Barbara Jean Tucker Powell

Barbara Jean Tucker Powell was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Tucker on March 29, 1931. Her family moved to Laredo, Texas when she was a teenager where she attended Martin High School. It was there that she met the love of her life. William Richard or "Bill" Powell, Jr., the son of Dr. and Mrs. W.R. Powell. Following her graduation from Martin High School, Barbara attended Texas State College for Women in Denton, Texas for two years. Her junior and senior years, she attended the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Sciences.

During her high school years in Laredo, Barbara was a well-loved student. In 1948 she was presented

by the Society of Martha Washington at its annual Colonial Ball and Pageant. Her escort of course, was none other than Bill Powell. While at Texas State College for Women in Denton, she was named a Redbud Princess of the college. This was an honor given to beauty pageant nominees during their annual Red Bud Festival.

On April 11th, 1953, she finally married Bill Powell. Throughout their 49 years of marriage, Barbara gave birth to six sons: Lester, Richard, Michael, Ward, John, and Patrick. In 1972, the Society of Martha Washington chose Barbara and Bill to portray Martha and George Washington. The following year, Barbara was elected president of the Society of Martha Washington.

Besides Community involvement, some of her hobbies included tennis, golf, bridge, traveling, and cooking. She also loved being involved in her church. Christ Church Episcopal where she helped found their Tasting Tea annual fundraiser.

Ever the classy and proper lady, her smile would light up the room, and her laugh was infectious. She was an excellent mother, a doting grandmother, and a loving great-grandmother. She was a gracious friend to many extremely kind, and generous. She taught her sons to love and prioritize family. She was the unwavering foundation of the Powell clan. We will miss her greatly.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband. Bill Powell, and her sister, Mary Elaine Vaska. She is survived by a large, loving family of 6 children: Lester (Josie), Richard (Julie), Michael (Terry), Ward (Missy), John. (Allison), and Patrick (Joyce). She has 17 grandchildren:  Alyssa (Aparna), Marcia (Brandon), James (Kira), Richard, Michael (Laura), Zachry (Sandra), Regan (Anlicia), Jordan (Marco), Kyle (Kaylie), Sims, Sidney Blake (Kayla), Hannah (Ryan), Emily, Hailey, Kristen, and Ryan. She has 16 great grandchildren:  Jacob, Luke, Kori, Savannah, Alaina, Zachary, A.J., Noah, Hazel, Avery, Lily, Luca, Tommy, lshaan. Sophia, and Ava.

The Powell family would like to express their gratitude to Barbara's friends, and the staff at Sodalis Stone Oak. and Altus Hospice in San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations in her memory to Christ Church Episcopal, 2320 Lane St., Laredo, Tx. 78043.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Visitation will be from 8:00am to 10:00 am, at Joe Jackson Funeral Home located at 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo. TX. A church service will follow at Christ Church Episcopal located at 2320 Lane St., Laredo, TX. 78043.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Laredo City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Lester Powell, Richard Powell, Michael Powell, Ward Powell, John Powell, and Patrick Powell.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Andres Vaska. Marcus Vaska, Kristina Vaska Haas, Matthias “Matt” Vaska, Paul Vaska, and Ann Foley.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.