Best remembered as the father of General Colin Powell, the first African American Secretary of State, Luther Theophilus Powell was born in Top Hill, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, on May 18, 1898. Powell’s journey from Jamaica to the US and his fatherhood illuminate the immigrant experience and his family’s history. His narrative of endurance and his son Colin Powell’s military and government accomplishments have shaped American history.
Early Life and US Immigration
Jamaican parents raised Luther Theophilus Powell. His parents, Aubrey Spencer Powell (1870–1949) and Rosena Bromfield Powell (1879–1934), grounded him early on. Luther emigrated to the US aged 22 and arrived in Philadelphia on the Manchioneal on April 26, 1920. He married Maud Ariel McKoy and started a family in New York City after this.
Racial tensions and economic hardships affected many immigrants at the time, making his experience likely harsh. Luther Powell’s perseverance and hard work helped him settle in the US. While raising a family in the Bronx, he worked as a shipping clerk.
Marilyn Berns, Luther Theophilus Powell’s Daughter
Luther Theophilus Powell and Maud Ariel McKoy had one daughter, Marilyn Elise Powell Berns. Born in 1931, she and her brother Colin Powell grew up in the South Bronx when the family moved there in 1941. Marilyn’s toughness and responsibility came from her parents. She regularly mentored her younger brother Colin as the oldest kid. Colin would succeed in the U.S. military and politics, but Marilyn focused on education. She dedicated her life to teaching elementary school children. She helped youngsters reach their potential, just like she did with her family, and her community efforts were tremendous.
After her 2005 death, Marilyn Berns was mourned as a mother, grandmother, and mentor. She was close to her brother Colin Powell, who often talked warmly of their Bronx boyhood. Marilyn’s legacy is not simply her bond with her renowned brother, but also her teaching and family love. She was the daughter of Luther Theophilus Powell, whose family shaped their town and the nation. Marilyn is valued in the Powell family because she lived a life of devotion, service, and family support.
Families and Kids
Luther Theophilus Powell and Jamaican Maud Ariel McKoy had two children: Colin Powell and Marilyn Berns. Colin Powell was a four-star Army general and the 65th Secretary of State under President George W. Bush.
It was vital for Luther and Maud to raise their children at Hunt’s Point, New York. The Bronx was a melting pot in the mid-20th century, and the family’s working-class origins typified American immigration. The Powell family’s work ethic, discipline, and education helped Colin become famous.
Influence and Legacy
Luther Theophilus Powell greatly influenced his son. Colin Powell credited his parents with creating his character by instilling respect, honesty, and tenacity in his household. Maud encouraged him to study and discipline himself, but Luther exemplified perseverance and self-reliance.
Luther’s immigration experiences shaped his son’s viewpoint. Luther and his generation of immigrants’ experiences in the US gave Colin a strong sense of purpose and an appreciation for public duty. Colin’s ideals helped him become a recognized Army and political leader.
Luther’s life also showed how hard effort and contribution may lead to success in America. Though he never became as famous as his son, he shaped Colin Powell’s attitude on life. Luther’s legacy was founded on family, hard labor, and American immigrant life.
Last Resting Place
Luther Theophilus Powell, 79, died in Jamaica, Queens, on April 29, 1978. He was buried in The Bronx’s Woodlawn Cemetery, reflecting his lengthy trip from Jamaica to the US and his part in his family’s history.
He died when his son Colin was becoming a U.S. military star. Luther’s impact on Colin was important to his accomplishment, despite his son’s success.
Continuing Powell Family Legacy
His descendants, notably Colin, who accomplished military and government milestones, honor Luther. The Powell family’s resilience reflects American immigrants’ struggles and successes. Luther’s fatherhood, immigrant status, and hard labor prepared his son to become one of America’s most prominent leaders.
Luther’s grandkids, Annemarie, Linda, and Michael Powell, continue Colin Powell’s legacy in diverse disciplines.
The life of Luther Theophilus Powell represents the American immigrant experience. His voyage from Jamaica to New York, family devotion, and work ethic have influenced generations, especially his son Colin Powell, whose achievements inspire.
