Jessie McNeal Powell
November 3, 1964 – February 8, 2022
On February 8, 2022, Jessie McNeil Powell went home. Jessie was a friend to many, a mother to three and a cherished wife to one.
Jessie Amanda McNeil was born on November 3, 1964, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Walter Anderson and Gwen Craddock McNeil. Her childhood was spent with her younger brother, Walter, on a shrimp boat named the Jessie A., in a dune buggy at the beach and rolling up maps at her dad’s geologist office.
In middle school she met her lifelong friends, Leslie Miller, Julie Siracusa and Lynda Nuss. The family also loved the Texas Hill Country and found the perfect spot on the Sabinal River in Utopia, Texas, where they spent many weekends and summers.
In 1981, the McNeils moved to Sydney, Australia, for her dad’s work with Mobil Oil. In 1982, Jessie returned to Texas, received a National Merit Scholarship and attended the University of Texas School of Architecture where on the first day of classes her beautiful green eyes were noticed by another architecture freshman, John Davis Powell.
In 1987, Jessie received a degree from the University of Texas Business School and accepted a data processing job in Atlanta, Georgia. On September 1, 1990, she married John Davis Powell.
The newlyweds lived in Atlanta until 1992 when they moved to Dallas, Texas. In 1993, her first son, John Walter, was born, and in 1995, William Davis followed. The family moved to Corpus Christi in 1997 where the “joy of her life,” Gwendolyn Ann arrived. Jessie was her happiest surrounded by her three children.
In 2008, the Powells moved to Uvalde, Texas. In Uvalde, Jessie participated in the development of a home school co-op where she taught chemistry and biology at the home school co-op, volunteered at the local food bank, volunteered at Big Springs Ranch for Children and was a member of the First Baptist Church. After sending the kids off to college, in 2017 Jessie and Davis moved to Boerne, Texas.
Once again, she poured herself into the lives of others serving as a personal trainer, Pilates instructor, volunteer at Hill Country Daily Bread, volunteer at Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center and serving at Currey Creek Church. Her passions included her Christian faith, her children, international travel, hiking national parks, home improvement, the Texas Hill County and the numerous friendships she made in so many locations. Her calming personality and ability to listen made so many say, “Jessie is my friend.”
A Celebration Service will be held at Currey Creek Church in Boerne, Texas, at 11 a.m. on March 5. The family suggests any memorials be made to Hill Country Daily Bread or Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center.
The unexpected suddenness of Jessie’s departure is a reminder that this world is broken and needs the hope of a devine savior. Hug someone you love today and consider the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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