Elizabeth Jean Watson Powell passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at Fellowship (Savannah Grand) of Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Born on June 2, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jean was the youngest of four children of the late George William (Bill) and Lucille Adams Watson. She grew up watching her mother serve faithfully as a youth counselor in their church and as Dean of Girls at their annual Bible camp, experiences that shaped Jean’s lifelong devotion to faith and service. Many young people from those years went on to become preachers, missionaries and church leaders.

Despite her mother’s warning not to marry “one of those Southern boys” when she left home to attend Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, within two years, Jean met and married James Watkins Powell, Jr., a Southern boy from Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

After James graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary, he was appointed to the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1953. From 1971 to 1976, he pastored Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach, where he played a key role in helping establish the Amelia Island Plantation Chapel.

As a devoted minister’s wife, Jean supported her husband’s ministry with grace and energy, often stepping in as church secretary, pianist, organist, choir director, youth leader, Sunday school teacher and choir member. She embraced each of these roles wholeheartedly and joyfully as they moved across Florida from one church appointment to the next.

In 1972, during their time in Fernandina Beach, Jean began a new chapter in her life as a paralegal and office manager, joining the law office of Arthur I. (Buddy) Jacobs. She worked there until 1984, then continued her legal career with the firm of Webb, Swain and O’Quinn in Jacksonville, serving as paralegal to Robert O’Quinn until her retirement in 1997. Even then, she remained active, working part-time for Nassau County Judges and the Clerk’s Office for another decade.

A lifelong learner with a curious mind, Jean embraced technology even into her 90s - joining Facebook, texting family on her cell phone and setting up WiFi on her television so she could stream Sunday sermons.
Jean’s faith remained the guiding force in her life. Her quiet strength, kindness and Christ-like spirit left a lasting imprint on her family and everyone who knew her. She will be remembered as a gracious, loving mother, grandmother and friend whose warmth and wisdom uplifted all around her. For those fortunate enough to receive a handwritten note from her, it often included her favorite verse: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” (Philippians 1:3)

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, the Reverend James W. Powell, Jr.; her son, Timothy (Tim) H. Powell and her parents.

She leaves behind her son, Terrell J. (Terry) Powell and his wife Mary, and their children and families: James (Brandi) Powell and Jennifer (Russell) Hawkins of Fernandina Beach and Travis (Sarah) Oliver of San Diego, CA; Tim’s wife, Sue Powell, and their children and families: Elisha (Jonathan) Powell Mock and Eric Powell of Fernandina Beach and Kristin (Mark) Powell Boyette of Jacksonville, FL; her son, Todd Powell and his children and families: Michael (Michelle) Powell of Fort Stewart, GA; Amanda Powell (Michael) Paton, Jack Powell and Bridget Powell, all of Fernandina Beach; Thirteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A time for visitation will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in the Sanctuary at Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, followed by a Service of Remembrance and Celebration at 2:00 pm, officiated by The Reverend Dr. Mark Charles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Ministry of Memorial United Methodist Church.