Dr. Marilyn Jane Powell's Obituary
Dr. Marilyn Jane Cox Powell, lifelong Memphian, died May 15, 2024.
An education professor, who was affectionately known as Jane to her family and friends, was devoted to her family and passionate about education. Dr. Powell was a graduate of the Memphis State University where she met her deceased husband, Ed, to whom she was married 57 years. They were long time members of Second Presbyterian Church where she served as teacher, 3M travel chairman, Ruth Circle leader, and attended Bible classes.
For 25 years Dr. Powell served as faculty member or administrator at several local colleges and
universities. In addition, she served for many years with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) teams (now AdvancED) and the SACS Tennessee Council and was an AdvancED field consultant upon retirement.
Marilyn was active with professional and community organizations and had served on the boards of the University of Memphis Education Alumni, MARC, the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, Stage Set, and the Memphis Symphony League. She particularly enjoyed cooking, reading, and playing bridge.
Dr. Powell was preceded in death by her husband Edward L. Powell, Sr. and son Mark Cooper Powell, parents Albert B. and Blondell Cox, and brother Buddy Cox.
She leaves sons Edward Lee Powell, Jr. (Bonnie) and Kevin A. Powell (Sharon) of Collierville and grandchildren Elizabeth Emmerson, Edward Powell III "Trey" (Chelsea), Rachael, Brook, and Kristen Powell, great grandsons Cooper and Avery Emmerson and Edward Amos Powell, great granddaughter,
Emma Jane Powell and three step grandchildren. She Also leaves sisters Norma Cox Cook (Joseph G.) and Dr. Brenda Cox Moore of Knoxville.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, May 21 at 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. in the Fireside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery
Memorials may be sent to the Cox Family Scholarship at the University of Memphis Foundation, Department 238, P.O. Box 1000, Memphis 38148-0001
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