Brent Judson Powell
West Union, SC — Brent Judson Powell, 67, of West Union went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, January 31, 2020, following a very brief hospital stay. He was the special son of the late L.J. and Grace Nichols Powell. He is survived by two brothers: John (Joyce) Powell and Keith (Deborah) Powell; Nieces and Nephews: Joy (Bryan) Duncan, Mark (Denise) Powell, James (Stacie) Powell and Cliff Powell, Erika (Nelson) Faerber, Adam (Elizabeth Ann) Powell, Emily (Andrew) Merritt, and seven great nieces and nephews. The family is deeply appreciative of the wonderful caregivers for Brent over many years. Most recently Lois Rochester, Jeana Petry, and Judith Jarema have been his special “Mothers’ and great blessings to all.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Sunday, February 9, 2020, at Welcome Wesleyan Church with burial to follow at Oconee Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM, Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Davenport Funeral Home. The family is at their respective homes.
Shortly after Brent’s birth, the doctors determined that he had Downs Syndrome. Throughout his lifetime this special circumstance allowed Brent to exhibit remarkable characteristics. From an early age he loved people. His big smiles and hugs were generously shared with those he met. Whether at Church, the Funeral home for a visitation, or the grocery store, Brent wanted to greet and make you feel welcomed. He had a great sense of humor and liked to tease and laugh.
Always included in every family activity, Brent was soon recognized throughout Oconee County. He loved attending gospel singings, church services where he served as an usher, community club meetings, and the many restaurants for his favorites of fried chicken, subway sandwiches, and chocolate ice cream and cookies. He especially loved the many family gatherings in homes and for picnics and reunions. He enjoyed all the attention people kindly gave him. Holidays were fun, but nothing topped his August 29th birthday. Decades of the annual “Brent’s Birthday Party” allowed about 125 folks to gather each year and share a spaghetti supper and bless him as the Center of Attention for the night. To him, it was the best!
Heaven will fully reveal Brent’s many talents. He loved music, listened daily to records and later CDs, and played multiple instruments, including organ, guitar, drums, accordion, and others. He loved to sing and preach and pray, often holding church services at home in his room. He was often called on at church, singings, and his birthday party to help lead his favorite song, “I’LL FLY AWAY”. On Friday evening, Brent did just that, and was escorted into the arms of Jesus and his loving Mother and Daddy for that glad heavenly reunion. An added bonus was his arrival on his Mother’s birthday!
Beyond Brent’s personal impact on all who knew him, his life resulted in a tremendous legacy and impact upon countless other people with disabilities. Because of his desire to attend school when his younger brother Keith entered first grade, parents L.J. and Grace contacted the Seneca Journal and Brent was pictured and featured in an article asking others in the county if they had a special child who would be interested in forming a school. With 5 children to serve, a teacher was hired and it was the very beginning of what is today The Tribble Center in Seneca, where hundreds of advocates are served each day.
Memorials may be made to either the Tribble Center: 116 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC 29672; or to Welcome Wesleyan Church: 1040 Ebenezer Rd, Seneca, SC 29672.
Davenport Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.