Muhammad Ali, a Poughkeepsie, NY resident since 1986, died peacefully at home on Thursday, October 26, 2023. He was 75.
Muhammad was born in Jamaica on August 26, 1948, son of the late James Powell and Ella Henry. After moving to the United States, he began working for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, where he served as a Youth Division Aide. He retired in 2021 after nearly 30 years of service.
Muhammad dedicated his life to the Islamic faith. He was a longtime dedicated member of Masjid Al-Noor in Wappingers Falls. He ran youth studies groups and volunteered for the Highland Residential Center in order to educate countless individuals regarding Islam. He also studied the religion vigorously, researching all related theology, geography, and literature. In addition to his religious practice, Muhammad was an avid reader who kept up with current affairs, news, and politics.
On January 18, 1980, he married Marcia N. (Ford) Ali in Jamaica. Marcia survives at home in Poughkeepsie.
Additional survivors include his two sons, Jamal Ali and Abdul-Kareem Ali; his daughter, Sumayyah Ali; two sisters, Joyce McDonald and Daisy Seivewright; as well as many other relatives & friends.
Muhammad was predeceased by his parents and eight other siblings.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 27 at Masjid Al-Noor, 125 All Angels Hill Road, Wappingers Falls, NY. Burial will follow at Noor Mid-Hudson Islamic Cemetery, 83 Pleasant Hill Road, New Windsor, NY.
Arrangements are under the direction of McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. For livestream access and online condolences, you can visit Muhammad's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.