Rev. John H. Powell Memorial Fund: He Gave Everything for Us

✨ This Love Offering is being organized with full permission and blessing from the Powell family. ✨

Hello, my name is Priscilla Sapp-Kirkland, and I am honored to be one of Rev. John Powell’s goddaughters and an advocate for the next generation a passion I carry because of his example.

️ Rev. Powell was more than a community leader and the Founder of Truth For Youth. He was the heartbeat of the community, a father figure, a mentor, and a servant to all. Like many, I was blessed by his example, guidance, and love. He taught me and so many others what it means to lead with faith, Integrity, serve with purpose, and give without asking for anything in return.

I’ve created this GoFundMe as a way for us the community he loved and served to give back to his family during this time of remembrance. This is not for funeral expenses, as those have already been handled. Please read below and I pray you will feel led to give a love offering to the family during this difficult time.

He Gave Everything for Us!

Now It’s Our Turn to Give to His Family!

For over 30 years, Rev. John Powell, Sr., gave selflessly to our city, county, and Northwest Florida area. Since 1993, he has impacted over 90,000 children and youth, fed thousands of families, and led with a vision of change. He created safe spaces for youth to be inspired and motivated to be their best selves.

Rev. Powell never raised money for himself. His heart was always for the people. He founded and led Truth for Youth to build up the community and to meet the needs of others.

He poured into lives, raised up leaders, supported families, and built spaces where truth, love, and growth could thrive.

He didn’t just lead an organization; he led a movement of hope and transformation. He was a father to the fatherless, a champion for the broken, and a voice of wisdom and faith in every room he entered.

️On July 10, 2025, Rev. Powell died unexpectantly.

❤️ Beside this great man were his wife Dorothy Powell and sons John Jr., Clifton, and Sheldon who shared him with the community for decades. They sacrificed their own time and comfort so he could serve others. And now, after his passing, they deserve to feel the love he gave so many of us.

The family never asked for a GoFundMe.

But because so many have asked how they can give, they feel this is the best way to honor Rev. Powell’s legacy and support his family.

Your contributions will help provide family care, including meals, lodging, transportation, and support as they navigate this difficult time.

Please know that the funeral expenses are already covered and so this GoFundMe is not for that purpose.

All funds will go directly to his family. Whatever you give from your heart, you honor the legacy of a man who changed lives.

With this “thank you” from the heart of the community, we are asking 1,000 people to give $100. More if you can; less is still a blessing.

This is our opportunity to give back to the family not out of obligation, but out of love for a man who gave so much to us all.

This is our way of saying:

“Rev. Powell you gave your heart to the community. Now we give ours back to your family.”

Let’s carry the torch.

Let’s give back to the family of the man who never stopped giving.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Give. Share. Honor. His Legacy Lives On.