Rev. Charles Powell, Baptist Minister and Author, Dies at 76

Rev. Charles Powell, a devoted servant of God, passed away on November 27, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born on February 22, 1949, in Montclair, New Jersey, to Rev. Charlie Dee and Carrie Powell. As the second child in the family, he grew up in a home that valued faith and service.

Rev. Powell’s early life included moving with his parents to Nashville, Tennessee, where he attended public schools. After graduating from Cameron High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his service, he was stationed in Vietnam, Korea, and various stateside bases. In the military, he worked as a fuel specialist and later served as a Race Relations Counselor, promoting civility and respect among airmen regardless of ethnicity. While in the Air Force, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Upon his honorable discharge, Rev. Powell returned to Nashville and pursued further education. He obtained a Bachelor of Theology Degree from The American Baptist College and also attended the former Scarritt College for Christian Workers. As a young adult, he experienced a spiritual awakening, repenting of his sins and accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Rev. Powell was married to his high school sweetheart, Jarethea Ann Donnell Powell, for 54 years. Their relationship was marked by mutual support and love. Jarethea’s brothers affectionately called him “Cab Man” for his habit of taking cabs to visit their sister. In a gesture of support, Rev. Powell’s father gifted him a used Cadillac, which helped him avoid the need for cab rides. He was well-dressed and well-groomed, reflecting his commitment to presenting himself as a servant of God.

In March 1975, Rev. Powell was licensed to the gospel ministry and was ordained as a minister of the gospel in April 1976. He served as a writer at the National Baptist Publishing Board in Nashville, creating Sunday School literature booklets used in Baptist churches nationwide. He also authored the book “New Member Training,” which was instrumental in training new members within National Baptist Convention churches. Additionally, he taught courses at the yearly National Baptist Convention Congress.

Rev. Powell served as the Special Assistant to the Pastor of The Temple Church in Nashville, Tennessee, under the late Dr. Michael Lee Graves. He later relocated his family to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he continued his ministry and service to the community. His life was a testament to faith, dedication, and the transformative power of Christ.

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