Josephine Wilkerson Hamilton Powell, born 4 August 1949 in Greenville, MS to Bradley & Caroline Hamilton, passed on Thursday, January 11th, 2024. Jo is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jim Powell; children, James Jr and Patti McGee (Jacob); Mother-in-law/love, Helen Mulrennan Young; grandchildren, Haley Powell and Marshall Powell (Jaden); sister Catt Ivey (Carl) and many loved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and step-grandsons. She loved many, she loved hard and she loved well. Last week her amazing heart decided it was time to rest.
If you knew Jo, you knew love. She wore so many hats throughout her life and she wore them well. She was a PROUD Air Force wife for 26 years. Out of all the things she collected through those travels, her most cherish collection was that of her friends. She loved the adventures and memories made at each duty station. While overseas, she would travel anywhere she could get space available (free military flights). Her stories from her Korea and Hawaii trips were EPIC!
She was not only an amazing and creative mom to Jimmy and Patti but any kid in the neighborhood. Their home was typically filled with kids, food and laughter. Jo always had a heart for kids. From coaching, carpooling, making costumes, chaperoning field trips and school dances (once dressed as Squiggy from Laverne & Shirley) to helping in the Kadena High School Snack Bar after school and evenings where she was proudly known as the “Hot Dog Lady”.
That didn’t end when her own kids were grown though. She was an exceptional Mamaw to Haley and Marsh! She also shared that grandmom love with the students in the Cornerstone Nursery and Children’s Ministry, her Kiwanis Terrific Kids and Key Club students and all those she met as Daisy the clown. When Jaden joined the family, she not only added her to the list of her loved kiddos but passed on her knowledge of what it meant to be a proud military wife.
She was an exceptional friend and volunteer. She was a member of the Greater Brandon Kiwanis Club since 1998. Some of her favorite times were working in the Caring Corner at Conventions and gathering the Club at home to prepare for various events. She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church since the late 90’s. Not only did she help with the Children’s Ministries but the Ladies Group, Finance Committee, Ladies Bunco Group and enjoyed hosting team building or youth events at their home.
Jo didn’t just have a strong relationship with people but also with the Lord. She was active in the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) Ladies group for many years. She not only deepened her relationship with God during those classes but with the ladies of that group. Relationships that continued even when she was no longer attending.
She didn’t live by word alone. She was love in action. She truly loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and strength to the very end. We have NO doubt she was welcomed with a “Well done, good and faithful servant”. And knowing Jo, she’s currently signed up for the Heaven’s Welcoming Committee for the days the rest of us will join her there.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 19, 2024, at Cornerstone Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Florida Kiwanis Foundation or to E.C.H.O.Previous Events
Visitation
19
Jan
818 N Parsons Avenue
Brandon, FL 33511
Celebration of Life Service
19
Jan
818 N Parsons Avenue
Brandon, FL 33511
Florida Kiwanis Foundation
#331433
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
