OBJECTIVE NEWS

Alma Johnson Powell, the widow of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, has passed away at the age of 86. Her death was confirmed by Peggy Cifrino, the former chief of staff to Colin Powell. Alma Powell died on July 28 in Alexandria, Virginia.
Alma Powell was a prominent civic leader, best known for her role as the spouse of Colin Powell, a distinguished military and diplomatic figure. The Powells were married for nearly 60 years, having met on a blind date in 1961 before Colin Powell’s deployment to Vietnam. Alma Powell supported her husband throughout his significant career, which included serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State.
During Colin Powell’s military career, the couple relocated over 20 times. Alma Powell was actively involved in supporting other military families and was a member of the Arlington Ladies, a group that attends funerals of service members at Arlington National Cemetery. She also played a key role in establishing America’s Promise Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the lives of at-risk youth, and served on its board in various capacities, including as chair emeritus.
In addition to her work with America’s Promise Alliance, Alma Powell was a children’s book author and contributed to several educational and philanthropic initiatives. She was appointed to the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and served on President Barack Obama’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Alma Powell was born Alma Vivian Johnson on October 27, 1937, in Birmingham, Alabama. She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and drama from Fisk University and briefly worked in radio and audiology before marrying Colin Powell. She is survived by her three children—Michael, Linda, and Annemarie—and their families.
Her contributions to civic engagement and her support of her husband’s career have been widely recognized, reflecting her dedication to both community service and family.

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