JoAnn Powell

December 26, 1935 - April 18, 2024

JoAnn Powell was born Dec. 26, 1935, to Sarah Coker Hicks and Cheparney Ahfonoke Hicks at their home near Buckeye Indian Baptist Church. She departed from this life surrounded by family on April 26, 2024 at the age of 88.

JoAnn attended Mason Schools as a child until she began working to help her family on their farm. As an adult she worked as a seamstress as well as a cook for the Okemah Indian Hospital.

JoAnn and her family moved from Wetumka to Iron Post in 1963 where she remained until she passed. She and the late George Hill married and had five children, Jeanette, Janet, Sammy, Soloman, and David. Later in life, JoAnn married the late Arthur Powell and together raised one son, Jesse Echas.

She was a skilled seamstress, making ribbon skirts, dresses, ribbon vests, and quilts up until her passing. JoAnn also did beadwork and her traditional food was well-known, especially her Sofke. JoAnn loved music and dancing, especially fiddle dance. Gathering with family and friends,participating in the culture and community, and sitting on her porch were times that she enjoyed. She had a great sense of humor and was remembered by everyone that met her.

Her pride and joy was her family. Her passion was her Mvskoke way of life as a first language speaker. She encouraged her family to follow Mvskoke values and traditions whenever she could, including speaking the Creek language, how to make traditional foods, ceremonial ways, and the teachings she received from her parents.

She was the oldest member of the Akfvske Ceremonial Ground, shaking shells her entire life.

She served over 23 years as Head Lady leading Ribbon Dance. She was baptized at Buckeye Indian Baptist Church where her mother attended.

JoAnn is Survived by her brother Hanson Hicks; six children Jeanette Martin and husband Roy Martin; Janet Hill; Sammy Hill and wife Gina Burgess; Soloman Hill and wife Cissie Hill; David Hill and wife Monica Hill; JesseEchas; Powell and wife Karen McGirt; 19 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren with one on the way and a large extended family. She is preceded in death by George Hill, Arthur Powell and her parents; two sisters, Louise Burgess and Maggie Hill; three brothers, Jesse Hicks, Wilson Mekko Hicks, and Banson Hicks; and one grandchild, Steven Horse.

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