David Jonathan Powell's Obituary
In Loving Memory of David Jonathan Powell
With profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of David Jonathan Powell, an extraordinary soul whose brilliant mind, adventurous spirit, and loving heart touched countless lives. David was a remarkable young man who lived with boundless passion and inspiring courage, always seeking new horizons while staying grounded in his deep devotion to family, friends, and his community. His infectious smile, genuine warmth, and incredible talents made him truly unforgettable to all who knew him.
A naturally gifted linguist, David achieved native fluency in Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Korean, mastering over 5,000 characters across these writing systems — completely self taught. His academic excellence was recognized through prestigious honors including the Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship Foundation Award, Tortuga Backpack Scholarship, and Asperger's Scholarship for Study Abroad. A proud graduate of Miami Palmetto Senior High School, he went on to earn his Associate of Arts in General Foreign Languages from Miami-Dade College and Bachelor's Degree in Asian Studies from Florida International University, culminating in a transformative summer intensive language program at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, where he lived for six weeks. David’s dedication to community service shone through his role as an AIESEC International Student Mentor.
David's professional journey reflected his gift for connecting cultures and building friendships across borders. As an educator, translator, and tutor, he found great joy in forming bonds with pen pals from around the world. His natural musical talents were equally remarkable – blessed with a soulful singing voice and the ability to play piano by ear. David's appreciation for Asian culture extended beyond languages to encompass cinema, documentaries, and the arts.
Above all, David cherished time with his family, both near and far, taking immense pride in being part of an extended family that stretched across generations. Predeceased by his devoted grandparents Leslie and Cecelia Hunter, David is survived by his mother Charmaine Powell, father Berthon Powell, sister Alysia (Powell) Nicely, brother-in-law Jacques Nicely, nephew Jameson, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who cherished him deeply.
David's light will continue to shine brightly through the countless lives he touched with his kindness, passion for learning, and the beautiful way he shared his gifts with the world. His extraordinary spirit, remarkable achievements, and the depth of his love for others made him truly one of a kind. He will be forever missed, deeply loved, and always remembered.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday November 9th, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church, in the Davis Chapel, located at 14401 Old Cutler Rd. Miami, FL 33158.
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