Honoring the Life of Dianne Garrett Powell: A Legacy of Kindness, Generosity and Dedication

Dianne Garrett Powell's life was a testament to warmth, generosity, and a deep commitment to family and community. Her passing at the age of 81 on Nov. 14, left a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her legacy continues to shine brightly through her work at UTA Libraries and across the globe. 

Born in Los Angeles, Dianne’s roots were soon planted firmly in Texas, where she and her family became part of the fabric of the community. After attending Arlington Heights High School, she followed in her family’s footsteps to the University of Texas at Austin, where she began to carve out her own path. Later in her life she met Boone Powell and together they created a life full of shared passions, support and love, spanning 31 years. 

But Dianne’s story was not just one of personal happiness—she dedicated herself to a cause much greater than herself. Her deep connection to her family’s legacy and their love for cartography shaped much of her life’s work. As President of the Texas Map Society, founded by her parents, Jenkins and Virginia Garrett, Dianne honored their vision and worked tirelessly to preserve the historical treasures they so dearly cherished. Her parents’ map collection, now housed in UTA Libraries' Special Collections and Archives, is a living tribute to their shared commitment to history, education and preservation. 

The roots of the Garrett family’s connection to UTA stretch back to 1974, when Jenkins and Virginia donated over 10,000 items to establish the university’s Special Collections. They didn’t just donate objects; they gave pieces of history with the vision that they would be cared for, studied and shared for generations. This vision continued with the founding of the Virginia Garrett Cartographic History Library in 1978, a treasure trove of thousands of maps and atlases—some dating as far back as 1493—that focus on Texas, Mexico, the Gulf Coast, the Caribbean and Africa. 

Dianne wasn’t just a caretaker of her family’s collection—she was a passionate advocate for its growth. Her efforts over the years helped expand UTA’s collection into one of the most important in the world for the study of cartography.  

The Garrett family also established the Garrett Cartographic Endowment, as well as the Endowed Chair in the History of Cartography, the biennial Lectures in the History of Cartography, and the Award in the History of Cartography. Her family’s commitment to UTA Libraries has shaped its identity as a leading institution in the study of maps and the history of cartography. Additionally, Dianne served as President and board member of the Philip Lee Phillips Society Fellowship, a group that typically met at the Library of Congress. 

Ben Huseman, retired UTA Libraries Cartographic Archivist, remembers Dianne’s passion for UTA and its mission.  

"Dianne Powell was a wonderful friend and supporter of UTA Libraries Special Collections, energetically and faithfully continuing the pattern that her father and mother set for involvement in philanthropic endeavors. Like her parents, she deeply loved Fort Worth and Arlington, San Antonio, Texas, their histories, and their place within the world., Ben said. “Dianne was a marvelous leader and organizer, serving on boards and in volunteer positions, contributing excellent ideas and wise opinions. I hope she will always be remembered at UTA Libraries' Special Collections among its finest and most ardent champions." 

Gerald Saxon, former Dean of Libraries, shared that Dianne, like her parents, felt that they were just caretakers of these historical items and worked to find them forever homes. 

"The Garretts never collected materials to keep. They built these massive collections, but always in the back of their mind, they knew they would donate those collections, and UTA was fortunate enough to get them," Gerald said. "Dianne was always involved with the maps. If there was something she saw we needed, she would call and ask if the item was needed for the collection. UTA is well known worldwide, particularly in cartographic history, due to the work of Dianne and her parents." 

Saxon noted that it wasn’t just Dianne’s accomplishments that left an impression—it was the way she did everything with grace, optimism, and a genuine willingness to help.   

Brenda McClurkin, retired Department Head of Special Collections, has her own fond memories of Dianne’s visits to UTA.  

"We always looked forward to seeing Dianne in Special Collections," Brenda shared. "I remember when she hosted a Texas Map Society meeting at her home in San Antonio. She was so gracious, and her support for the map community was unwavering. She was always there for us, always ready to lend a hand or offer encouragement." 

Dianne Powell’s life was defined by service, both to her family and her community. Her unwavering dedication to UTA Libraries and her generous contributions to cartography will continue to inspire future generations of students, scholars and historians. Her legacy is not just in the maps and atlases she helped preserve, but in the hearts of those who knew her—a legacy of kindness, wisdom and a life well-lived. 

To honor Dianne’s memory, her family has requested that any gifts be directed to UTA Libraries. These gifts will support students and enhance the learning environment at UTA, ensuring that her passion for education and the preservation of history lives on. Contributions can be made through the university's website.