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John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

  • Thursday, December 11, 1941 - Sunday, February 28, 2021

Visitation

  • Tuesday, March 9, 2021
  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Rausch Funeral Home-Owings
  • 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane Owings, MD 20736

Services

  • Wednesday, March 10, 2021
  • 11:00 AM
  • Rausch Funeral Home-Owings
  • 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane Owings, MD 20736

John Sherman Powelson, Sr., 79, of North Beach passed away February 28, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. He was born December 11, 1941 in Washington, DC to Leslie E. and Emma Rhea (Giles) Powelson. Sherman grew up in Greenway in Southeast DC and graduated from Chamberlain High School. He then attended the University of the District of Columbia and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science. He worked for Judd and Detweiler Printing Company for 10 years before joining the Washington DC Fire Department in 1967. Sherman was employed as a firefighter and EMT for 26 years before retiring. He married Alicia Wiman in 1985 and they lived in Naylor Gardens in Southeast DC before moving to North Beach in 1994. Sherman was the current president of the Board of Directors for the Naylor Gardens Housing Cooperative. Sherman was a member of the Dyaks Social Club and the Emerald Society, a social group within the DC Fire Department. In his leisure time, he enjoyed traveling, reading, fishing, and watching movies.

Sherman is survived by his wife Alicia Wiman, children John Sherman Powelson, Jr. and his wife Kristen of Riva and Douglas Powelson and his wife Stacy Whitney of Crofton, grandchildren Bryanna Powelson of Crownsville, Edward Dicey of Riva, Ryan Powelson of Davidsonville, Alex Powelson of Crofton, Sara Powelson of Crofton, and Blake Powelson of Riva, and cousins Kenneth Ross, Jeffrey White, Jerry Aikens, and Bob Fisher and his wife Brenda.

Heroes Inc.

  • 1200 29th Street, NW Washington, DC, 20007
New Condolence

Greg Vermeire

April 29 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

Sorry to hear of his passing!! He was a great friend to my brother Steve Vermeire!! And I know he will be missed by all.

Jabari Welch

March 9 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

On behalf of the entire Naylor Gardens Cooperative Housing Association and Board of Directors, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sherman Powelson. Sherman was a superb and dynamic leader and a colleague whom the community enjoyed working alongside under his leadership.

Martha

March 7 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

My sincere condolence to the family and friends. Sherman, someone who cared about people and enjoyed life. I will miss Shermans sense of humor and his kindness, I will miss him.
My prayers for the family during this time.
Sincerely, Martha Parker

carlton e ford

March 7 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

To the Powelson Family, my wife and I send our sincere condolences in the loss of your loved one (Sherman). And will keep the family lifted up in prayer.

Beatrice & Carlton Ford

David Taylor

March 4 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

June and I are so sorry for your loss our thoughts are with you when the time is right our door is open.

Mary Ellen and John Mulligan

March 4 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

So very sorry to hear of Sherman’s passing. We were classmates at Sousa Junior High and Chamberlain High. My brother Tommy was a member of the Dyak’s Social Club. My husband John is also a retired firefighter. Deepest sympathy to the family.

John Dillow

March 3 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

Very sorry for the loss to you, and your family Doug.

Arputham Soosaimarian

March 3 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

Doug,
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Dad.

Qaiser Imam

March 3 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

Good morning Doug,
Sorry to hear your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family.

Brenda Fisher

March 3 – Obituary: John Sherman Powelson, Sr.

If tears would wash away my sadness, I would cry. A wonderful soul has left this world and left a big black hole. Sherman will be sorely missed… even though the distance between Concord, NC, and NORTH BEACH, MD is significant, we knew you were only a phone call away. Praying for family and friends.

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