Ummil Khair Mohammed

Shirley Baker (Shirlene) aka Sister Ummil Khair Mohammed was born August 16, 1943 and transitioned from this life September 15, 2020. Sis. Ummil was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where she attended school and was a strong leader of her class. During her college years, she became a member of the Civil Rights Movement. She also joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) working with members such as Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture), the Rev. James Bevel and others. She boldly sat-in at Woodworths Dept. Store to achieve equality. She loved African Americans and worked on their behalf.

Sis. Ummil later became a member of the Nation of Islam, under the leadership of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, where she served as Assistant Principal and Principal of Muhammad University of Islam (MUOI) in New York City Mosque #7.

Having traveled to many cities, states and the Caribbean Islands, Sis. Ummil returned to Pine Bluff to receive her Masters of Education degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. In 1971, she also assisted in rearing her six (6) sisters in Pine Bluff.

She was always dignified and knowledgeable about life's journey which she openly shared with anyone who wanted to hear.

Sis. Ummil is predeceased by her father, Mr. Baker, her mother, Ms. Ruby Lee Walker and her adopted mother, Ms. Baker. She is survived by a daughter, Etta Mothershed, a grandson, Chad Mothershed.

She is also survived by her six (6) sister: Ruffina Jackson, Marrietta, California; Rosemary Watson, Inglewood, California; Sheila Mixon, Arlington, Texas; Linda Jackson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Edna Lindsey (Gary), Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Angela Criss (Steve), Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Her special nephew Stevon was very helpful to her as they became exceedingly close.

Sis. Ummil is lovingly remembered by her extended family and friends: Bro. Bilal, godson, Bro. Hamzuh, who referred to her as Grand Grand, Sis. Helen Hasan, Sis. Alberta, Sis. Latifah, Sis. Phyllis, Sis. Attorney Jamilah, Sis. Glorious, her all the time...laughing together friend and many others who were involved in her life.

She will be deeply missed by all.

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