Kind, Caring, Understanding and Patient. Her guidance and knowledge enabled me to successfully obtain a Masters of Science at Miami University.   I continued to give her credit as I completed a PhD in Biological Science and  she remains to be one of my  favorite people who helped me along the way.  She has touched many lives and will be missed. My condolences to William and her family.  
Sincerely 
Carl Vivaldi 

Martha Powell was kind, generous, funny, thoughtful, and purposeful. She impacted the lives of many. She was full of an infectious joy and curiosity about the world and people around her. She was an excellent conversationalist full of humor and wisdom. She always seemed to know what to say to inspire, to encourage, to soothe, and to make one feel at home. She welcomed people into her life and made them feel at home. She was generous with her time, energy, and wisdom. She so clearly saw the good in everyone and worked to nurture it. She will be missed.
Dr. Powell, until we meet again.


I express gratitude to those writing in celebration of the wonderful, dedicated life of my wife, Martha Jane Powell. Your kind words are sincerely appreciated; I know she would love to read these words. Martha was the love of my life; I am grateful, beyond expression, for the 45 anniversaries we shared. Martha positively touched the lives of so many people—students, colleagues, friends—that it would be impossible to list them all. Everyone who knew her felt enhanced by the experience. Martha stood by me no matter what life held—leading me, ever so gently, toward a better version of myself. I love her deeply, and miss her terribly. I take solace, though, in the great love we had for each other, and all the wonderful days we spent together. May her spirit reside in the marvelous glory it so richly deserves. Her devoted husband, Will Blackwell.

Martha is who I think of when I try to define “a good person” as well as “a life well lived.” Her love of the natural world, combined with her deep curiosity, led her to interesting work as a world-class scientist. I loved her story of how she came to mycology through a combination of personal observation of her beloved home state, an intellectual fascination with parasitology, and a kind heart that led her away from studying zoological parasitology. Martha was also a true educator whose hard work and devotion both to knowledge and to her students changed minds and lives. On a personal level, she was loyal, funny, and kind—a terrific conversationalist and a person who was always ready to serve others. I’m honored that she came into my life when I was a very young teenager, and I am grateful for her four+ decades of marriage to my father, who I know misses her as much as it is possible to miss a person. I miss her too, and I treasure having known her. I look forward to celebrating her life at the memorial service.

My condolences to Dr. Blackwell, family, and friends. I had the good fortune to study and teach under the direction of both Dr. Powell and Dr. Blackwell. They each had a significant impact on my education and career. I will be forever grateful.

Dr. Martha Powell was a true gem in every respect and we are sad to hear of her passing.  She was unfailingly kind, thoughtful, a great encourager, and had a magnificent sense of humor - all in addition to her incredible mind.  Our heartfelt condolences to her husband Dr. Blackwell and all who love her.

"Dr. Powell" was one of my most memorable instructors.  She taught me mycology at Miami University (in the late 70's while I earned my MS degree there).  She was very knowledgable and knew how to share and transfer that knowledge to others.  My favorite memory is how she organized pre-exam study sessions for the students, and would spend as much time as it took to answer questions and discuss topics prior to each examination.  I asked her why she devoted so much time to "reviewing" what had been covered in the previous class periods -- she winked and said she could now develop better exams based upon what questions weren't asked/topics were discussed :-)

Martha was my cousin just 2 years younger than me. I have a lot of sweet memories growing up. She will be missed! My condolences to Will, James and Debbie.

Martha Jane was truly an incredible woman, adventurous, caring, strong, and exceptionally smart.  Martha and I are first cousins, but we were even closer as we shared being female scientists and educators.  It never mattered how long we may have been apart; the moment we saw each other we quickly resumed our interactions as if there had been no pause.  From the time we were children until our 70's we would sneak away from our respective families to go adventuring through the hills of Polk County in search of fungi, plants, and various "critters".    She was so kind.  When we were kids attending Winecoff School, she was the first to find me to console me when my most perfect project did not win the science fair.  Several years ago, on a visit to Alabama Martha gave me days of attention as we worked together in her laboratory and explored the woods of here country home.  My deepest sympathy to Will and Jim.  I loved her dearly.

OBITUARY

Martha Powell

January 27, 1948 – June 20, 2023

Memory Chapel Funeral Home & Memory Hill Gardens

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