(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Viola Mae Hazley Powell entered eternal rest at home on Friday evening, July 3, 2026. She was born to Albert Hazley and Florence Caldwell Hazley on June 25, 1934, in Oswego, Kansas. She received her primary school education (through 8th grade) in Kansas. After her family moved, she completed high school in Joplin, Missouri. There she met and later married her high school sweetheart, the late George A. Powell, Sr. Through this union seven children were born; Edith, George, Jr., Marcia, Patricia, Gwendolyn, Charles and Melvin. Marcia and Patricia preceded her in death as infants.
The family moved to Washington D.C. in the summer of 1967 after her husband took a job with the Federal government; later moving to Seat Pleasant, Maryland in 1969. Shortly thereafter in 1970, the family joined the Seat Pleasant United Methodist Church, now known as Gethsemane United Methodist Church.
Viola became very active in church activities: Sunday school teacher for 17 years; Vice President of the local unit of the United Methodist Women (UMW), now known as the United Women in Faith; church pantry worker; a member of the “make-up choir” for homegoing services; and a member of Yesterday’s Children. She was also involved in community activities. Among her many awards, she received an Outstanding Citation from the Maryland State Legislature in 1977, and she was presented Gethsemane UMW’s Woman of the Year Award in 2008.
A few years after her husband’s passing in 1972, Viola became a long-term substitute teacher for Prince George’s County Schools (24 years), and a chief judge and poll worker for Prince George’s County Board of Elections (20 years). Over the years, she traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean Islands. She was also a Tour Leader for Soul Journey Enterprises, Inc. for 36 years. She enjoyed visiting her family and friends in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, California, Florida and Nevada. Anyone who had a conversation with Viola would often get updates on her children, grand and great-grandchildren and her latest travels.
A few years after her husband’s passing in 1972, Viola became a long-term substitute teacher for Prince George’s County Schools (24 years), and a chief judge and poll worker for Prince George’s County Board of Elections (20 years). Over the years, she traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean Islands. She was also a Tour Leader for Soul Journey Enterprises, Inc. for 36 years. She enjoyed visiting her family and friends in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, California, Florida and Nevada. Anyone who had a conversation with Viola would often get updates on her children, grand and great-grandchildren and her latest travels.
Viola will be fondly remembered as Mom, Sis, Grammie, Vi, Ms. V and “The Purple Lady”. She leaves to cherish her memory her 5 children, Edith (George) Triplett in Missouri, George Jr. (Traci) Powell in Florida, Gwendolyn (Willie) Cason in Maryland, Charles Powell in Virginia and Melvin (Stacey) Powell in Colorado; one sister, Weltha Smith in Missouri; 12 grandchildren and 6 “bonus” grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 10 “bonus” great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren (soon to be 10); a nephew, James Smith, three nieces and a host of cousins and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; George A. Powell, Sr., a brother and 2 infant daughters.
Funeral services have been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Joplin, Missouri.
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