Lawrence Brian Powell Sr

Feb 18, 1957 - Jan 28, 2026

Lawrence Brian Powell Sr. was born in South Bend, Indiana on February 18, 1957, to Rochell and Dorothy Bell (Tower) Powell; both preceded him in death.  Known as Larry and affectionately known as “Lucky,” completed his journey on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was 68 years old. He received the name Lucky from his sister because she already had three brothers in the house!

Larry accepted Christ at an early age at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. He went on to worship at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and also visited other Churches in the City.  “Something About the Name Jesus,” was his favorite song and testimony. He also loved the song, “I Won’t Complain;” something Larry never did.

Larry was educated in the South Bend school system and   attended the former Linden School, Central School and was a 1976 graduate of the former LaSalle High School. He enjoyed school at all grade levels and played basketball at Linden and Central schools. His work career included being a forklift driver at Indiana Carton Company and Phillips Products of Elkhart, maintenance for the South Bend Police Department and he worked in food services for the South Bend Community School Corporation. Larry dearly enjoyed talking to the students and cooking for them at both LaSalle Academy and Dickinson Middle School where he worked until his health failed. 

On September 1, 1979, he was united in holy matrimony to his best friend and the love of his life Carolyn Ann Jackson Powell. They celebrated 46 years of marriage; she survives.

Larry had a passion for auto work and enjoyed doing repair jobs. He named himself “The Doctor” because he took care of everyone’s car! If you didn’t have money to pay he was ok with that and would fix the car anyway! He did over a million brake jobs in his lifetime! He loved Cadillacs. He also enjoyed listening to all kinds of music, weekly date nights with his wife, birthday celebrations at his favorite restaurant — Hacienda, cooking on his custom-made Cadillac grill and laughing and talking with family and friends. He had a huge personality and never met a stranger. Larry was very passionate about his lawn, the Chicago Bears, the Golden State Warriors, and the Lakers, watching his favorite TV shows: Judge Judy and Family Feud and he enjoyed going to the Casino.

Larry was the proud and loving father of six, who survives; they are two sons, Lawrence Brian Powell Jr. and Lawrence Bernard Powell Sr. both of South Bend and four daughters, Tewanne (Kem) Williams of Indianapolis, Indiana, Monica (Maurice) Patrick of South Bend, Valinda (Puddin) Coleman of Indianapolis, and Ashley Powell also of South Bend. He is also survived by two brothers, William Powell and Glen Powell Sr. both of Indianapolis; a sister-in-law, Jacqueline Jackson; two brothers- in-lawn Timothy Jackson and Michael Phillips both of South Bend; 29 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and neighbors who dearly adored him. He also leaves longtime friends, Mac Allen, Ricky Graham, Frank Smith, Jeff Jones, Donald Brazier, Larry Green, Michael Love, Danny Gadson, Eric McBride, Cameron Robinson and a host of others that meant the world to him!

Along with his parents, Larry was also preceded in death by one brother, Dennis Powell, a sister and brother-in-law, Ann Marie and Moses Gray; a son in-law, Kem Williams, his mother- in-law, Denoris Jackson, father-in-law, John L. Jackson Jr., two brothers-in- law, John L. Jackson III and Thomas L. Jackson and both his maternal and paternal grandparents and many other loved ones that embraced his eternal arrival.

Larry lived with strength and a generous heart, leaving kindness everywhere he went. Though his journey is complete, the memory of his kindness will live on in the hearts of those who love him.

02/07/2026 EJS

https://www.alfordsmortuaryinc.com/obituary/Lawrence-PowellSr