Deacon Elijah Monroe Powell Remembered

Elijah Monroe Powell, 88, known affectionately as “Monroe” or “Eli”, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026. Born April 27, 1937, in Charleston, SC, he later moved to Bayonne, NJ, where he became active in Friendship Baptist Church and met his future wife, Barbara Ann Johnson. They married in 1962 and shared more than 60 years of devoted partnership.

Monroe worked for 40 years with the American Can Company, rising to Plant Comptroller. After settling in Easton, PA, he served faithfully at Greater Shiloh Church and was ordained as Deacon Elijah Powell.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend, Monroe was known for his warm smile, generosity, and deep commitment to family and faith. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter and son-in-love, Karen and Jeffrey Singleton; son and daughter-in-love, Terence and Tania Powell; brothers Roosevelt, Arnold (Margaret), and Andy; and grandchildren Noah, Jordan, Brandon, and Jason, along with many cherished relatives and friends.

His legacy of love, integrity, faith, and service will be forever remembered.

Visitation and Services will be held:

May 2, 2026, New Hope Church of God, 400 Hamilton Ave, Trenton, NJ 08609

Visitation 9 - 11 a.m.

Funeral Service 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Elijah’s legacy through a meaningful gift.

Donations are being accepted by Pure Potential Enterprises, a nonprofit dedicated to helping students prepare for and navigate the college admissions process.

The Elijah M. Powell Legacy Scholarship was created in loving memory of Elijah—a man of integrity, truth, faith, and unwavering service. Through this scholarship, his impact will live on by supporting students as they pursue their dreams.

If you’d like to contribute, you can do so here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/elijah-m-powell-legacy-scholarship-inaugural-scholarship--2026