Barbara Powell

Barbara June Powell died at Trinity Medical Center on January 13 as a result of a massive stroke. Barbara was born to Christian and Helen Leypoldt in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 18, 1938. She and her family moved around the country as her father set up accounting departments for new RCA plants. In 1960, she earned her degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University and began her teaching career in Sweetser, Indiana. In early 1960 she agreed to being fixed up with a new engineer at her father s plant. Two weeks later he gave her the ring and she agreed to marriage after waiting six months to be sure it was a true pairing. On November 19, 1960, Barbara and Roger were married in Marion, Indiana. They were blessed with four children and began a family life that was to last 46 years. Barbara moved around the country as Roger built facilities and settled Temple to begin her Texas experience. While in Seabrook, Barbara found a people-centric position at Sears Customer Service in Baybrook Mall. She worked there for eighteen years before retiring. She was always enamored with dealing face to face with people and trying to solve problems. They looked for a retirement home for three years before finding their home in Brenham. Shortly after moving Barbara felt the real desire to work with people and dove into volunteering for Brenham Hospice, the Hospice Boutique, and Unity Theater. She tutored reading students with HOSTS at Alton Elementary. In addition, she was on the Board of Directors and a docent for the Brenham Museum as well as Vice-President of the Fortnightly Club. Richard Lee, her son, preceded her in death as well as her parents. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Roger. She will be missed by her loving daughters Lynn Crane, Kim Reynolds, and Kellie Powell. Her grandchildren Kevin and Brian Crane and Nicholas and Amber Reynolds will always treasure their memories of her. Funeral arrangements are set at Memorial Oaks Chapel with visitation at 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday and services at 2 PM on Wednesday. Burial will take place at Prairie Lea Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the any of the organizations she was involved in.