Alma Powell, civic leader and wife of late Secretary of State Colin Powell, dies at 86

Civic leader Alma Powell has died at the age of 86, about three years after her husband’s death in 2021 .

Her death was confirmed by Peggy Cifrino, a spokeswoman for the family. Powell’s three children, Michael Powell, Linda Powell, and Annemarie Powell, described their mother as “the grounding force of our family.”

"During childhoods marked by constant moving to new homes, we always felt secure, because home was wherever she stood," a statement from Alma Powell’s children read. "She was an exemplary role model for us and for the world. She served our country, alongside our father, with intelligence and grace. We will miss her terribly but take comfort in the fact that she had a life so well-lived and is reunited with our father."

In 1962, Alma Powell married former Secretary of State Colin Powell during former President George W. Bush's presidency. The couple spent almost 60 years together. When Colin Powell went to serve in the Vietnam War , Alma Powell said her time alone was "the defining experience of my life."

During what many believe to be his final interview, conducted with journalist Bob Woodward in July 2021, Colin Powell called his wife the greatest person he had ever known.

"She was always there for me, and she’d tell me, 'That’s not a good idea,'" said Colin Powell. "She was usually right."

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Alma Powell is listed as chairwoman emeritus of America’s Promise Alliance, a nonprofit organization founded by her husband in 1997. She also served on the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Alma Powell is survived by her three children, a niece, two nephews, and “countless beloved extended family members and friends,” Cifrino said in a statement.