Mr. Dwayne Powell

Dwayne was born to Ethel Lee Foster and Willie Mack Powell, Jr. on July 5, 1953, in Berkeley, CA. His brother Daryl Powell, father Willie Mac Powell, nephew Ronnie Briggs, and grandparents preceded him in death.

Dwayne spent his formative years attending elementary, junior high and high school in Los Angeles, CA. While growing up on Arlington, he met Calvin Snowden, Matthew (Tank) Sullivan, and Ronald Polk. They continued their brotherhood love and relationship for more than fifty years; although they suffered the loss of Calvin, quite a few years ago.

As a young man, Dwayne met Alnita Hamilton in the 1970's and they were married on June 21, 1984 by his grandfather and Pastor, Willie Mack Powell in Los Angeles. Dwayne was a devoted father to LaNita, Damon, Angel, DaWayna, Kanesha, Dwayne, Isaiah, and Tiara, all of whom he loved and cherished deeply.

Dwayne had a, entrepreneurial vison and owned his own fish market for several years. Thanks to his Uncle Mel's tutelage, he became a successful businessman. He continued his entrepreneurial ventures when the family moved to Yakima, WA in 1989. There is where he combined forces with his father and nephew, to open a successful barbecue restaurant.

In the late 1990's, the family relocated to Northern California. Dwayne accepted a staff on-duty position at a homeless shelter where he met Garry Farr (a longtime friend of the Foster and Powell families). Dwayne's experience and interactions with the homeless and substance abuse population, at the shelter, led him to return to college and obtain his certification in substance abuse training/counseling. In 2008, he reunited with his wife Anita and moved to Fresno, CA. He accepted a staff position at West Care and continued his career in substance abuse for 13 years.

Those who knew Dwayne knows that he loved his family, both the Powell's and the Fosters, and his love for shopping. He always looked forward to spending time with his nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, at family gatherings to fellowship and reminisce.

Dwayne was an avid shopper and had an expansive wardrobe for any occasion. He was also an avid dog lover. He spent countless hours grooming and training his dogs. He was particularly fond of Dutch, a beloved German Shepherd given to him by his father, in his youth.

Dwayne will forever reside in the hearts of: his loving and supportive wife, Anita Powell of 39 years; his mother, Ethel Powell; his sisters: Delores (Elder Willie) Marshall, Diane Powell, and Catherine Boyd; aunts: Helen Hilliard, Evangelist Betty Foster, Darlene King, Allie Foster, Lillian Davis, Lydia Powell, and Corine Powell; uncles: Roosevelt Delano (Butch) Powell, Elder Harold Powell, and Jeremiah (Jerry) Powell; beloved cousins: Tracy Jackson, Bernard STinson, Deborah Berry-Morris, Corner Alexander, Art Alexander, and Renita Alexander; nephews: Reggie Jackson, and Hurthel Jackson; his nieces: LaRonda Pruitt, and Paris Slaton; all of whom he grew up with during his formative and early adult years, and all whom he loved so dearly. Dwayne also leaves to cherish his memories seventeen grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, as well as, longtime friends. He is surely missed by all!

“A FALLEN LIMB”

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says,“Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we’re together again.”

– Author Unknown