Minnett Joyce (Edie) Powell

Sunrise: September 19, 1929 ~ Sunset: January 6, 2026

Minnett Joyce Powell peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Born in St. Mary, Jamaica, Minnett was one of fourteen children born to Aaron and Judith Edie. She was raised in Enfield and attended Enfield Primary School, where her love for teaching first emerged. She later attended Moneague Teachers’ College, answering her God-given calling to educate and nurture young minds.

Minnett devoted nearly forty years to teaching primary education in Jamaica. She served at Alpha Primary School, where she rose to the position of Senior Teacher; later, she was appointed to Jessie Ripoll Primary School- her last teaching assignment. She was respected for her firm discipline, compassion, and commitment to the total well-being of her students. She organized school activities such as sporting events, and fundraisers. Additionally, she ensured that children in need were cared for, often arranging additional meals through the school canteen.

On August 16, 1982, she married George Powell, a Jamaican engineer. In 1985, Minnett emigrated to the United States and joined her husband in Texas. When teaching opportunities proved limited, she relocated to New York, where her sister Muriel resided. There, she trained as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and served faithfully for many years in nursing facilities and provided private duty care. Following her retirement, she returned permanently to Texas.

She was a devoted member of Triumphant Church in Pasadena for many years and in her final months New Creation Church of God of Prophecy in Texas City provided her spiritual support. Minnett lived a life of quiet faith, humility, and service. She enjoyed cooking for her family, hosting social gatherings, traveling to Jamaica, sewing her own clothes, and staying informed on current events. A loyal New York Yankees fan, she was deeply family-oriented and cherished time spent with loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Powell; her parents; three brothers; and eight sisters.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Paul Powell (Monica) of Dickinson; daughters, Sharon Williams of League City, Ruth Powell of Pearland, Stephanie Duplechaine (Bryan) of Sugar Land, and Grace Powell of Fulshear; sisters, Sadie Fraser and Rachel Adassa Edie of England; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and church family. 

Minnett Joyce Powell’s life can be encapsulated in the quote, often attributed to J. R. R. Tolkien, “It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit." May she rest in peace and rise in glory!

Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home,10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas, with Pastor Benjamin Kenneth, Jr., officiating. Entombment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery. www.HayesFuneralHome.com

Pallbearers will be Stephon Chatman, Bryan Duplechaine, Jr., Samuel Sharp, Sr., Paul A. Powell, Paul G. Powell, Jr., and Kaleo Vutikalulu. Honorary bearers will be Lincoln Samaroo and Donnie Chatman. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Minnett Joyce (Edie) Powell, please visit our floral store.