan, and she was. Chris received his educational foundation at Stafford Elementary and Graceland Jr. High Schools. During these years, Chris excelled under the leadership of many excellent educators who shaped him academically and for whom he developed a lifetime of mutual love and respect. Not only did Chris’ personality blossom during these years, he developed musical interests with learning to play the guitar.
Later, Chris was a 1986 graduate of Hamilton High School where he was a member of the football team. After graduating, Chris attended Morehouse College, Shelby State Community College, and later enlisted in the Marine Corps. One of his proudest moments was becoming the father of Brandon, who followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming a Master Barber. He was deeply committed to the community as a Master Barber. Chris was one of few Master Barbers who initiated free back to school haircuts for students in Memphis area schools and gave of his time and talents to underserved students throughout the school year. It was a common occurrence for Chris to reward his young clients for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom. His commitment to service and community extended beyond the shop. Chris was a master of doing work that he loved and using that work to build community. In the late 1990s, he began entertaining the lives of many as “DJ Kutta”. He was a member of the Hitzmen, a group of local DJs known for dropping the latest hits before they were distributed to the masses. He was also a member of Probeat DJs, in which he would share his knowledge of the industry to upcoming DJs. Oftentimes, Chris was invited to share his talent on area radio stations for holiday mixes and was nominated several times as one of Memphis’ Top DJs, an honor he humbly accepted. He was passionate about his craft and found pure happiness through uniting his love of people with his love of music. His work brought others enjoyment, and that made it purposeful for him.
the tribe of nephews which include Jeremy, Tyler, Julian, and Tanner, shared a special bond. He was a supportive uncle, their first barber, and always strived to be “Uncle of the Year” at Christmas. As a loving and devoted grandfather to Kennedy and Brooklyn, he adored and forged a bond that could not be broken. He shared a very special relationship with his brother-in-law, Jerry. Not only would they spend countless hours talking about music, but Chris, a die-hard San Francisco 49ers fan, and Jerry, a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, football was always a huge topic of debate. Chris had very special relationships with cousins Solomon Smith III, Antonio Harris, Andre Powell, Kevin McGee, Leigh Powell, and Jacqueline Hicks, and he often sought wise counsel and support from his uncle, Angelo Russell Hamilton. Chris was surrounded by love, and a special part of his heart was dedicated to his “Special Lady” Patricia Smith, with whom he shared the last four years in a loving relationship, and who remained by his side both in sickness and in good times. Chris was a member of New Direction Christian Church where he served with “In the Zone” youth ministry and as the “neighborhood DJ” during the contemporary, non-traditional, Heal Street service. His skills behind the turntables helped the ministry “reach the unreached.” He enjoyed this opportunity to serve his church. He has now made it to Heal Street in Heaven.
Sunset
Christopher completed his DASH on Friday, August 28, 2020 and now we celebrate his Family was everything to Chris. His “Monstarz”, SUNSET.
Christopher Anson Powell departed this earth on Friday, August 28, 2020. His love for family, service, and entertainment created an unforgettable legacy for us to treasure. He is now encamped by those he held near and dear to his heart: his father, Charles E. “Dike” Powell, maternal and paternal grandparents, special uncles, Edgar Miller and Edward Powell, and a special aunt, Rita Powell. Chris remains forever in the hearts of those who celebrate his DASH - especially his mother, Nellie H. Powell; sister, Cristal (Jerry) Powell-Roach; son, Brandon Powell; granddaughters: Kennedy and Brooklyn; his “Monstarz”, Tyler, Tanner, Julian and Jeremy; aunts: Betty H.(Solomon, II.) Smith, Patsy H. Williams, M. Ann H. Dandridge, Lavern L. Rouse, Doris H. McGee, Jessie Powell, LaVonia Powell, Jackie Miller, and Yvette Neal; uncles: Angelo Russell (Myra) Hamilton and Mark Neal; special friend, Patricia Smith, and a myriad of cousins, other relatives & friends.
Wednesday, the Ninth day of September, Two-Thousand Twenty at Eleven O’clock in the Morning Pastor Stella Hollis, Officiant Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Christopher A. Powell Scripture Readings: Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Sandra Johnson, Mt Zion Baptist Church New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Antonio Jones Prayer & Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Karren Todd Ministry of Music . . . . . . .”I Can Only Imagine” (Tamela Mann). . . . . . . . . Minister A. J. Wells Reflections (three minutes, please) Tim Baachus, Friend & Fellow DJ Ramsey Hailey, Co-worker &Hamilton High School c/o ‘86 Classmate Fulton “Doc” Haney, Friend - “A Glimpse of His Life” (Slide Presentation) ~ Family Tribute & Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nellie Powell & Cristal Powell Roach Ministry of Music . . . . . . .”Total Praise” (Donnie McClurkin). . . . . . . . . . . . Minister A. J. Wells Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Stacy L. Spencer, Pastor New Direction Christian Church Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Christopher A. Powell ~ Remains will not be viewed following the eulogy. ~
Chris, my Inhale: You were half the breath I breathe, and now I am having a hard time doing that. From the day you started breathing, you gave me life. You made me smile. You made me laugh. You gave me reasons to shake my head in wonder many times (smile), but you never broke my heart. You never made me cry. You gave me joy. You made me proud because I know you tried so hard to do that. There was never a day I didn’t love you and I know it was never day you didn’t love me. I was whole. You, like your dad, went about life as a spirit filled with so much genuine love and forgiveness. Your compassion to love and help others was who you were. You had so many unfulfilled dreams, and you continued to search for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Sweetie, in these last few days, I have seen what you did not. All that love you poured out and desired was there all the time. It was reciprocated. You had exactly what you were looking for to get to that rainbow, you just didnt recognize it. Inhale, as my life was changed so much the day you took your first breath, my life will forever be changed now that you are back as a twinkle in my eye. My pain is great, I feel broken. In your health struggles, I asked God to heal your body and make you whole. He asked me to TRUST HIM to do it. I did...and He did. He made you whole. I TRUST Him, now, to make me whole, again. He will…one day. Love undenied...
Mom
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing”. Psalm127:3
Brother, you were MY FIRST FRIEND! For a while, you were all I knew! You showed loyalty, compassion and honesty that withstood the tests of time… No one could break our bond! I was yours...and you were mine. My first friend, you loved me as only a brother could. You were my protector…as our father taught that you should. As we grew and began to live our separate lives, The bond between a brother and sister…is too insurmountable to deny! You shielded me from danger and held my hand When Daddy went to Heaven, in his footsteps you stood. You DJ’d the soundtrack to my very existence...as only my brother could! When I needed a listening ear, you answered the call. Brother, you were MY FIRST FRIEND...the highest honor of all! I know Dad welcomed you with open arms…my two gentle giants! Continue to watch over mom and me. I pray we exceed all of your expectations and continue to be the phenomenal women That both of you instilled in us to be! Chris, you’ll always be my first friend! This title belongs only to you! Indeed it will take a lot of strength to help Mom and I see this through. Through the nights we want to scream... Through the days we wish this were a bad dream... Through the weeks we won’t forget... Through the months we’ll wish that more time had been left... Through the years we know we’ll get through... Forever and always, we’ll remember you! Until We Meet Again...
Cristal
WHEN I LOST YOU (Author Unknown) I wish I could see you one more time, Come walking through the door… But I know that is impossible, I will hear your voice no more. I know you can feel my tears And you don’t want me to cry, Yet my heart is broken because I can’t understand why someone So precious had to die. I pray that God will give me strength And somehow get me through… As I struggle with the heartache That came when I lost you. From your son,
Brandon
TO OUR HERO (Author Unknown) We came into this life. You held us in your arms. You kept us safe and protected from harm. You’ve always been in our lives through thick & thin, And now our lonely journey without you will begin. For you were our hero, forever and a day. You will remain that hero ‘til we meet again someday. We miss you so much! The pain does not ease. We pray that you are happy and finally at peace. Love, Your MonSTARZ Tyler, Julian, & Tanner and Your Grandaughters, Kennedy and Brooklyn
We Love You!
Acknowledgment During this time, our family and friends have been our base of support, and we thank God for you. We will be forever grateful for the love, prayers, and numerous acts of kindness shown to us during these trying times. All have been received with heartfelt appreciation. You have made the “unbearable� a little easier to bear. May God shower you with His richest blessings, and we ask that you please keep us in your prayers. A very special thank you to Uncle Russell, Aunt Doris, Doc Haney, Nicole Stevenson and all who assisted Chris in his final days and time of need.
Andre Powell Preston Harris
Active Pallbearers Antonio Harris Leigh Powell Damien Dodson
Titus Powell Kevin McGee
Honorary Pallbearers Hamilton High School Class of 1986 Memphis Area DJs Barbers of Faded Barber Salon
Interment Elmwood Cemetery 824 S. Dudley St. s Memphis, TN 38104
Services Entrusted To N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home 12 South Pkwy W s Memphis, TN 38109 s (901) 948-7755
Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, 901-257-9124