Paulette Powell

Velma Paulette "Polly" Powell (Hoffman)

October 16, 1945 - July 4, 2025

Velma Paulette Powell, lovingly known as Polly to her family and friends, passed away peacefully in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 79 years old. 

Born on October 16, 1945, in Oakland, California, Polly was a woman of strength, loyalty, and creativity. While still in high school, she married her devoted sweetheart, Ronnie Milton Powell. Their marriage spanned 63 years and many moves across the country, but through every change, the remained side by side - building a life filled with love, resilience, and countless memories. 

Polly's hands were rarely still. A gifted seamstress, she designed and sewed her own wedding gown and later created beautiful dresses for her sister and daughter on wear on their wedding days. With unmatched care, she later transformed all three dresses into a treasured quilt - a family heirloom stitched with love and history. 

Her creativity also shone in the way she celebrated life's moments. She especially loved holidays, with Halloween holding a special place in her heart. After moving to Texas, she organized a neighborhood celebration complete with a haunted house, hayride, and fortune-telling as a gypsy with her crystal ball- delighting everyone. At Christmas, she carefully hand-tied unique ribbons on every gift, ensuring no two were ever alike, each chosen with thought and care. She was also known to spend hours around the canasta table, playing late into the night, always ready for a little friendly competition. In California, she was captain of her bowling league at Lucky Lanes, leading her team with both skill and laughter. 

She was outspoken, loyal, and fiercely protective of those she loved. In her final months, she found peace and comfort in loving with her sister Georgia, her lifelong confidant. 

Polly was preceded in death by her mother, Edna May Rhoades, and her devoted husband, Ronnie Milton Powell. She is survived by her daughter Teresa Evans (TC) and son-in-law Walter Evans; granddaughter Sidney K. Evans; sister Georgia Beck and brother-in-law Alan Beck. 

Though her final chapter did not mirror the Hallmark stories she loved so dearly, she passed with peace and surrounded by love. Her love of family and handmade touches will remain in our hearts forever.

A private graveside service will be held in November 2025 at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada.