Rita Fugh Powell was born to Jesse and Dorothy Fugh in Memphis, TN on August 20, 1951. She was a cherished part of the Binghampton community where she attended K-12 at Lester School and was baptized at New Tyler A.M.E. Church, where she was a devoted, lifelong member. After high school, she attended Wilberforce University. There, she was initiated into the Zeta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She later matriculated at Memphis State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting. Rita married her childhood friend turned sweetheart, Gerald Powell, on December 23, 1977, and from this union they had two daughters—Jerita and Jeralyn. She was a dedicated and valued employee of the United States Postal Services. Among her many accomplishments and successes, she was best known for her work with Accountable Papers Management and various professional organizations such as NAPS (National Association of Postal Supervisors) and Network. She retired in 2010 and continued her community work with New Tyler AME Church as a servant leader with the Lay organization, as a church steward, and as the church treasurer. She also served as a dedicated member and Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rita loved hosting family gatherings at her home. When she wasn’t gathering with loved ones, Rita could be found watching or attending Memphis Grizzlies games, traveling around the world, reading with The Elite Literary Club, participating in sorority events, attending lunches with Hens & Friends social club, or in Atlanta in her new role as GiGi—grandmother to Jeralyn’s son, Ayden. Rita was preceded in death by her father, Jesse Fugh, and her husband, Gerald Powell. She created a legacy of love that lives on in the hearts and lives of her daughters, Jerita and Jeralyn (Lige); grandson, Ayden; mother, Dorothy “Madea” Fugh; sister, Gwen Dillihunt; nephew, Kevin Dillihunt; niece, Monica “Trece” Dillihunt; brother-in-law, Barry Dillihunt; sister in love, Renee Powell; aunts, Garnett Gray (Anthony) and Rhoda Gillespie; lifelong friend, Carla Patton (Alfred); godchildren, Carmen, Amber, Sheria, Pamela “P.J.” Joyce, Kirsten, Olivia, Taylor; and a host of cousins, family and friends

The family will receive friends Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at R. S. Lewis & Sons 3651 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128. Celebration of Life will be Friday, December 15, 2023 11:00am at New Tyler A.M.E. Church 3300 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122

Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, 824 S Dudley St, Memphis, TN 38104