Mattie Powell

Mattie B. Powell, age 86 of Springfield Township, departed this life peacefully on April 13, 2024. She was born March 3, 1938, to the late William and Annie Lightner (Phelps) in Cincinnati Ohio. Mattie was raised in Lockland and Lincoln Heights Ohio.

Mattie pursued her education with diligence, graduating from Lockland Wayne High School. Shortley after graduation, she wed Charles C. Powell, and to this union, they were blessed with five children. After their youngest child began pre-school, Mattie continued her pursuit of education, graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Raymond Walters General & Technical College, with an Associate Degree, in August 1973.

Mattie accepted Christ early in her life and was a life-long member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Lincoln Heights.

Mattie worked as a librarian assistant in the Princeton School District’s Robert E. Lucas Intermediate School. Mattie retired from the Hamilton County Hillcrest Juvenile Detention Facility in 1998, where she was employed as a youth counselor.

Mattie was an active alumnus of Lockland Wayne High School, participating in class reunions and alumni events. She was a member of the Cincinnati Chapter of National Council of Negro Women. Mattie was active in her community, serving as Treasurer for the Hollydale Civic Association of Springfield Township for many years.

During her life she loved traveling with her friends, family and special friend Clarence Crawford. Mattie enjoyed trips to Florida to visit her daughter and son as well as other relatives.  Most recently she travelled to Montego Bay, Jamica to witness her grandson’s wedding.

She was truly a garden enthusiast! You could often find her tending to her yard and beautiful flowers.

Her greatest joy was her family. She believed strongly in supporting all family members, especially those who encountered challenging times, for it was her family whom she turned to when she experienced tough times. Mattie was the “Matriarch” of the Lightner Family, working diligently with her family on the annual Lightner Family Reunions. She enjoyed listening to the radio and watching her favorite baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds.

Mattie was preceded in death by her parents, Wiliam and Annie Lightner; sisters, Willa Lucas and Betty Finney; brothers, William Phelps, Floyd Lightner and Robert Lightner.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Taryn Yarborough (Wane), Kevin Powell (Ginger), Marcelyn Mahaffey (Carlos), Brelan Powell and Kamala Powell; grandchildren:  Robert King Jr, Kiana Brown (Terrance), Tristen Spence (Dorian), Javan Yarborough (Alyncia), Kerri Powell and Kameryn Powell; great granddaughter, Alexis Ramsay and great- great grandson, Jahmir Bennett; sisters Helen Robinson, Emma Green (Richard); brother, Henry Lighter and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

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