Always & Forever: A Story of Life and Death – Part I

On Monday October 9, 2007, hundreds of people packed into Union Missionary Baptist Church to pay homage to Kyle and his life, which was so enriched for a young man.

On April 9, 2005, he was united in marriage to Letisha Powell.

Kyle and Letisha were perfectly compatible with each other both emotional and physically permitting them to undergo major surgery for Letisha to provide her beloved husband with a partial liver.

Kyle Powell  was the only child of Edith Barbara Powell and grandson of Rev. Dr. Ruth Maness. As a child, K.P. grew up as a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, he later became a devoted member of Union Missionary Baptist Church were he participated in the Men’s Choir, Men’s Bible Class and Audio Production.

Kyle graduated from Lansing Catholic Central High School in 1988 before earning a Bachelor Degree from Michigan State University in 1993. After college, he begin interning for WQHH Power 96.5 and WXLA 1180 AM. He eventually became employed by Mid -Michigan FM Inc. as the Mid-Day On-air Personality and Production Manager for over 15 years. In 1999, he joined WLAJ ABC 53 as a daily Sportcaster and was a member and Referee for YMCA’s Male and Youth Basketball Programs.

Community and Sports involvement was a major part of Kyle’s life, he often organized Power 96.5 FM Charity Basketball games to raise money for disadvantaged families.  Kyle loved all sports, but was an enthusiastic fan of the LA Lakers "Kobe Bryant", North Carolina and Michigan State University. Kyle was also mentor to many high school and college students often giving them advice "to just be yourself." Kyle was known for his big smile, polite personality and giving spirit.

Kyle was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Maness.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Letisha Powell, his mother, Edith Barbara Powell, his grandmother, Rev. Dr. Ruth Maness, his godson, Noah Smith, mother-in-law, Ethel Norris; sisters in-law: Moneke (Marcus) Wourman, Vanessa Norris, Undreal Norris, Janet Norris, Cassandria (Derrick) Adams; brothers-in-laws: Tracy (Cheryl) Norris, James Norris and a host of nieces, nephews and many close friends.

Note:  In Part II, TNCP will bring you the story the truly incredible love that Kyle and Letisha shared and the journey that few people embark upon.