2 Timothy 4:7-8.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

On March 11, 1937,Cecil Edward Powell was born to Oscar Powell and Alberta Hines Powell in the Indian Hill community in Wiergate, Texas. They relocated to Liberty Community, where he attended and received his education in the Liberty Public Schools in Newton County, Texas.

Cecil Edward moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and began working for his brother, the late Levy T. Powell, as the manager of the Mr. Rib Barbecue Restaurant. He was entrusted with the "secret barbecue recipe" that Mr. Rib was famous for, and he would cook mouthwatering barbecue whenever he visited his family in Texas. He also moonlighted as a cab driver to make extra money when he wasn't working at the restaurant.

When Cecil Edward returned to Texas, he met the love of his life, Serena Williams, and they were united in marriage in 1975. They relocated to her home town of Gueydan, Louisiana, to assist in taking care of her parents, Reverend and Mrs. Lloyd Williams. While he was a very supportive husband, he also found time to be employed at the Gueydan Police Department for thirteen years. When Serena's health became a challenge, he left the police department and became her full-time caregiver. Cecil Edward and Serena remained faithfully married for nearly three decades, until her passing on September 4, 2002.

He returned to his childhood home in Liberty Community after the passing of his wife and became instrumental in caring for his only sister, the late Mrs. Carzzetta Snell, until her passing. While in the community, he became a deacon at the Liberty Baptist Church, while also serving as assistant superintendent of the Sunday School. Cecil Edward was also President of the Brotherhood for the Sabine Valley District Association and President Emeritus of the Layman Department. He was a Master Mason in good standing in Golden Sheif Lodge 104 Deridder, Louisiana under The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana and its Jurisdiction. He was also the Worthy Patron of Golden Sheaf Chapter 55 Order of the Eastern Star under Esther Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Louisiana and its Jurisdiction Prince Hall Affiliated.

Cecil Edward Powell was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Alberta Powell; sister, Carzzetta Snell; and brothers, James Monroe Powell, Sr., Levy T. Powell, and Johnnie Wordie Powell, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his favorite nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, along with many other relatives and friends.