Alonzo Augustus Powell, Sr.

Alonzo Augustus Powell Sr., son of the late Edward and Florence Powell was born on April 15, 1935 in Howard County, MD. He was the sixth child of thirteen. “Hennie” as he was fondly called by family and close friends departed this life on March 11, 2020 at Howard County General Hospital. 

He attended Cooksville Elementary and Harriet Tubman High School. He dropped out of school to take care of his siblings after his mom passed.  

Alonzo was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Carrie Louise Stanton the summer of 1960. From this union one son and three daughters were born – Alonzo Jr., Sally, Stephanie and Sheila.  

Alonzo had numerous places of employment. Starting at Howard County Supply, John’s Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, Normandy Ford which later became Miller Brothers and Columbia Mall. Alonzo gave 50 years of hard work and dedication to the Ford dealership. He truly believed that there was nothing better than a Ford. While holding down multiple jobs, he spread himself thin raising his children, and attending to his sick wife whom he loved dearly. He also provided for his mother-in-law, the late Sallie Groomes, who became a mother like figure to him.  

Alonzo was an amazing father, grandfather and a true friend. He was always committed to doing something for someone and could not say no because of his huge heart. He was a laid-back reserved kind of guy who was well known throughout all of the surrounding counties. His children referred to him as the Mayor of Howard County. He loved politics but became even more passionate after the election of our first black president, Barack H. Obama. His softer side, he loved cartoons, telling corny jokes and had hilarious dance moves. He was a man of his word and expressed strength, kindness, and compassion to all he encountered. He enjoyed spending time with his siblings, seeing his nieces and nephews, attending family gatherings, crab feasts, eating out, hunting, fishing, playing softball with the Motor Kings and the Columbia Mall teams, he was a serious league bowler and followed games online. He loved hanging at McDonalds with his senior buddies for breakfast. He was a huge Baltimore Orioles, Dallas Cowboys fan, his favorite basketball team was the Golden State Warriors and he enjoyed watching Rev. Al Sharpton on MSNBC. In his later years, Alonzo developed an adventurous spirit traveling to the Wonders of Niagara Falls Canada, the Hoover Dam in Nevada and to the Buttes of Sedona in Arizona with his sweetheart Barbara Prophet. Alonzo was a true family man and enjoyed spending time with everyone.

Alonzo lived a Christian life and was a member of the Daisy United Methodist Church where he was on the Board of Trustees, United Methodist Men and was the chairman of numerous church events. He was faithful, dependable and did what was necessary to keep the church up and running behind the scenes.  

He leaves to cherish his memories one son, Alonzo Powell Jr.; three daughters Sally Aytes (Gerald), Stephanie Mobley (Johnathan), and Sheila Powell Suarez (Tony Sr.); ten grandchildren, Timeka Thomas, Shawntel Powell, Shanee Johnson, Alonzo Powell III; Brandon Powell, Reinaldo Jackson, Lorenzo Jackson, Julian Aytes, Sierra Suarez and Tony Suarez Jr.; eight great grandchildren; Goddaughter, Kathleen Hamilton; two brothers Elroy Powell and Robert Powell; two sister in laws, Marie Powell and Joann Powell; three brother in laws James Groomes, Warren Stanton, and Lawrence Stanton Sr.; a very special companion Barbara Prophet; a dear cousin Biddy Howard, the Miller Brother Family, the Patrick Family, the Grim daughters and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.  

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