Veronica Wells-Powell

VERONICA (WELLS) POWELL, age 72 of Knoxville, departed this earth on July 3, 2025, and entered into eternal rest.  She entered this world on February 5, 1953, born to James Wells and Mae Etta (Billingsly) Wells.  

Veronica worked as a carpenter for many years at Y12, K25 and Russ Engineers.  She was the first African American woman to come through as a carpenter for Oak Ridge, (Local).  Very devout in her faith, she was a devoted member of Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church for many years, where she served as a member of the kitchen ministry. Veronica also enjoyed spending time with her family. Her love and devotion for her family was strong and unwavering. She will truly be missed by all that knew her. 

Besides her parents, Veronica is preceded in death by her loving husband, Claude Powell, Sr., son, Wayne, Sr., brothers, Garfield and Alfred Wells; and sister, Aileen Harris.

She leaves to cherish her memories sons, Claude (Jessica Stewart), Jr. and Seth; grandchildren, Wayne, Jr., Tiara, Taryn, Tyrique, Miracle, Myeshia and Marquis, Jr.; great-grandson, Wayne III, sisters, Gyndola, Mary Lynn, Carla and Cynthia; nieces and nephews, Kimberly, Isiah, Jason, Crystal, Adrian, Diedra and Timothy Wells; and a host of other family and friends.

Special Thank you to the Covenant Health Hospice staff.  Your love for our mother will never be forgotten and definitely appreciated.

Family will receive friends Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 1 to 2pm at Jarnigan & Son Mortuary, 2823 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave Knoxville, TN 37914, with funeral services to follow.  Presiding Elder Barbara Hagler officiating. Presiding Elder John Butler eulogist. Interment, 8:30 am Friday, July 11, 2025, at East Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920. 

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.