Judith Ann Powell

Judith (Judy) Ann Powell, 80, of Topeka, KS passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on June 11, 2022. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Judy was born to Richard H. and Early Ann Evans on April 20, 1942, in Tulsa, OK. She was a registered Cherokee Indian and took pride in her Indian and Welsh heritage. Judy spent her childhood in and around Amarillo, TX, where she graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1960. After high school, she attended Amarillo Junior College and later worked for Bell Helicopter. On September 19, 1974, she was united in marriage to Alan D. Powell. Initial years kept them in Amarillo, TX where they had their first child, Early Anjanette. Shortly after Anjanette was born, Alan and Judy were transferred to Los Angeles, CA with Santa Fe Railway. They resided in CA for two years, where their second child, Cory Alan, was born. Alan and Judy relocated to Topeka, KS in 1980 where they have called home for the last 42 years. As Judy's children aged, she made the decision to go to work for the Shawnee Heights School District. Serving as a Health Aide for 15 years at Shawnee Heights Elementary School (SHES), Judy loved the staff and students she saw daily. In 2004, Judy retired and began her many "later-in-life" adventures. She enjoyed traveling, yoga, volunteering, and serving in her PEO Chapter AJ. Judy's biggest loves began arriving in 2010. She was blessed with two grandchildren, Grayson Evans Tolman and Annie Paige Tolman, whom she adored. There wasn't an activity, event, or holiday celebration that didn't include Nini's special touches and love. In December 1999, Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought a courageous battle and won. Judy was a trusted source of strength to so many others experiencing similar challenges. Her compassion and love for others is something that we all strive to emulate. On her desk, she posted and lived by the following: "Christ's love is always stronger than the evil in the world, so we need to love and be loved: it's as simple as that." - Mother Teresa She leaves as her legacy: her loving husband, Alan of Topeka, KS, a younger brother, Franklin (Alice Dale) Evans of Portland, OR, a dear sister-in-law Gayle Evans of Amarillo, TX, two children, Anjanette (Grant) Tolman of Overland Park, KS, Cory (Mandy) Powell of Overland Park, KS, two cherished grandchildren, Grayson (11) and Annie (8) of Overland Park, KS, a nephew, Nicolas Evans-Dale of Portland, OR, nieces, Holly (Don) Wallace, and Bethany Rose (Tammy McNair) all of Amarillo, TX, and many other extended family and close friends. Judy was preceded in death by her mother, father, and younger sibling Gaylord (Bat) Evans. A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 until 9:00 P.M. Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Heritage Hall, One Expocentre Drive, Topeka, KS 66612. Attire for the celebration is summer casual. This evening will be a time to honor Judy's life with friends. There will be food and a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided. The family will be holding a private graveside service/burial at an alternate time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to PEO Chapter AJ or American Cancer Society. Scroll to the bottom of this webpage for direction on how to donate.