Monroe Powers
Monroe Powers, Jr., born on August 17, 1926, to the late Monroe Powers, Sr. and Dicie Mae Jordan Powers, transitioned from this life to the next on February 25, 2021, at the blessed age of 94.
Monroe was the oldest of 13 children. He grew up in Huntsville, Al., and was educated in the public schools of Huntsville, Madison County, Al.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Pearson Powers; brothers, Alfred and George Powers; sisters, Norma Jenkins, Mary Alice Johnson, Susie Mae Akins, Viola Ward, and Aileen Wilkins; daughters, Marilyn P. Batts and Cecilia Glenn Powers; sons, Carl Tyrone and John Reid Powers.
Monroe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He was affectionately and respectively known to his family, friends, children, and grandchildren as Monroe Jr., Pee Wee, Papa Monroe and granddad.
At the young age of 17, he joined the military, and was inducted into the segregated U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944 and was assigned to a paratrooper division. During training, he suffered an injury that ended his plane jumping days. He went on to serve until being honorably discharged in 1946.
After being discharged from the Air Corp, he enrolled in Alabama A&M College. After two and half years, he was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as a materials tester. During his tenure with TVA, he also served as a Job Stewart, Union Representative, and Equal Employment Opportunity Representative. His assignments included John Sevier Steam Plant, Rogersville, Tennessee, and Widows Creek Power Plant in Stevenson, Al. He retired after 38 years of service.
Monroe was able to experience one of the greatest struggles of our time, the Civil Rights Movement. While many of us learned about the struggle through books and movies, he had first-hand experience. From this movement, he learned many lessons from his mentors, especially Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Thurgood Marshall. Mr. Marshall (later to become Chief Justice) appointed Monroe and Rev. Wylie Day, Sr. as Legal Redress Counsels. They were trained in the workings of the law and the many facets of how discrimination affects all of us. The lessons learned from his mentors followed him throughout his life and helped shape him into a community activist and leader. Regardless of race, creed, or color, he fought tirelessly for the equal rights of all people. Monroe loved a challenge and thrived on representing the underdog. He was proud to have successfully represented over 300 clients with positive outcomes.
Throughout the years, he worked tirelessly in Democratic politics and in many other capacities in the community such as, president of the South Pittsburg-Marion County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP ) for 12 years, and on the South Pittsburg Planning and Zoning Board for 12 years. As a member of the board of the Southeast Tennessee Development District that covered ten southeast counties, including Marion County, he was able to help secure block grant monies for low-income housing. Other organizations that he was a part of include the Southeast Tennessee Long Term Care Consortium and the Southeast Regional Community Health Agency. Because of his love and desire to see the city and community grow, he ran for office three times in Public Works and for the office of Mayor of South Pittsburg. He later was elected as a Commissioner in District 2 (later rezoned to District 1) of South Pittsburg. He also served as the Commander of the American Legion in Rogersville, TN and Post 62 of South Pittsburg.
Monroe has held many offices in the African American Episcopal Zion Church and was a faithful member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Brakebill AME Zion Church in South Pittsburg.
He is survived by four daughters: Patricia P. Woods (Larry), Gloria P. Batts, Suzanne Pearson, and Veronica Curtis-Richie (Willis); five sons; Michael J. Pearson (Nancy), Willard V. Powers (Marilynn), Stanley “Todd” Powers, Anthony B. “Tony” Powers, Terry R. Powers (Renee); and brothers Donald Lee Powers (Carolyn) and Charles Edward Powers (Annie).
Additional surviving family members include grandchildren Janee Murphy, Krista W. Manns (Russell), Chad Woods, , Brandi Pearson, Christopher Pearson (Maria), Nicholas Pearson, John Michael Powers (Yidera), Sean Powers (Marissa), Courtnie Pacarar (Michael), Josh Powers, Tasha P. Davis (Damien), Stanley Curtis Jr., Terry Batts (Tia), Tracy B. Bosley (Robert), Tommy Batts, Jr., Tomeka Powers, Tara B. Smith (Bryan), Vershaun Powers, Marlando Powers (Tiffany), and a very special young man, David Lee Ridley, who lovingly referred to Monroe and his wife, Lorraine as Granddaddy and Nana. Monroe was also blessed with 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Avenue, South Pittsburg, Tn.
A public viewing will be held on March 5, from 12–4 p.m. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private service for the family will be held on March 6, in the Chapel at Rogers. Interment will be at Cumberland View Cemetery, Kimball, Tn. Attendees at the viewing and cemetery are encouraged to wear a mask and social distance.
The Powers family continues to be grateful and expresses their heartfelt thanks to Hearth Hospice workers Caitlin, Lexi, Cierra, Kevin, and Gayla for their love and support. We also are appreciative of the assistance of the Right at Home Organization for the dedication and assistance provided by Kristina, Cherry, Brittany, and Helen. A special acknowledgement of gratitude goes to Mrs. Betty Jo Pearson for her loving support and care for our father. We were truly blessed.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.rogersfuneralhome.com