Lola M. Powers was born on December 21, 1938, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the seventh born of eight children to the late Rev. Dempsey and Celestine Powers. Lola graduated from Parker High School in 1957 and when she got word from her baby brother Dempsey that the family was moving to Cleveland to join their older sister, she was extremely excited. While in Cleveland, she attended Tri-C Community college where she received her associate degree in Nursing. She was passionate about the medical field and landed her first job as an LPN with White Cliff Manor. She later received an opportunity to work for the Cleveland Clinic as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. Lola worked hard and increased her responsibilities’ and was promoted to a Supervisor. She treasured helping people and would do whatever she could to lend a hand to those in need. Lola’s kindness was exemplified in many ways and she believed that her reward was the many blessings that she received from her Lord and Savior.

Lola dedicated her life to her children who affectionally called her “Mommy” and her grandchildren. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to make sure everyone felt comfortable and taken care of. If she didn’t hear from her loved ones daily, it would annoy her tremendously. She would simply pick up the phone and call to find out what the delay could possibly be. Her motto was “miss a day, miss a lot”, which she confidently procured from the Plain Dealer. Lola was inspired by those doing good deeds and good things. She was so proud of our first black president that she cut out and saved every news clipping that related to him. If one stopped by to visit, they could find Lola reading her bible, listening to gospel music, watching Joel Olsten, or sitting quietly praying. She enjoyed talking to and traveling with her loving sisters and was quite fond of Broadway plays, which she was able to enjoy during her trips to New York City.

Lola accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church until her health began to decline. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over thirty years ago and lived with her daughter and son-n- law for the past eighteen years. Lola continued to live a normal life that included driving her shiny 2001 Lincoln Town Car. She declined the use of a wheelchair and any medical equipment that would make her feel dependent. She preferred to move about with the help of a walker and had no problem navigating the aisles of her favorite spot – The Dollar Store. When she was told that she needed twenty-four-hour care, she declined the nursing home as well. Her daughter sought out to find a daytime caregiver and was blessed to discover Daisy Peterson who formed a beautiful relationship with Lola. Together they worked in tandem both day and night to provide the care that Lola needed allowing her to live in the comforts of home until her death. Lola was a true fighter and battled the disease like a champion; refusing to allow it to control her life.

Lola leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Michael K. Powers, Roderick T. Powers, and one daughter Kimberly D. (Miguel) Sanders, all of Cleveland, Ohio. Fourteen grandchildren, Devaughn, Kierra (Dexter), Roderick (1) Roderick (2) Roderick (3), Lola, Elon, Raymond, Anjanee, Asiah, Shay, Errick, Derrick and Mariah. Eight great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Anne and Ruth of Manchester, New Jersey and one brother, June (Jackie) Dempsey of New Mexico. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister Gaynell, brothers James and John and sister Clementine.