Barbara Reading Powell

Barbara Reading Powell 1912-2006 Barbara Reading Powell died early Thursday, February 2, 2006, in Waco. She was 93 years of age. Services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2006, at Austin Avenue United Methodist Church, the Reverend Tom Robbins officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Barbara Powell was born June 25, 1912 in Mart, Texas. She was the daughter of John M. and Mina Elmore Reading. She graduated from Mart High School on May 30, 1930, and from Baylor University on May 28, 1934, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduation from Baylor she was a public school teacher in Calvert and in Groesbeck, Texas. She married Harold S. Powell on December 28, 1939 in Mart in the family home. After the wedding they lived in Ennis, where Harold worked for William Cameron & Co. They then moved to San Angelo in 1940, where their first son, Bob was born in 1942. In 1945 the family moved to Vernon, when Harold was made District Manager of William Cameron & Co. Their second son, Jerry, was born in 1952. In 1957 the family returned to central Texas, making their home in Waco. Barbara was a devoted mother to her two boys. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, active in PTA, and she spent countless hours teaching her sons proper English, spelling and good manners. Barbara developed many good friendships over the years, especially in the Galaxy Club and at the Hamilton House. She and Harold also enjoyed many years of travel with close friends and family. She was preceded in death by her sister, Leila Mae Reading Findley, known in the family as “Ditta.” Barbara was known as “Bob” and as “Big Bob” to her niece, her nephew and their children. Survivors include her sons, Bob and his wife, Penny, of Austin; Jerry and his wife, Barbara, of Waco; grandchildren, Heather and husband, Star Jennings of Austin; Hunter Powell and Beth Lezajski, of Austin; Colin and Calley Powell of Waco; and great-grandson, Jack Jennings of Austin. Survivors also include her nephew and niece, Dr. John S. Findley of Aubrey, Texas and Leah Findley Stewart of Dallas; cousins, Bill Needham and Selma Gartrell; and sisters-in-law, Evelyn Powell, Dorothy Powell, Bonnie Powell, and Ruby Rose Easter. The family wishes to thank all of the loving and dedicated caregivers who have taken care of Barbara during her illness. Memorials may be made to Austin Avenue United Methodist Church, 1300 Austin Ave., Waco, Texas 76701. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey