Our Staff

Leslie W. Powell III was born and raised in South Boston, VA. He attended local schools and graduated from Halifax County Sr. High School in 1974. He then attended Wake Forest University and graduated in 1978 with a BS Degree in Mathematics. In 1983, he attended Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and obtained his Associate Degree in Mortuary Science and then returned home to practice as a 3rd generation funeral director.

Leslie is married to Paige Wilkins Powell and they have three children, Kelly Gravitt Payne, Leslie W. Powell IV, and Raleigh W. Powell and three grandchildren.

Leslie currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association and also Secretary/Treasurer of the Southside Virginia Funeral Directors Association. He was President of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association in 2002-2003. He also served on the Policy Board of the National Funeral Directors Association from 2013 until 2018. He also serves as Treasurer of Destination Downtown South Boston.

Leslie is a member of First Presbyterian Church in South Boston where he has served as a Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School Teacher.

Leslie is currently Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 496. He has previously served as Scout Master for Troop 497, served as  Assistant District Commissioner for the Dan River District, Blue Ridge Mountains Council, and served as Committee Chairman for the Dan River District for two years.

Leslie served as President of the South Boston-Halifax County YMCA, was a former coach and board member of the South Boston Dixie Youth Baseball League, was a former referee with the AYSO soccer association, and was a former President of the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce.

Leslie and Paige enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. They also enjoy traveling to different parts of the country they have not seen, and also enjoy a few European adventures. Leslie also enjoys golf and hiking.

Robert Powell is a native of Halifax County, Virginia. He graduated from Halifax County Senior High School in 1980 and went on to attend Virginia Tech where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In 1985, Robert received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Adminstration and Marketing from Longwood College. Upon graduation he worked in Virginia Beach, VA in sales for various government contractors, finally returning to South Boston, VA in 1993 in order to join the family business. He became fully licensed as a Funeral Director in 1997 and continues the legacy of his family, along with his brother, offering personal, caring, family-like service to those in the community in their greatest time of distress, heartache, and grief.

Robert is married to Suzie Rogers Powell and they have one son, Holt, who has recently become a licensed Funeral Director as well - helping to continue the family connection and making it a 4th generation family run business. He and his family own a horse farm in News Ferry and he enjoys hunting, fishing, and pretty much all outdoor activities. Robert is a member of Main Street Methodist Church where he has served on several committees throughout the years and is always ready to help when called upon. Beyond the church and within the community he has helped with many youth sporting programs all around Halifax County.

Holt Powell is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a diverse educational background. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Policy and Administration, earned in 2020 from James Madison University. His passion for serving others led him to pursue a specialized career in funeral services. In 2022, Holt completed his Funeral Services degree at John Tyler Community College, becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Holt's journey in the funeral industry is deeply rooted in family tradition, as he proudly represents the fourth generation of morticians. This legacy has instilled in him a profound commitment to providing solace and support to grieving families during their most challenging times. With a strong educational foundation and professional licensure, Holt Powell brings a unique blend of skills and empathy to his role as a funeral director. Beyond his career, Holt is a sports enthusiast who enjoys baseball, golf, and football. He is an avid hunter and relishes spending quality time outdoors, connecting with nature. These interests reflect his appreciation for life's beauty and the importance of cherishing every moment. Holt Powell finds great joy in his personal life, where he shares a strong and loving bond with his wife, Rachel Powell.  If you wish to reach out to Holt Powell for funeral services or professional inquiries, please contact him at 434-572-4911 or Holtpfh@gmail.com

Tommy M. Adams joined Powell Funeral in December of 2017. He received his Funeral Director/Embalmer License in 1989 from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, TX. and is currently licensed in Virginia and North Carolina. Tommy's compassion and dedication make him a great addition to the Powell Funeral Home family.

He and his wife Rebecca have enjoyed living in Southside Virginia for 36 years. They have three children and one grandson. In the past time they enjoy hiking and biking the local trails.

Beth Reese was born and raised in Halifax County and her heart has always been with helping those around her. She served the community as the Executive Director of the South Boston-Halifax County Museum for 13 years working closely with the members of the community, the leaders of the county, and many others who helped bring history alive in the exhibits during her time. She came to Powell Funeral Home with the hopes of walking with those in their time of loss and grief. She brings with her an attitude of doing for others exactly as she would expect done for her. Her ability to share the memories of a loved one's life in video, music, and print has been a huge asset to many people over the last eight years.

Beth lives in Nathalie with her husband and has two adult children. In her spare time, she loves to spend time outdoors and enjoying nature and watching the beauty of God's creation all around her. She also actively volunteers at her church in many capacities and with the Rosa Swimming Pool Association. 

Jane Womack is a Halifax County native. She came to Powell Funeral Home in 2015 as our Administrative Assistant. She brings with her a love of doing her job, of serving others, and being a calming presence when others need it most. She does a variety of jobs from handling phone calls, and filing the necessary paperwork for our clients, to dealing with the insurance companies freeing the family to deal with their grief in their time of loss.

Jane and her husband, Gary, have been married for 41 years and they both enjoy spending time at the beach, with each other, and attending their church.

Sandra was raised in Halifax County and has lived here all her life.  She has two children and three granddaughters.  She is active in her church, longstanding choir member, member of the Business Women's Association and participates with the "Ladies of Sunny View."

She has worked part-time at Powell Funeral Home since 2005.  Her philosophy is a funeral should be unique as  the life lived.  It is her belief that a life should be celebrated, honored and memorialized in the most personal way possible.  She believes in delivering exceptional service to our community and that is why she is here to help you and your family through one of the most difficult times of life. 

Mary Carol Crabtree has been a part of the Powell Funeral Home family since 2011. She is the mother of three children, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren! Mary Carol delights in cooking and baking and sharing her talents with as many people as she can. In the same way she shares her talents with others, she also shares in providing comfort, care, and concern for the clients of Powell Funeral Home. Especially in the times of grief and heartache, Mary Carol offers a peaceful and comforting presence. 

Denise Ferrell was born and raised in Halifax County and has always loved working with people. She taught elementary music for 42 years where she made many family connections through the students she taught. She comes to Powell Funeral Home as a familiar face and with a goal of continuing to help families. She brings a caring heart and a warm smile to families during this time of loss and grief. Her ability to connect with children will be an asset many people.

Denise lives in the Alton community with her husband, L.T. Ferrell, Jr. She has two married sons and two grandsons. In her spare time, she likes to read, camp, and travel. She is the Music Director at Main Street United Methodist Church where she works with the children and adult choirs.  She is very active on the local and state levels of of Delta Kappa Gamma