Alma Johnson Powell, the widow of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, passed away at the age of 86. A pivotal figure in her family and a respected public servant, Alma supported her husband’s distinguished military and diplomatic career. The Powells were married for nearly six decades and had three children: Michael, Linda, and Annemarie. Their family is remembered not just for their public service but also for their substantial combined net worth, which includes earnings from Colin Powell’s career and various family endeavors.
Early Life
Born on October 27, 1937, in Birmingham, Alabama, Alma Johnson pursued an education in speech pathology and audiology at Emerson College in Boston. After completing her studies, she worked as a staff audiologist at the Boston Guild for the Hard of Hearing. In this role, she conducted hearing tests, fitted veterans with hearing aids, and taught lip-reading to the deaf, demonstrating her early commitment to service and helping others.
Meeting Colin Powell
Alma met Colin Powell on a blind date in 1961, shortly before his deployment to Vietnam as a military adviser. Their relationship, rooted in mutual respect and deep affection, faced the challenges of military life, including long separations and frequent relocations. They married just before Powell’s deployment, a period Alma later described as defining in her life, highlighting the resilience and adaptability that would characterize her role as a military spouse.
Military Life
As a military spouse, Alma Powell’s worldview and sense of duty were shaped by her experiences. She often spoke of the military community as a family, emphasizing the unique challenges of raising children during her husband’s frequent absences. Her strength and adaptability made her an inspirational figure to many within the military community, as she balanced family responsibilities with the demands of her husband’s career.
Public Service
Alma Powell was deeply committed to public service and advocacy throughout her life. She served as the chair emeritus of America’s Promise Alliance, an organization founded by Colin Powell to support at-risk youth. In this role, she worked to coordinate efforts across various sectors, including community organizations, businesses, and government agencies, to improve opportunities for young people.
Contributions to Arts
Beyond her advocacy work, Alma Powell contributed significantly to the arts and education. She served on the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and was an advisor to the Red Cross of the military district of Washington. Her involvement in these organizations reflected her broad interests and her commitment to supporting cultural and educational initiatives.
Personal Influence
Colin Powell often credited Alma with being a guiding force in his life. In one of his final interviews, he described her as the greatest person he had ever known, highlighting her influence on his decision-making, including his choice not to run for the presidency in 1996. This decision was influenced by her concerns for his safety amid a volatile racial climate, underscoring her role as a trusted advisor and partner.
Lasting Impact
Alma Powell’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, and unwavering support for her family and community. Her work in public service and advocacy has left a lasting impact, particularly on military families and at-risk youth. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her contributions continue to inspire those who knew her and the broader public.
Final Years
In her later years, Alma remained active in various initiatives, including her involvement with America’s Promise Alliance. Her death is a significant loss to the community she served so diligently, and her family, along with many others, mourns her passing. Her life was characterized by a quiet strength and an enduring commitment to service, reflecting a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
A Life of Service
Alma Powell’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and community. As the wife of a distinguished statesman, she played a crucial role in supporting her husband’s career while also making her own mark through advocacy and public service. Her legacy is not only defined by her association with Colin Powell but also by her contributions as a formidable individual in her own right. Her life’s work serves as a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and the enduring impact of service to others.
Remembering Alma Powell
As the world reflects on Alma Powell’s contributions, she is remembered as a beacon of grace and service. Her support for her husband, her advocacy for military families, and her leadership in various organizations have left an indelible mark on many lives. Her passing is a moment of reflection on the impact of a life well-lived, characterized by unwavering dedication and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.