Obituary

Missjesse Jarine Powell was born February 25, 1980 in Tacoma, WA to the union of Jeffery Powell and Marlene Powell (Milligan). She attended public schools in Tacoma. In 2008, she earned her certification as a Human Services Case Aide from Tacoma Community College and a BA degree in Social Work from Evergreen State College in 2012.

On September 30, 2012, God blessed her with a son, King Daniel Jacob. She so treasured him, she carefully chose his names from the Bible. These men had a divine encounter with God and were faithful, courageous, and prayerful. This was her hope for King.

Missjesse united with Shiloh Baptist Church, New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C and Last Day Ministries. Here, she and King were baptized on May 28, 2023. She attended various Bible classes, and prayer meetings throughout the week. She said she was learning how to let go of the past and forgiving herself and others. No matter what was going on in her life, it was important that she stayed connected with God and church family. She read her Bible and if she unintentionally left it somewhere, she couldn’t rest until it was returned. She loved to sing and sometimes answered the phone with a song or bursted into singing during the conversation. Her favorite gospel artists were Shirley Caesar, Charles Jenkins (Awesome), Koryn Hawthorne (Look at God), and Marvin Sapp ( He Saw The Best in Me) and singer Luther Vandross.

Missjesse loved life. She loved to prepare home cook meals and invite you over to eat. She love dancing and showing she could do the James Brown split. She bowled, played dominoes and styled and braided hair. Missjesse was a people person. Folks say she advocated for them and was there for them when everyone else had left. She gave comfort with prayer, a big hug and smile. She also loved to capture memories and took hundreds of photos. When she asked you for something, her signature close was “please and thank you”. Those who knew and loved Missjesse were well aware she also was strong willed, stubborn and her mind was not easily changed once made up. She spoke her mind and sometimes struggled to manage her emotions. The last word was always hers.

In spite of the struggles and challenges she faced in life, she held on to her faith. Regardless of her medical prognosis, her faith in God’s promise did not falter. In fact, her faith grew and she said, “if Jesus put it on me, He will see me through it.” God’s deliverance may come in this life or in the life to come, but his grace is always operating to provide what is best for our eternal good. On March 13, 2025, God called Missjesse, His “treasured possession”, home. He loaned her to us for 45 years and now she is with him in a safe and protected place. In His presence, she is healed in mind, body and soul forevermore.

Missjesse was preceded in death by her mother, Marlene; grandparents: Mattie, Edwin, Blanche and Array; nephew, Andrew to name a few. She is survived by those who will cherish her memory: son, King Daniel Jacob; her father, Jeffery; four sisters: Jawana, Mattie, Nelly, and Tyresha; two brothers: Clifton and Izaiah; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.