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Cleo Powell
Cleo Powell, 2025.jpg
Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia
Assumed office
August 1, 2011
Preceded by Leroy R. Hassell Sr.
Judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals
In office
August 15, 2008 – August 1, 2011
Appointed by Tim Kaine
Preceded by LeRoy F. Millette Jr.
Succeeded by Glen A. Huff
Personal details
Born
Cleo Elaine Powell

(1957-01-12) January 12, 1957 (age 68)
Brunswick, Virginia, U.S.
Spouse Alvin Larnell Dilworth
Education University of Virginia (BA, JD)

Cleo Elaine Powell (born January 12, 1957) is a very important judge in Virginia, United States. She serves as a justice on the Supreme Court of Virginia. This is the highest court in the state. She started her term on October 21, 2011.

Justice Powell made history. She is the first African-American woman to serve on Virginia's top court. She is also the fifth woman ever to be a justice there.

Early Life and Education

Cleo Powell was born in Brunswick County, Virginia. She went to the University of Virginia. In 1979, she earned her first degree there. She then continued her studies at the University of Virginia School of Law. In 1982, she received her law degree, called a Juris Doctor.

A Career in Law

Cleo Powell has worked as a judge at every level in Virginia. She started as a General District Court Judge. She served in Chesterfield, Virginia and Colonial Heights, Virginia. This was from 1993 to 2000.

After that, she became a Circuit Court Judge. She worked in the same areas from 2000 to 2008. Then, she moved up to the Court of Appeals of Virginia. She served there from 2008 until 2011. Finally, she became a justice on the Supreme Court of Virginia in 2011.

A Historic Judge

In 2013, Cleo Powell received a special honor. The Library of Virginia recognized her. She was named one of "Virginia Women in History". This award celebrates women who have made big contributions to Virginia. Her career shows how hard work can lead to great achievements.

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