Vereta Adassa Powell

Vereta Adassa Powell was born in Kingston, Jamaica on September 24, 1944, to Myrtle and Harold Allen. She had three siblings. Vereta married Thomas Orville Powell in 1966 and eventually moved to the United States, where she resided in New York, Florida, Maryland and, most recently, Roseville, California. Vereta had a lengthy career as an office manager for various universities, including the University of Central Florida. Throughout her career, she consistently received outstanding reviews for her work ethic, management technique, and organizational skills. She actively employed diverse interns and promoted various workplace improvements by advocating to management, and on one occasion, the Florida State Senate. Vereta was a loving and devoted mother to two children, Thomas O. Powell, Jr. and Christine A. Powell, and grandmother to Sirr Anthony Powell and two furbabies (cats), Wilbert and Phoebe. And she was a consummate caregiver to her own mother for over 25 years, consistently enriching her life with engaging daily activities, high quality healthcare, large birthday celebrations, and a polished personal appearance. In her later years, Vereta was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but as with all of her other life challenges, she found a way to adjust to her new normal and continue to thrive nevertheless. She continued to make new friends and build strong communities in Maryland and California. Vereta moved on to a better place on January 29, 2021, at approximately 11:30 a.m PT. After enjoying activities with her friends, she was on her way to lunch when she felt faint, collapsed into a chair, and began breathing heavily. She suffered cardiac arrest in the ambulance. Vereta was a wonderful, vibrant person who loved being with people, and likewise, she was beloved by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her wide, endearing smile radiated when she entered a room, and she always prioritized helping those in need, often cleaning houses for church members who were sick. She will be sorely missed by her friends and family. Vereta, we love you and are deeply saddened that you are no longer with us, but we know that you are with our Creator, and that understanding gives us the comfort that we will need to endure your absence from this world. You will live on in our hearts and minds through the numerous fond memories that we have of our time with you.