Yuvetta "Jo" Powell

Yuvetta “Jo” Powell (Cole) passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on May 28, 2023 in Richmond, VA. She is preceded in death by her grandmother; Fannie Hively, parents; Lorena Green and Newton Cole and Brothers; Jerry Cole, Jackie Lee Daniels, and sister Nita Ladd.

Jo was born is Muskogee Oklahoma on December 21, 1937. She was known by family and friends to be one of the kindest people they ever met. She was ambitious all throughout her life, starting her career in 1968 in California at the Pacific Hospital as a programmer and systems analyst. She later became the Director of Information Systems for the Virginia Department of Mental Health, where she retired in 1995. She continued to work as a GIS System Analyst for the state of New Mexico and ended her career at the Virginia Community Services Boards as an Information Specialist, retiring in 2019. Throughout her life she lived in Oklahoma, California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Virginia, making many lifelong friends along the way. She loved reading, known to read multiple books a week. She loved movies and trying new restaurants, but most of all she loved spending time with her daughter and grandchildren. Known as “Mimi” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, there is nothing she wouldn’t do for them.

She is survived by her Ex-Husband, Harlan Dean (Sheri) Powell, Daughter; Lori (Kenny) Wells, and Grandchildren; Mike (Erica) Wells, and Brooke (Steven) Anderson, as well as her five Great-Grandchildren; Maddox, Lincoln, Aubrey, Hazel, and Isla.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jo’s honor to Mental Health America of Virginia (mhav.org/donate).

Life Well Lived

A life well lived is a precious gift

Of hope and strength and grace,

From someone who has made our world

A brighter, better place

It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad

With smiles and sometimes tears,

With friendships formed and good times shared And laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy

Of joy and pride and pleasure,

A living, lasting memory

Our grateful hearts will treasure

- Author Unknown