In Memoriam: Patricia Johnson-Powell (1948-2021)
The Bishop Joseph Johnson History Project is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Patricia Ann Johnson-Powell. She went home to be with the Lord on March 9, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. Her loving husband, Larry Powell, was by her side.
Pat was born on January 24, 1948 in Jackson, Tennessee to Bishop Joseph A. Johnson, Jr. and Mrs. Grace Johnson. She received early Christian education on the cradle roll at St. Paul CME Church in Jackson and at Capers Memorial CME Church in Nashville, Tennessee.
Pat attended Allen High School in Ashville, North Carolina. She then attended Fisk University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in English and Philosophy. She went on to receive her Master of Arts degree at Clark Atlanta University, writing her thesis on “The Jazz and Blues Poetry of Langston Hughes.” She also furthered her education at Southern Illinois University.
After being introduced by a mutual friend, Patricia married Larry Powell on September 29, 1984. They were married for over 36 years.
Pat was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where she served as chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee and volunteered for various ministries and programs. She was also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was an active member of the Johnson Family planning committee, and she and Larry served as hosts for the 2018 reunion. She was an advisor and supporter of the Bishop Joseph Johnson History Project, a nonprofit preserving the legacy of her father. Pat believed in performing her civic duties and promoting social justice since her early days participating in marches with her father in Louisiana to recently encouraging people to vote in recent elections.
Pat had an accomplished career as a human resources executive. Most recently, she served as Director of Human Resources for HealthFirst Bluegrass from 2015 until her retirement in 2020. Prior to that, she served as Director of Human Resources for Lifeline Homecare, Associate Director of Human Resources at Kentucky Community and Technical College System, and Human Resources Consultant for DBA Equity Interventions. She received the high distinction in her industry of being a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and she strove for excellence and equity in the workplace.
Pat will be remembered for being a loving, encouraging, and giving person, always taking an interest in the lives of others. She believed in striving for excellence in all things, whether at work, at church, or at home. She will be remembered for being kind and caring to her friends and loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Bishop and Mrs. Joseph A. Johnson, Jr, and her brothers, Dr. Joseph A. Johnson III and Rev. Dr. Charles DeWitt Johnson.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Powell; bonus sons, Marcus Powell and Maurice Powell; grandchildren, Marcus Powell, Jr., Mariana Powell, Marius Powell, Marcell Powell; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.
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Vanderbilt University commissioned a portrait of Bishop Joseph A. Johnson, Jr. by world renowned portrait artist Simmie Knox. In October 2019, Patricia Johnson-Powell and other family members were present to share remarks at the dedication of the portrait. Watch video to hear Pat in her own words. Watch to the end to see the portrait.
