Gloria Powers passed on February 7, 2012.  She served as the executive director of the Foundation for Entertainment Development and Education, which runs the Big Easy Awards, since 1991. The foundation annually recognized achievement in music, theater and classical arts, and through grants it supports development and education. Powers was also active with the Living History Project. She was trained as a cultural anthropologist and worked with many Louisiana festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Voodoo Experience.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at 1329 Jackson Ave on Friday, February 17th at 11am.  A second line will follow to the Celebration of Gloria's Life which will be held at 1741 Coliseum Street and will include a crawfish boil and BBQ.  (Dress accordingly or bring a change of  clothes.)

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Gloria Powers Memorial Fund at the New Orleans Musicians Clinic & Assistance Foundation. Donations can be made at www.nomaf.org/donations.php (put Gloria's name in the subject line of the online form) or checks can be made out to NOMAF (with Gloria Powers in the subject line). New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation. c/o Donor Relations 1525 Louisiana Avenue, New Orleans, La. 70115