Alma Powell, Wife of Gen. Colin Powell and Birmingham Native, Dies at 86
Life and Career of Alma Powell
Alma Powell, wife of the iconic military officer and former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, has passed away at the age of 86. A family spokesperson confirmed her death. Fondly recalled as the pillar of their family, Powell’s children, Michael, Linda, and Annemarie, released a sentimental statement about their mother.
Born in the southern city of Birmingham in 1937, Alma Vivian Johnson Powell marked her territory as an influential person early on. After her academic journey at Parker High School and Fisk University in Nashville, she hosted the popular afternoon radio show, “Luncheon with Alma” on the WJLD station.
Her inclination towards learning led her to Boston where she studied speech pathology and audiology. The marriage to Lt. Colin Powell happened following a blind date and within no time, they were off to their honeymoon at the historic A.G. Gaston Motel.
Supporting General Colin Powell
Staying true to her supportive nature, Alma returned to Birmingham in 1963, embracing family life alone, while her husband was deployed for his first tour in Vietnam. Consecutively, raising three children across Virginia, North Carolina, Kansas, Kentucky, Colorado, Georgia, and Germany was no less than a challenge.
She stood as the backbone of her husband during his tenure as the National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the U.S. Secretary of State under former President George W. Bush. Alma is also credited for dissuading her husband from running for president in 1996.
America’s Promise Alliance and Powell’s Legacy
The couple founded the noble initiative, America’s Promise Alliance, aiming for better youth development. Care for children was always Alma’s strong suit, reflecting through two children’s books written by her, supporting their shared cause. Her husband, in his last known interview, loved reminiscing about this strong woman, his greatest support system.
Respecting her vibrant life, her children emphasized how they will miss her, while taking comfort in the fact she had a fulfilling life and is now reunited with their father, Colin Powell, who passed away from COVID-19 complications in 2021.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
