Ms. Dowaga Patricia Clarke-Powell

Ms. Dowaga Patricia Clarke-Powell, 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Cathedral Church, 3401 Bishop Eddie Newkirk Way, Tampa, Florida 33605, with Pastor Christopher Robinson, Officiating. Interment will follow in Orange Hill Cemetery, 4900 E. Chelsea Street, Tampa, FL 33610.

Born in Needham Pen, St. Thomas, Jamaica, to Viouda Loretta Cookson and Jeremiah Clarke, Dowaga carried the warmth and spirit of her island homeland throughout her life. On March 13, 1983, she migrated to the United States, where she built a new chapter filled with determination and love for her growing family.

In her professional life, Dowaga dedicated herself to the hospitality industry, working with pride and dedication at Embassy Suites, DoubleTree Hotel, and the Marriott Corporation. Her warm smile, attention to detail, and genuine care for guests made her a valued team member, contributing to memorable experiences for many during her career.

Dowaga was a faithful member of Truth Outreach Global Ministries, where her commitment to her faith brought her joy, community, and spiritual strength. She found solace and purpose in worship and fellowship.

Known for her impeccable style, Dowaga always enjoyed looking good, carrying herself with elegance and grace that turned heads and inspired those around her. 

In the kitchen, she was a true artist—famous among family and friends for her mouthwatering jerk pork. This dish captured the bold flavors of Jamaica and brought everyone together with laughter and appreciation.

She was preceded in death by: her brother, Glenville Cookson and son, O’Neal Powell, Sr.

Dowaga is survived by: her sons, Ricardo Powell and Desmond Dennis; her grandson, O’Neal Powell, Jr.; her brothers, Alphonso Edwards, Denton Tracey, and Andrew Cookson; her sister, Jennifer Cookson; and her sisters-in-law, Brenda Cookson and Beverly Cookson; and a host of family and friends.

Though she has left this earthly home, Dowaga’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the values she instilled, the faith she lived, and the memories she created. She will be remembered for her grace, her quiet strength, her impeccable presence, her culinary gifts, her hospitality service, and her deep commitment to those she loved.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Funeral services for Ms. Dowaga “PAT” Clark-Powell will be live-streamed on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

To view the service:

Visit YouTube.

-Search for St John Cathedral, Tampa.

-Select the link titled St John Cathedral, Tampa.

-Click on the LIVE option to watch the service.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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