Irene Huguette Powell

Irene Huguette Ford, 72 of Merkel, went to be with her Lord December 23, 2020. She was born November 27, 1948 in Ft Worth, Tx to parents Delane Ford and Huguette Ford. Irene attended MacArthur High School in Irving, TX. She married Richard Lee Powell December 24, 1966. Irene spent her life working at Abilene Eye Institute for 34 years before retiring in 2017.

Irene is celebrated as an incredibly devoted and loving Wife, Mom and Mimi. Hardly ever did a day go by that she did not elevate the wants and needs of her family over herself without hesitation or second thought. Even as her children entered into adulthood, she was always probing and asking questions as to how she could help in some area of their lives for them or her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were like crown jewels in her eyes and nothing was more precious to Irene than time spent with her family. She often lamented about wanting to be able to see her children and grandchildren more often than she could, but when she did it was always “What would you like to do?” and “Look what Mimi got for you!” and most of all “Mimi loves you so much” followed by tears, hugs and kisses.

From her eldest son, Richard: My Mom was a great influence on the man, husband and father I am today. In my early years of marriage, I did not realize what a jerk I was and how selfish of an individual I could be at times. My Mom would pull me aside and scold me, a grown young man, to tell me how precious my wife was and how much of an idiot I was acting like. It took some years, but she [and my sister] got my attention and helped me see the blind spot in my own character. My Mom NEVER stopped asking me what I needed, even when I said I needed nothing; ever the devoted Mom, willing to give even if it hurt her. I cannot express in words the love and gratitude for what she meant to me and the impact she made on my life. I can say, “Well done! Mom, well freaking done!”

From her daughter, Laurinda: Mom loved her family fiercely and was her children’s biggest supporter.  She was the absolute best mother any child could ask for.  She was selfless, kind, caring, loving, nurturing, and would move heaven and earth for her family if she could.  She was a devoted wife of 54 years and loved to tell stories of she and Dad’s early years spent as a young married couple in the military.  She loved her son-in-law and daughters-in-law as if they were her own.  Her grandchildren were such a joy to her and when they called/texted her it would make her day.  She was not only my Mom she was also my best friend, which a lot of girls cannot say about their mother.  The bond that we shared is irreplaceable!  Over the years we have driven many a mile across Texas making life long memories that I will forever cherish.  I cannot image what life will be like without her here, but I know that she will always be with me in spirit and as my guardian angel.  I love you Momma!

Irene is preceded in death by her father, Delane Ford. Survivors include her husband Richard Lee Powell of Merkel, TX; son and daughter-in-law Richard and Hollie Powell of Arlington, TX; daughter and son-in-law Laurinda and Johnny Thomas of Merkel, TX; son and daughter-in-law Chris and Candi Powell of Chandler, AZ; mother Huguette Ford of McKinney, TX; sister Christy Fisk of McKinney, TX; brother Daniel Ford of Irving, TX; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Per Irene’s wishes there will be no visitation or service. Donations can be made in Irene’s memory to the Taylor Jones Humane Society in Abilene, TX.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irene Huguette Powell, please visit our floral store.