Celebrating the Life and Legacy of
Sylvester V.
Powell Jr.
"Treasure"
June 22, 1956 — February 12, 2026
24 Years · FedEx Ground · Trans One Inc. · Chicago, IL
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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of
Powell Jr.
"Treasure"
June 22, 1956 — February 12, 2026
24 Years · FedEx Ground · Trans One Inc. · Chicago, IL
Life & Legacy
Sylvester V. Powell Jr. was born to the union of Sylvester Sr. and Willie Mae (Irby) Powell on June 22, 1956 in Chicago, IL — the first of two children, raised in the city he loved, and affectionately known as "Treasure" to his family.
Sylvester graduated from Chicago Vocational High School and attended the University of Illinois Circle Campus. He began his professional career in management at McDonald's Hamburger University, later bringing his skills to Wendy's and Red Lobster — before discovering his true passion at FedEx Ground.
While working at Wendy's, Sylvester met someone who would change his life forever — Linda. They laughed and joked at work, went on a few dates together, and realizing love was on the spectrum, they married in April of 1986. To this union they would have two children, Victoria and Quinten.
Being a man of pure passion and conviction, Sylvester committed his life to being of assistance and guidance to others. Out of a desire to spend more quality time with their family and seek greater flexibility, he and Linda investigated a Contractual opportunity with FedEx Ground. Trans One Incorporated — a Package Delivery Service — was born, and what a new beginning it became.
"As a result, 24 years later, it is now a vibrant company proud to offer job opportunities to those committed to Safety and Excellence in the community."
Sylvester was baptized as a child at Progressive Baptist Church Chicago and later converted to Catholicism at St. Laurence. A proud man and jokester, he enjoyed telling creative stories that could capture the attention of just about anyone nearby. He loved his Westerns, Star Trek, Star Wars, and all Marvel Superhero movies.
Tributes
He carried sixty-nine years like armor on his chest, stood tall through every trial, every battle, every test. Never bending to the pressure, never bowing to the pain — even when cancer came knocking, trying hard to stake its claim. A father to my brother and to me in every way, not just words but steady hands that showed us how to stay.
He led with quiet confidence, with discipline and grace, a solid, steady presence no storm could erase. A husband to my mother, whose love was strong and real — not fragile, not for show, but something you could feel.
Cancer touched his body, but it never owned his soul. It never broke his spirit, never weakened his control. His legacy stands taller than the illness ever could, because strength like his was permanent — rooted deep and good.
He may be gone from our eyesight, but he lives in every boundary, every brave part of me. We don't just remember him — we walk the path he paved. His love is in our backbone. His lessons made us brave.
And a man who loved like that, who led like that, who stood like that — was built to last.
Our bond begins when Mom brought me home from the hospital and put me in your arms. Mom said, "This is your baby sister, protect her." I remember you taught me how to ride a bike, tie my shoelaces, and gave me your gloves when my hands were cold to keep them warm. The bond between a brother and sister is unique — a lifelong connection that transcends time, distance, and disagreements, rooted in shared history and deep unconditional affection.
The love between a brother and sister is forever. Treasure, it was wonderful to see you continue as a man to love, protect, and provide for your family.
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him." — 1 John 4:16
Forever in my Heart — Your Sister, Angel
When you left us, I felt so incomplete. Like a piece of my soul was missing. I promise I'm trying to be strong, but it's hard. You will always be in my heart with all my love. I thank God for our 69 years together. He will be watching over you. You were so good to me — and our 69 years together will always be in my heart.
With All My Love, Mother — Willie Mae
February 28, 2026
On the morning of his homegoing service, a fleet of FedEx trucks rolled through the streets of Chicago in unified formation — a tribute 24 years in the making. Drivers in their FedEx uniforms, hazard lights on, moving as one through the South Side. The community stopped and watched. A man who gave everything to build something real was sent off by the people who knew it best.
He Leaves Behind