Janie Childress Powell

Janie Childress Powell entered into eternal rest on October 8, 2023, after a valiant 7-month battle with ALS. Beloved wife of the late Robert G. Powell. Mother of Kim Powell Pertuit (Michael), Kari Powell Mitten, and Kelly Powell Burgard (Jason). Grandmother of Alicia Mitten, Nolan Pertuit, Riley Mitten, Lily Pertuit and Jack Burgard. Daughter of the late Oliver P. Childress, Jr. and the late Della Mae Broussard Childress. Sister of Susie Leitson (Mark), Darlene Ensenat (Lou), Peter Childress (Claire), and Ricky Childress. She was 77 years old, a native of New Orleans and resident of Terrytown, LA.

Janie was one of the first Certified American Sign Language Interpreters in New Orleans. As such, her impact on the interpreting community was strong, mentoring and shepherding numerous young interpreters into the field. She was a founding member and 3 time President of the Louisiana Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. In addition, she was Director of Interpreting at NRPC for 20 years, then for Sorenson Communications for 17 years until her retirement in 2022. She was currently a three year Board member of Coda International.

She was a caring Mother, Grandmother, sister and friend, always willing to help in any way that she could. Her big laugh was infectious and aided in her innate ability as a peacemaker. In recent years she traveled to England, Iceland, Germany, Austria and France, satisfying her love of travel.

Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the Memorial Service in the Chapel of MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expy, Harvey, LA on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 3:00 pm. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until service time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Team Gleason, the ALS Association or Coda International in Janie’s memory.