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Life’s Reflections
erome Carol Powell, the seventh of nine blended siblings of Bettirene Walton Austin and Thamous Powell, was born May 18, 1947, in Memphis, Tennessee. At his birth, the family resided in the Foote Homes Community. The family eventually moved to the Neptune-McLemore area and became a part of the development of the Soulsville expansion. Our abode became known as the “thrill upon the hill” because the classmates enjoyed having weekend parties there. Being a short walk to St. Augustine Catholic High, Jerome enjoyed his daily trek often with classmates who lived nearby too. At school, he put on his “scholarly hat,” cultivating his erudite mind. In 1966, Jerome graduated from Father Bertrand High School on Kerr Avenue, the site of the newly merged school. The late Father Bertrand was the founder of the school at 903 Walker Avenue, across from Elmwood Cemetery. Following commencement, Jerome joined the Air Force becoming a military hero, and did two tours of duty for our nation. He attained the rank of SSGT E-5. All four of the males in the family rendered honorable service to the country: the older two joined the Navy, but the younger two opted for the Air Force. William, two years older than Jerome, also saw combat in Vietnam. Jerome was honorably discharged in July 1983. Subsequent to his military duty, Jerome returned home working a myriad of part-time jobs, such as the U.S. Postal Service, the Jewish Community Center, Federal Express, the Election Commission, and as a handyman. When he wasn’t working, he could be found in LeMoyne-Owen’s Library nurturing his mind. With the onset of health challenges, Jerome discontinued driving. His niece, Monique Meacham Bethany became his beloved caretaker. Though Jerome was the epitome of reclusive, he always had time to feed the neighborhood cats and dogs. When he was unavailable, Monique stood in for him. Jerome is predeceased by his parents, his siblings: Charles H.W. Austin, George C. Austin, William M. Powell, Deborah P. Powell Taylor, and Cheryl T. Powell, along with other extended family. Although Jerome traveled around the world defending the “red-white-and-blue,” his gentle manner was overcome by the wiles of wickedness in a nursing home that transposed him helpless and hopeless, eventually leading to his untimely death. Following a brief illness reinforced by neglect and abuse, Jerome succumbed to the forces of a diabolical system in our city and transitioned quietly at 11:38 P.M. on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital. May he rest in eternal peace. As Jerome joins the Heavenly host, fond memories are held by his three sisters: Mesdames Laura Austin Kinchelow, Grace Austin Meacham, and Margaret L. Powell Beasley. Also cherishing their brotherly bond is Darryl Henderson, a cousin. Moreover, Jerome will be celebrated by his Aunt Georgia Bailey and Uncle John Powell, along with sundry cousins in St. Louis and Chicago. Rejoicing in the richness of his life is Ethel Claxton, a special friend, and copious cousins, classmates, colleagues, nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.
O rder of S ervice Thursday, January 20, 2022 1:00 P.M
West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Reverend Mr. Andrew Terry, Officiant Deacon in the Diocese of Memphis
Greetings/Occasion Lighting of the Candles............................Bertharene Young Family/Friend, Presenter
Poem........................................................Steven T. Bethany “Afterglow”
Great Nephew
Musical Selection.....................................Steven T. Bethany Poem...............................................................C’Mon Price “Crossing the Bar”
Great Niece
Reflections/Words of Comfort............Rev. Mr. Andrew Terry Deacon of the Diocese of Memphis
Committal Rites Military Honors Closing Prayer & Benediction
“Crossing the Bar” Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home.
“After Glow” I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
~Acknowledgement ~
As we search for inner peace during our bereavement, we are profoundly grateful for your diverse and sundry expressions of love. Also, we have been indeed sustained by your empathy with our plate. Our gratitude is truly as immense as your sorrow. Thank you for sharing our grief, comforting us, and joining us today for the final rights for Jerome. Please continue praying with us for eternal repose for his soul. May God continue blessing you! ~The Austin & Powell Dynasty
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. By: W.E.. Henley
~Active Pallbearers ~
Family & Friends of Mr. Jerome C. Powell
~Committal Rites & Interment ~ West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
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