Roger William Powell Sr.

Roger William Powell Sr. was born August 2, 1954 to Tom King Sr. and Evelyn Gordon Evans, in Joliet, IL. He was raised and nurtured by Benjamin and Catherine Powell.  He transitioned from his earthly body and accepted his heavenly position with the Lord at age 71, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. 

He attended Joliet Central High School from 1968-1972. Wearing the number 43, Roger solidified himself as one of the greatest Steelman ever and one of the best Basketball Players to come from the Joliet Area. He set Joliet Central’s all-time scoring record with 2,200 points (without the 3-point line) and led the Steelman to a 3rd place finish at the 1970 IHSA State Tournament, averaging 33 points per game that season. 

Roger added to his legendary high school career as a college standout, becoming one of the Redbirds’ all-time leading scorers with a 1,306-point career and an induction to the school Hall of Fame. He later became MVP as a Gold Medalist in Brisbane, Australia for the Professional Basketball League. Roger earned his Bachelor's degree in Adapted PE from Illinois State University and a Master's Degree in Political Studies from Governors State University.

Roger accepted Christ at the early age of 12 years old at Mt. Zion Full Gospel Tabernacle Pentecostal Church, where he served in many capacities over the years as a Sunday School Teacher, Treasurer, Usher, Choir/Band Member, Trustee, and a faithful member for over 30 years. He later joined Joliet First Assembly of God, now known as Victory City Church. There he was a member who actively led numerous small groups, prayed without ceasing, and struck up a conversation with almost anyone who walked through the doors of the church. Roger was known for fellowship in the church cafe area sharing his love of his family and sports. 

Roger was a dedicated Teacher and employee of the Illinois Department of Corrections for 34 years. He made sure that he served the incarcerated youth at the facility by teaching, mentoring, and pouring into them; helping them to make wise choices that would better impact their future. Many times, seeing former students make a successful transition to life outside of the institution where he first met them. He was the first Black Head Coach at Joliet Junior College, which opened the door for other aspiring young minority coaches in the future. He created the Roger W. Powell Children’s Committee to serve the local youth by conducting seminars on drug and alcohol abuse as well as giving them fun activities to keep them engaged and on the right path. 

Roger gave back to his community by adding basketball courts on both the South End and East Side of Joliet. His commitment to community and youth was like no one else. He spent countless hours with activities and fundamentals of sport camps in Basketball and Boxing at both the Joliet Park District and the local YMCAs. Upon retirement he began a new role as Housing Authority Commissioner where he continued helping people living within his community and a dedicated Substitute Teacher for both Joliet Township High Schools until his health began to fail. 

Roger was a proud lifelong member of the Joliet community, known for his love of family, dedication to others, serving the community that he loved, and a deep passion for basketball. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Pauline “Pearl” Harrell, Annie Mae King and one brother, Jimmy “Harry” (Sharon) King. 

Roger William’s life, legacy and memories will be cherished by his loving devoted wife, Brenda Fears-Powell; daughter, Tara Powell-Rodriguez; son, Roger (Tara) Powell Jr.; 5 stepchildren; grandchildren; Bria Powell, Liam Powell, Cherry Powell-Rodriguez, Gabriel Powell, and Faith Powell; 12 bonus grandchildren. He is survived by several brothers and sisters, Marvin (Barbara deceased) Evans Sr., Katie Evans, Mertice “Pudden” Cunningham, Norman (Carolyn) Evans, Claude (Janette) King, Tom “Jimmy” (Carol) King Jr., Robert “Willie” (Cheryl) King, Jerry (Denise) King, Clyde (Linda) King, Leonard (Marilyn) King Sr., Frances (Dawn) Poston, John (Betty) King Sr., Margaret (Joe deceased) Baines, Geneva (Edward) Rucker, Patricia (Lynwood deceased) Johnson, Brenda King, Gwendolyn (Pastor Herbert) Brooks Jr., Denise (Henry) Montgomery, Leisha King, Valencia (Frank deceased) Bryant, Dr. Veronica King and Mary Ann (Anthon) Poston; former wife, Cherry Ezell Powell; and a special niece, Natalie Battle who helped aid him with many emergencies, along with the many caregivers who provided excellent service, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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