Dr. Abdul W. Hakeem, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the Greensboro community, passed away on April 12, 2023, at the age of 81. Born on October 14, 1941, in Pollocksville, NC. Dr. Hakeem was the 6th of 7 children of Andrew and Ethel Harris. At a young age, he joined the Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Trenton, NC.
Dr. Hakeem enjoyed studying and was a lifelong learner. Overall, he received more than 23 degrees, certificates, and awards in his many years of practice. He graduated from Jones High School in 1959. He did his undergraduate studies at North Carolina A&T State University and received a degree in Business Administration. He completed graduate work at New York University. He obtained a Master in Human Biology from Colombia and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry from Hannings University. He reviewed a Doctor degree in Ayurvedic Science, and a Naturopathy Science degree from American College of Naturopathy. He was acknowledged by the National Registry of Who's Who as an expert in Natural Health Science. Dr. Hakeem was a researcher, lecturer, educator, whole life and fitness coach. Additionally, he is the author of the published book "Steps To Take Before Starting A Weight-loss Program." Throughout his life, Dr. Hakeem remained deeply concerned about his family's health and was lovingly known as the family's doctor. He would always send family members and friends, near and far, vitamins, medical articles and other helpful information for any ailment they were experiencing.
While Living in New York City, Dr. Hakeem successfully pursued his interests in real estate and became President of Harris, Carter & Finch Real Estate Company. He loved traveling, photography and cars, which in his later years led him to a side gig working at the Greensboro Auto Auction.
Dr. Hakeem leaves to cherish his memory, a beloved wife, Cynthia Davis of Greensboro, his tow Children Mechell Harris, Journonya Davis (Kenneth E. Davis) and grandson Jabari Harris. He is also survived by his siblings Ethel Louise Simmons (Randolph Simmons), Mamie Doris Nicholson (Jack Nicholson), Kitty Doretha Koonce (Johnny Koonce), James Creigh Harris (Charlotte Harris), Queen Ester Nicholson (Dennis Nicholson), and Daniel Earl Harris (Pat Harris) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, co-workers and friends.
Dr. Hakeem will always be remembered for his calm, peaceful, compassionate spirit and was known for being a wise counsel. He was an inspiration to many, and he leaves behind a legacy of promoting well-being and advocating for a holistic health will continue to impact the lives of those he touched for years to come. Dr. Abdul W. Hakeem will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his loved ones and everyone in the community who knew him.
A service honoring Dr. Abdul-Hakeem's life will be held Monday, April 24, 2023 at 2pm in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel of Perry J. Brown Funeral Home; 909 E. Market Street Greensboro, North Carolina 27401.
A live stream of the service can be accessed by visiting perryjbrownfuneralhome.com and clicking the "Live Stream" Tab.
Praying for you always Michelle. I Love you Aunt Queen
I remember Abdul as a kind and peaceful person. When Abdul (Loris, then) and I were kids, I had the natural inclination to throw things (rocks, walnuts, sticks) at him. (Maybe I should have tried to become a baseball pitcher) He was four years older than me and could have easily retaliated or beat me up, but did not. He would tell Mother, and I would end up in BIG TROUBLE when Daddy came home. Abdul was always eager to share information with individuals who were experiencing health problems. When I had colon cancer in 2008, he gave me advice and medications that helped me tremendously to recover. In the resurrection (Job 14:14,15; John 11:24; Acts 24:15) I hope to see Abdul and thank him again for his help, and probably thank him for not beating me up when I was a kid! - Earl Harris
Mechell, I love you cousin and pray that God provide you a supernatural kind of peace for this journey. My mind goes to one of our grandmother's favorite hymns "May the work I've done, Speak for me!" Your father, my uncle leaves an incredible legacy of strength, tenacious life long learner of truth, care and diligent, thoughtful service. We will miss him dearly and will see him again. My prayer is that you and Ms Cynthia continue to hold on to what God has promised us. I love you. Bernadette
Dear Mechell, Sending our love your way at this time of sorrow. You are in our prayers. We will miss him too. We know know your father is still watching over you. Love Rone & Karen
Abdul is truly going to be missed from the day we met he became a great friend keeping the family lifted up praying for strength and comfort
Michelle, I will keep you in my prayers as you lay your father to rest. Uncle Abdul you will be greatly missed.... Love always❤️ Yvette
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