Josephine "Esther" Powell

Visitation Friday, February 28th, 2014 - 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM - Corbett Funeral & Cremation Service 807 W Wilshire Blvd - Oklahoma City, OK - 73116 Family present from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Memorial Service Saturday, March 1st, 2014 - 10:00 AM - Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church 3131 NW 50TH - Oklahoma City, OK - 73112 Burial Service Saturday, March 1st, 2014 - 2:00 PM - Walters Cemetery Walters, Oklahoma J. Esther (Hutchins) Powell was 97 years old when she passed from this world to go see Jesus and her momma. She lived many wonderful years in Lawton, OK where she raised her family with Paul and taught many students in the Lawton school system. Many friends were left behind when she moved to Oklahoma City to be nearer to family. She died of natural causes Tuesday, February 25, 2014. Esther was born January 13, 1917 in Devol, Cotton Co., Oklahoma located in Union Valley Community near Walters to Arthur and Emma Pearl Pendergraft. She had three siblings Orville, who died at the age of 4 from diphtheria, and Roy were her older brothers and her younger sister Pauline. Charles (Chock) Thurman married Esther Pendergraft July 11, 1939 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Chock passed away from meningitis May 1, 1940. She was blessed to meet another fine young man to marry on October 10, 1941. Paul S. Powell and Esther Pendergraft Thurman were married in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Two children were born from this union: Paul Kent and Barbara Ellen. Graduating from high school in 1934 led Esther to Cameron College for a year of studies as she worked for and lived with a family who owned a funeral home. At the end of that year she decide to become a teacher and transferred to Central State Teacher's College in Edmond graduating in1938 with a Bachelor of Science degree. With three job offers upon graduation the possibilities were promising and her piano skills increased her value. Later while teaching in Lawton, Esther continued her education through the University of Oklahoma Ft. Sill branch to earn her Master's Degree. As an educator Esther worked hard to teach and influence the students in her care. In 1961, she received the Lawton Citizens' Council on Education award for "Outstanding Educator." Retiring after teaching 34 years, she and Paul had the opportunity to travel, spend more time with grandchildren, and each other. A writer at heart, Esther wrote and published two books. Esther co-wrote Lawton, A Child of the Prairie with Ruth Roberson. It was first published in 1961 and updated in 1985. In December 2003 she published My Life's Memories And The History of My Family. Esther loved to play the piano. She accompanied her brother Roy at his recitals, played for church and funerals. Sitting at the piano with grandchildren or playing for the residents at assisted living quarters brought her much joy and kept her arthritic fingers more nimble. Esther is survived by her children Paul Kent (Nancy) Powell and Barbara (Howard) White. Her Grandchildren Jamie (Tom) Levesy; Bryan (Paige) White; Whitney (John) White-Junger; and Ellen Powell. Great-grandchildren Katherine Esther Levesy, Laura MaeEllen Levesy, Maggie Elizabeth Levesy, John (Jack) Junger IV, Esther Alice (Tess) Junger, Aidan Paul White, Adeline Paige White, five nephews and one niece. She is preceded in death by two spouses Charles Thurman and Paul S. Powell. Her parents Arthur and Pearl Pendergraft as well as her three siblings Orville, Roy, and Pauline. A memorial service will be held at Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, OK at 10:00 am. There will be a graveside service at the Walter's Cemetery at 2:00 pm. Marvin Nelson will be officiating. Viewing will be on Friday, February 28, 2014 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The family will be present from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The viewing will be held at Corbett funeral home located at 807 W. Wilshire Blvd, OKC, OK. Donations may be sent in memory of Esther Powell to the Alzheimer's Association-Oklahoma chapter. FROM ESTHER TO FAMILY & FRIENDS: Marriage taught me a lot about what it means to commit one's life to someone - to give and receive, to compromise, to love and value a person, and hold tight to the commitment of love, honor and cherish. Loving and guiding my children to adulthood was a great joy and to see them become thoughtful and loving adults. Grandchildren added spice to my life and kept me young at heart. Great-grandchildren put the icing on the cake! Friends are the ones that help us appreciate the little joys that life sends our way. Friends help us find pleasure in little things; a word, a smile, and a helping hand. I know I have been blessed with true friends that were always there through the years,to value, and to love and I thank God for them. Family anchors us throughout life...I held tightly to that anchor. My church family also sustained me. ... My love of God, prayer, friends, music, and books kept me going, and my two children and your mates, my grandchildren and their mates and my precious great-grandchildren have made my life whole. Love you, Mom To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Josephine "Esther" Powell please visit our Sympathy Store.