It’s hard to imagine that a story like that of Iris Powell and her seven siblings could be real. But it is; and it drastically changed the lives of everyone involved. As an adult, Iris began the process of coming to terms with the events of her childhood by recording her memories on paper. Her efforts produced a book entitled “Looking Through Mom’s Eyes.” I recently had an opportunity to visit with Iris and one of her brothers, Johnny McCoy.
As a young African-American child in the 1960s, Iris’ life was difficult but with the love of their parents and the love of God, she and her siblings were happy. There were hard times, lots of kids to be fed and clothed. And no black family escaped unspeakable hardships and challenges during that time. But the family survived, even thrived, until an illness claimed the life of their father. That’s when everything changed.
History teaches that the 1960s were a horrific, violent time and rights extended to the Caucasian population did not extend to the black community. African-Americans faced discrimination at every turn — and that is why it was possible for Iris and six of her siblings, to be ripped away from their home and their mother, Frances Howard.
Frances first watched four of her children, including Iris, being driven away by strangers as tears streamed down her face, because someone who didn’t even know them decided that she couldn’t take care of them. After one visit, with no home study, no questions asked of the kids and no regard for the family unit, a decision was made to remove the kids from their home. Iris was 6-years-old.
They were driven to a home where there were couples who served as house parents. Different couples came and went. Some treated the children well, others did not. Some doled out cruel physical punishment for the smallest of infractions; some were kind and loving.
About two weeks after Iris and her siblings were taken, two more of Frances’ children were taken to a children’s home in west Texas and one was taken to a facility in Abilene. These three children’s placement turned out better than that of the others. Iris and her siblings faced a difficult future.
As Iris grew up, she did her best to protect her younger siblings. She was physically, verbally and emotionally abused. She later found out that her mother had survived much of the same cruelty during her childhood and adolescence.
Even as a child, Iris knew she was strong. Years later, when she and her mom shared stories, she knew where the strength had come from. She used the word hero to describe Frances.
“I went through a lot, but she went through way more,” Iris said.
As time passed, the kids adjusted. They went to school, played outside and did the things other children did but they knew that something was missing in their lives. They would realize later that it was a relationship with their mother. And they are grateful for the time they had with her as adults.
Iris has no doubt that God brought her through her childhood. She’s certain that she wouldn’t have made it without Him. She is proof that God can bring His children through anything.
After what they endured, it would be easy for Iris and her siblings to curse the world and live a “poor me” existence. But Iris refuses
that. She believes that if we want change in our lives, it’s up to us.
“If you have enough money and your life is good, pat yourself on the back,” she said. “If you are down and out with no money or hope, pat yourself on the back. Either way, you got yourself into the situation. Don’t try to blame anybody else for it.”
Johnny, one of the brothers that was taken to the West Texas Children’s Home, shared that he was blessed that he had not suffered abuse like Iris. But his upbringing at the home taught him an important lesson — he wanted to make something of his life. And he knew that it was up to him.
He was a gifted athlete at Garland High School where he played basketball and football and ran track. He was on the 1977 GHS State Champion 4X100 relay team and was a candidate for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team. After college, he spent time as a professional football player before he returned to GHS as a track coach. He has led the team to the state track meet and was once named the Track Coach of the Year by the Dallas Morning News. He has also served as assistant coach for the girls’ track team.
Through his high school and college years, as well as the time spent in the pros, Johnny has continued to strive to be the best he can be and he believes this attitude goes back to his childhood.
In addition to the success as an athlete and coach, he is an inventor who has both road safety and athletic equipment items on his list of inventions. He has been awarded patents on some.
As a coach, he strives to help student athletes improve their skills. So, he has invented machines such as the Thunderspiker, for volleyball players as well as a weight machine for athletes.
Road safety is another interest area for Johnny. He has invented interchangeable signs to be used as needed on a lightweight, portable frame. There are well-lit, easy to see caution, parking, exit, slow down, and other signs. The signs can be used during events for various purposes. He also offers a sign to alert approaching vehicles of stalled cars. It’s a lightweight, foldup sign that can be stored in vehicles for use when needed.
The coach and inventor refuses to use his past as an excuse for not constantly working toward a better life.
“It’s not up to anybody else whether I make something of myself,” he said. “And I work hard to teach that to my kids.”
Iris and Johnny are Garland residents. Two of their siblings also live in Garland. Two have died and one of them lives in an Abilene facility for special needs individuals. There was one other child that was adopted and couldn’t be found.
As adults, the children, except for the one who was adopted, reunited with their mother more than 15 years ago. They had the opportunity to get to know her before she died.