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Judie Powless

Aug 12th, 1943 - Nov 18th, 2023

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Friday, November 24, 2023 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday, November 25, at the Flora First Methodist Church

 

      Surrounded by family at home, Judith Christensen Powless peacefully went to be with her heavenly Father early Saturday morning, November 18th, 2023.  At 80 years old, JuJu leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and joy.  

      Born August 12th, 1943, Judie was the oldest daughter to Clair and Frances Christensen and big sister to Nancy.  She lived her life in her hometown of Flora, Illinois.  

      She was a devoted wife, having shared 60 years with her beloved Bob Powless, whom she regarded as her rock.  Their vow of marriage was a testament to a never-ending love, an example cherished by all who knew them.  Together, they built a beautiful life planted in faith, family, and community.    

      Judie spent her life hand-in-hand with Bob serving the community through Throgmorton-Powless Pharmacy, which they considered family.  She was very honored to serve as a Flora City Commissioner.  Her loyalty to Flora began as an FHS cheerleader in the 1950’s.  She would go on to support the Wolves throughout her lifetime as she cheered on her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, who also wore the Orange and Blue.  

      She was a devoted member of the First Methodist Church of Flora.  Talented singer, she sang in the church choir.  For many years, she was also a member of the Flora Garden Club and loved being with “the girls.”  She truly enjoyed volunteering at the local food pantry each Monday.  

      As a mother, she was the heart of the family.  Her tenacity inspired her sons to live the life of adventure that she loved.  Traveler, snow skier, scuba diver, and Grand Canyon hiker, she was always ready for the next trip.  Her boys often said she was “tough as a Viking.”  

      To the family, she was a source of encouragement.  During uncertainty, she didn’t hesitate to remind them to, “bloom where you are planted” and “make hay while the sun shines.”  

      But the role that made her smile the most, was JuJu.  She absolutely cherished every moment with her grandchildren.  She covered all nine in prayer every day and didn’t hesitate to remind them that she loved them “to the moon and back.”  Together they created precious memories filled with laughter and singing that will live on for generations to come.  

      Even though she has gone on to Glory, JuJu’s spirit remains ever-present in our hearts.  80 years were simply not enough for us.  However, she lived her life so fully, that it was more than enough for 8 lifetimes.  Her life took us to unexpected places, but her love always brought us home.  For that, we are thankful.  

       As we find our way forward, we remember the countless memories and lean into the faith and family that she dearly loved.  Her happy heart will carry us, guiding our steps and shaping our lives.  

      Fly high and sing on, dear JuJu!  Know you will forever echo in the hearts of those who were blessed to have known you.  You will be deeply missed and always remembered.  Until we meet again…Yik Yik!

      Judie is survived by her husband, Bob Powless of Flora; three sons, Dr. Andrew Powless (Willa) of Tampa, Florida; Chris Powless (Ellen) of Paducah, Kentucky; Joel (Shawna) Powless of Flora, IL.;  sister, Nancy (Jerry) Stringer of Flora, IL; her beloved grandchildren, Samuel, Thomas and Joseph Powless of Paducah Kentucky; Ava, Johnny, and Jake Powless of Tampa, Florida; and Bobby, Jenny, and Luke Powless of Flora, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

      Visitation will be Friday, November 24th from 4-7 p.m. at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  On Saturday, November 25th, the funeral hour will begin at 10:00 am at the Flora First Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.  Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora.   In memory of Judie, donations may be made to Frog Island Tennis Club.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com   

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Condolences

Judy Gahan

November 20th

Prayers to the family

Jennifer B. Smith

November 20th

Judie, my classmate and good friend — you will live on in my thoughts and prayers for Bob and your family. You lived fully and faithfully. Well done.

Vince Guerrettaz

November 20th

To JuJu’s family.. Bob, Nancy, Andy, Chris, Joel, JoJo and many more, my prayers are with you all at such a great loss .. and with Judy, may her soul rest in peace in Heaven. Every memory i have of Judy is beautiful.. a stellar human in Gods likeness. 🙏🏻

Lisa Erbacher

November 20th

Many prayers of comfort to Bob and family. Judy was a wonderful person and loved by so many.

Mike and Sharon Gray

November 20th

Sorry for your loss. Judie was a wonderful lady, always had a smile and a kind word. She was an inspiration to many and will be missed by all.

JUDIE POWLESS

November 20th

Judie radiated her enthusiasm for life and love for others wherever she was. Tennis "coach", best alto, trustworthy friend, best and bravest Mom ever to her 3 sons and devoted Christian wife to her beloved Bob, best sister, aunt and "JuJu" - Judie walked her walk in and through Him, "serving" in so many ways. Comfort to all who can shine through her example of a life well lived. Jim and Linda Brissenden

Nancy Moses Lambert

November 20th

Sending a hug and my condolences to the family.❤️

Stephen McLaughlin

November 20th

My heart felt condolences to Bob and the whole family. I pray the Lord will wrap His loving arms around all of you and comfort you with His amazing love.

Mary Reynolds

November 20th

My condolences to the family.

Don Guerrettaz

November 20th

Bob, I'm very sorry for your loss, and have you and your family in prayer.

Cathy Sledge Kieta

November 20th

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Judy. May you find comfort in the memory of her.

Henry and Barbara Gill

November 20th

Bob and your family, we are so sorry for your loss of Judie. Judie was such an inspiration to so many people. Her beautiful smile was so genuine and she treasured her family. We loved her and will miss her. Our sympathy to your family at this difficult time.

Carl and Brenda Bandy

November 20th

We are so sorry you have lost Judie. She was such an awesome person. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sending love and hugs to you all. God be with you all. ❤

Terri Glaspy Evans

November 20th

So sorry to hear of Judy's passing. She was a special lady and will be sorely missed but I know she is with our Savior and we will see her again. Praying for her family.

Steve and Cindy Valbert

November 20th

What a wonderfully written obituary of such a sweet, compassionate and well respected lady of our community. Our most sincere condolences to the Powless family. We will keep you all in our prayers.

Alan and Norma Buck

November 20th

Sympathy is extended to The Family, Friends and Community.

Sharon David

November 20th

Judie was always smiling and such a pleasant person to be around. Hugs and prayers to her family

Jim and Elaine Smith

November 20th

So sorry to read of Judie’s passing. Elaine and I appreciated her welcoming spirit at our class reunions , which she and Bob helped organize , Just a year ago. she was so vital at our last class reunion . Our deep sympathy to Bob and family.

Chuck & Jill Holan

November 21st

Our condolences to Bob and family. Like so many kids from Flora, my first job was working up at the pharmacy and I couldn't have asked for better people to work for. She will be missed.

Kay Fritch

November 21st

Judie was a joy and inspiration to all who were privileged to know her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Edna Krabbe

November 21st

I am every so sorry for the recent passing of Judie. She was a woman of means. She devoted her life to those that needed the devotion. She will be missed by all that knew her, and knew of her. Good Bye!

Brent & Marie Headlee

November 21st

We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Judie. Prayers for strength and comfort for all family members.

Pam Williams

November 21st

I am so sorry to hear this. Judy was a gem..

Carol roe

November 21st

Soo sorry to hear of judies passing, she was a sweet lady, an class mate, she will b greatly missed by many

Bill and Robin Atwood

November 21st

So very sorry for your loss. Judy was a lovely lady, she always had a smile.

Florida Special Care Dentistry

November 21st

Sending the entire family all our love, support and prayers. May you feel her love and guidance as she watches over each of you and may your beautiful memories of her bring you peace. We love each of you!!

Becky Stanford Stocke

November 21st

Thoughts and prayers go out to Bob and the family. Judie was a special friend —- so many memories we made. She was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

Steve Smith

November 21st

Judie epitomized faith, loyalty and love with enduring grace.

Clara Belle Luttrell-Coleman

November 21st

With a heavy heart today my condolences go out to Judie’s family. Judie was a special friend, and students at Eastern IL U. together after our families were grown. My last trip to IL 2 Yrs. ago, I’ll always remember our visit.

Karen judd

November 21st

Prayers from the Bumgarner family. John, Roger, Dave and Karen

Bert & Carla Jetton and Family

November 22nd

We are so sorry. Judie was a beautiful and kind woman. Judie touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with. One could feel her spirit that always filled the room. We all have so many wonderful memories of “Ju Ju.” Love and prayers for all of her family. Bert, Carla, Jacob, Matt, Seth, Beth and Alessi Jetton.

Car Car

November 22nd

Such a beautiful lady. She was a big influence in my younger years! RIP Judie you WILL be missed.

Larry and Marilyn Brant

November 22nd

Our condolences to Bob, their sons and grandchildren, and many other family members during this time. May God comfort each as they remember and relive all of the wonderful family times together.

Dr. Thomas Yoho & Jeanie

November 22nd

Andy: Your Mother’s Life IS a Miracle that touched the world & left it a better place! Covering your entire family with prayer & surrounding you with our LOVE!

Robert, Leanna Snell Jr and Family

November 22nd

So very sorry for your loss ! Sending prayer !!

Larry and Donna Milner

November 22nd

So sorry for your loss,Judie was a sweet woman, thoughts and prayers for the family.

Mila

November 22nd

My deepest condolences to all of you. I remember Judie as a hard worker who always wore a smile. Keep the memories close.

Janice Devor

November 22nd

Judy always had a smile. She was kind to everyone I remember her and Bob with special memories

Bill and Robin Ernest

November 22nd

Dear Bob and family, Robin and I were so sad to hear of Judi’s passing. She was truly one of a kind, and what a sweetheart. I think of how kind she was to me when were all training for our first marathon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time, Bob. Our prayers are lifted up for the families involved….Bill and Robin

Rosemary W Thompson

November 22nd

The world has lost a shinning star. I am so thankful to have had her in my life. We did share many good memories in high school and I am so happy we continued to keep in contact through the years. May her compassion for others continue through her children and grandchildren. Marvin and I also send our deep condolences to you Bob and your entire family.

Beth Schneider

November 23rd

Judy was such a bright light in the bloodline of Powlesses. A jovial, steadfast matriarch of her family. It was wonderful to have known Judy. I know her large family of sons, daughter in laws and many grandchildren will miss her greatly as well as her beloved husband Bob. May they all remember her wonderful spirit and all of the memories made. Rest in Peace Judy. You have made your mark in this world and will be greatly missed! Love , Beth Schneider

Allen Hemrich

November 23rd

My condolences to Bob, boys, and the entire family. Judie was always very kind to me and my family and i know that she was admired and loved by so many.

Fredrik Hahne

November 24th

Judie was a great inspiration for everyone around her. Her compassion and devotion to family, friends and the Flora community was endless. Rest in peace - you are an angel.

Ulanda Bryan

November 25th

Bob, so sorry for your loss. Judie was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed so much by you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you

Carl and Dana Zimmerman

November 26th

We are saddened to hear of the passing of such an incredible, loving lady. May you find comfort in the knowledge that Judy has touched the lives of so many who knew and loved her. Praying for the families and friends who share her memories.

Fred & Lynne Gocey

November 26th

Bob, boys, and family, we were really sorry to read this. You have our sympathy and prayers. Judie was a nice person and was always good to Julie

Randy and Lori Poole

November 26th

Praying for you all during this difficult time. Judie was such a shining star and will be missed so much!

Janna Rankin

November 26th

I'm sorry to hear that our friend and classmate Judie has left us. I have few relationships that have stretched over 70 years, and this was one of them. Judie was a rock, a force for good, and a reason to return to Flora for reunions. We were always able to pick up just where we had left off. My thoughts are with you, Bob, and the whole family.

Dave and Judy Timmerman

November 27th

We just learned of Judie's passing and are so sorry for this news. She was a precious lady and though we have not lived in Flora for many years, we cherish the memories of times we spent together. Praying with love for her dear family as they go through this time of loss and sorrow.

Lisa Lane

December 4th

Judie was a bright shining light, full of joy, kindness and love. Her smile was infectious. She had a way of instantly making you feel special and cherished. She will be missed. Sending love and hugs to Bob and family.

 

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Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services

500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839

Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]

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