Gladys "Patti" King-Powell

Gladys "Patti" King-Powell, 81, died peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Thomasville, Georgia, to the late Edward and Gladys King (née Hatcher), Patti moved to Roselle, NJ, at a young age and graduated from Abraham Clark High School in 1961. In 1963, she met the love of her life, George William Powell, in Linden, NJ. They married and built a beautiful life together in Rahway, Jackson and then Somerville, where they raised their four children. Patti and George shared 60 years of love and devotion until his passing in 2023.

A lifelong learner, Patti attended Taylor Business Institute in 1983 to further her education in management. In addition to other jobs she had a fulfilling career, working for many years at AT&T before becoming a project manager at IBM. Though she found great satisfaction in her work, her greatest joy was being a mother and Nana—roles she embraced with boundless love and dedication. Weekends and summers with her grandchildren were among her most cherished moments.

Patti had a passion for life’s simple pleasures—shopping, cooking, and spending time in her backyard with a crossword puzzle and a glass of iced tea. She was the heart of her family, hosting countless holiday gatherings, barbecues, and celebrations. Her home was always open, welcoming friends and extended family to share in the warmth and love she so effortlessly provided.

She loved road trips, often packing up the car for adventures to Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia Beach, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. A master of Solitaire, she also found joy in Saturday visits to her sister’s house in Roselle.

Patti was predeceased by her beloved husband, George William Powell; her parents, Edward and Gladys King; and her sister, Mildred Scott.

She is survived by her loving children, George Anthony, Gina Rhenee, Gretchen Gail "Gigi," and Gary Edward; and her adored grandchildren, Shanice, Samantha, Lauren, Alex, Gianna, and Liam, and her brothers, Dwayne "Ricky", and Eugene King

Patti’s legacy is one of love, family, and an open heart. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life be held from 5:00 to 7:00PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue.