Shadrach Powell, lovingly known as Jabade, was born on July 14, 1954, to Esther Callins Powell and Moses Powell and transitioned to the Ancestral Realm on January 25, 2026. A man of profound wisdom, deep spirituality, and boundless love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to teach, guide, and uplift generations.

     He completed high school in Dothan, AL and soon after began his career as a master of many hands. Shadrach was a self-taught architect and craftsman whose knowledge came not from classrooms, but from lived experience. Educated by life itself, he carried a quiet genius, building with purpose and intention as a master builder, painter, brick mason, electrician, and musician. He didn’t simply construct structures; he created stability, safety, and certainty wherever his hands touched. A man built different, his life was the résumé, rooted in patience, guided by wisdom, and shaped by an old soul. He was more than a builder of homes; he was a foundation, a living blueprint of what a man of skill, integrity, and devotion should be.

     Shadrach was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Craig Powell, George Powell, and Moses Powell, Jr.; and his sisters Vassis Jones-Powell, Latricia Powell, and Idell Powell.

     He leaves to mourn and celebrate his life his beloved sisters Berter Thomas, Jewell Powell, Yvonne Ellis, and Janet Varner; his devoted nephew, Lorenzo Jones whom he shared a special bond with over the past few years; a host of nieces and nephews; an abundance of god children, cousins, relatives, students, spiritual family, and loved ones across the world.

     As any great man would do, he embraced three men he affectionately called sons. Rasul Ptah (Dr. Congo), Ewanshia Jaramoji Graham, and Juan Clavon each were his trained protégés and trusted confidants, men he guided with patience, pride, and purpose. In them, he saw both reflection and legacy, investing his time, knowledge, and heart so that what he built in life would live on through.

     Although Shadrach experienced the heartbreaking loss of a daughter in infancy, his life became a testament to love beyond bloodlines. He became a surrogate father to three daughters, Rose Spencer, Shelley Thompson, and Gussie Fuller, embracing them fully and unconditionally.

     Through this love, he gained the joy of being a grandfather to Alexandra Dooley, Ellington Fuller, and Eden Fuller, and the pride of a great-grandfather to Aaliyah Dooley, who was truly his heart. From the moment Aaliyah was born, their bond was unmistakable and sacred. Shadrach spoke Yoruba to her from the age of two, and in a beautiful spiritual mystery, she would respond to him in English. He taught her to play the drums, held her close as she rested on his shoulder, and accompanied her on countless outings to Galveston Beach, creating memories filled with laughter, rhythm, and love that will live on forever.

     A Scholar, Master Teacher, Linguist, Historian, High Priest in several religious sects, and an ordained minister, Shadrach Powell was revered for his brilliance and humility.

     He touched the lives of thousands worldwide, and those who encountered him often spoke of leaving his presence feeling as though they had stood in the company of royalty. His wisdom was timeless, his spirit commanding yet gentle, and his teachings transformative.

     Shadrach was also a founding member of The Craft of Amun Ra’s, Houston Chapter, Ta-Seti Historical Society, which was founded in 1987. The Craft of Amun Ra is a character-building organization based upon the principles of Ma’at, which are Truth, Justice, Righteousness, Harmony and Reciprocity. Shadrach proudly led and mentored dozens of Brothers, ensuring that the knowledge will continue from one generation to the next. His Ta-Seti Brothers were not merely lifelong companions; they were his source of strength and purpose, especially as his health began to fail. Through their bond, he found the resolve to press forward, continue teaching, and remain present in service. His legacy will live on through them, carried in their work, their teachings, and their unwavering commitment to the principles he embodied.

     In November 2025, Jabade was initiated as a Priest of the Secret Society of Osain (Oluwo Osain), the ancient keeper of medicinal herbs and healing plants. This sacred system descends from the Mandinka people and is well known among the Anago (Yoruba). Osain is the one-legged man who moves faster than one with two, the one-eyed seer who sees beyond this world, and the one-armed force stronger than many. Jabade bore the sacred title of Oluwo Osain Osodipupo Osoyinka.

     Even during illness, Shadrach continued to teach, guide, and uplift. His light never dimmed - not even after enduring the loss of three of his closest friends within a five-year span. He now rejoins them in the Ancestral realm, Ban Joka Johnson, Cornelius Giles, Jr., and Jarvis Butler, where we imagine him continuing his sacred work, teaching even beyond the veil.

May his spirit watch over all those he loved.
May his lessons continue to echo.
May his name be spoken with honor.

Rest well, Baba. Your work on this plane is complete, and your legacy is eternal.