Patricia S. "Patti" Powell

Patricia “Patti” S. Powell, 77, of Huntsville, passed away on March 11, 2026. Born on October 17, 1948, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Delbert S. and Anita T. Spears, Patti graduated from Huntsville High School in 1966. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Auburn University and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from Alabama A&M University. She devoted thirty-one years to the Department of Defense at Redstone Arsenal, serving as an Education Specialist at the U.S. Army Ordnance Missile and Munitions Center and School.

While working on the Arsenal, she met the love of her life, Joe, who was then on active duty. After a brief engagement, they married on December 16, 1978. Together they shared a deep affection for travel, especially their cherished summer vacations in Destin, Florida, and Gulf Shores, Alabama. Patti had a special fondness for animals and found great joy in the four cats she and Joe cared for over the years. A longtime and devoted member of Faith Presbyterian Church, she served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher.

She is survived by her beloved husband of forty-seven years, Joe A. Powell; sons Edmond L. Powell (Michelle) and David A. Powell (Kerry); six grandsons; two great-grandsons; sister Carol T. Sims (Stan); brothers William “Billy” G. Spears (Betty) and John A. Spears (Jan, deceased); and several nieces and nephews, all of the Huntsville area.