Valerie Powell

Valerie Barbara Powell, a resident of Killeen Texas since 1995, formerly of Salt Lake City, UT and Carlisle, PA, passed away at her home on Saturday, January 31, 2009.

Valerie was born on August 15, 1922, in Kaunas, Lithuania to Joseph and Kazmera Ocikas. Her family relocated to New York when she was a child. Valerie was the oldest and last survivor, of six children, Felix, George, Mina, Adonna, and Joseph. Valerie was married to Theo L. Powell for 55 years, until his death in 2000. They had one son, Richard.

Valerie enjoyed a long professional and
erse career as a technical writer and senior editor, in addition to being an Army wife and mother, working for the Pennsylvania Railroad, New York City, Ford Motor Company, San Juan Puerto Rico; Baltimore Ohio Rail road, Baltimore MD; US Army, Fort Worden, WA; Standard Oil of CA, San Francisco; Union Pacific Railroad, Salt Lake City, UT; Louis Berger Associates Civil Engineering, Philadelphia, PA. With a keen interest in the political process, she obtained a BA in Political Science fro the University of Utah. She was deeply involved in the Pennsylvania League of Womens Voters and was responsible for organizing and moderating the candidate debates they sponsored.

Valerie moved to Killeen with her husband from Carlisle, Pennsylvania to be closer to their son and his family. She quickly became involved in the community enjoying the friendships front hr Bob Gilmore Senior Center and Killeen Womens Golf Association. She was a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church of Killeen. In addition to her church activities, she devoted her time to childrens education as a remedial reader tutor, Bellaire Elementary School, recognized as Volunteer of the Year 2002 2003.

She is survived by her son Richard Powell and his wife Jackie of Round Rock, four grandchildren, Alyssa Powell, Collage Station; Colin Powell, Killeen; Whitney Bruni, Cedar Park; Rachael Bruni, Round Rock; and great-granddaughter, Rylie Wood, Cedar Park.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church at 12:00 on Friday, February 6, 2009, with reception immediately following. She will be interred next to her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Friends of the Killeen City Library System, 205 East Church Ave, Killeen, TX 76541.
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