Samirah Lynne Powell

Samirah Lynne “Reese” Powell was born on September 14, 2006, in Cheverly, Maryland. From the very beginning, she was a radiant light whose warmth, kindness, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. In her 19 remarkable years, Samirah lived with a love, strength, and compassion far beyond her years, bringing joy, laughter, and comfort to her family, friends, and community.

From elementary through middle school, she consistently made the honor roll, and in high school she proudly became a member of the National Honor Society. She enjoyed helping others as a math tutor and volunteering her time reading with kindergarten students. Samirah was active in the Marine Corps ROTC and Color Guard, played on her high school volleyball team, and competed with Volleyball Dynamix, always demonstrating leadership, discipline, and a heart for service.

After graduating from Culpeper County High School, she took time to explore her future while continuing to serve others. She worked as a counselor supporting children with autism through Compass Nova, served as a Team Lead at Panera, and later worked as an Activities Assistant at Culpeper Health and Rehabilitation, where her joyful spirit brightened many days. Samirah loved car shows and had a talent for working on cars; at just 18 she proudly changed her own head gasket. She also loved the beach and traveling with friends, creating memories filled with laughter and adventure.

In September 2025, Samirah pursued her passion for caring for others by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. After completing her training, she began working at Dogwood Village of Orange County, where she continued to show her kindness and dedication to those in her care. She leaves to cherish her memory her parents, Brian Keith Powell and Rachel Leigh Smith; bonus mom, Nanette Mejias; her sisters, Nya Powell, Maliya Powell, Brianna Powell, and Nadelyn Bozman; her grandparents, Carolyn Birch, Bob Birch, Rosa and Artis Montgomery; her aunts and uncles, Rebecca Smith (Michael), Katrina Montgomery (Greg), Adrian Bennett (Sonnie), Jeffery Albritton, Jr., Eric Montgomery (Amanda), and Cordale Montgomery; her treasured friends, Tyler Hughes Brekley, Hailey Metzger and Bryanna Tyler; and many extended family members and friends. Samirah’s legacy lives on in the hearts she touched, the smiles she inspired, and the love she shared so freely.