Shaka A. Muhammed (a.k.a John A. Crockett Jr) was born August 10, 1955, to the late John & Annie Mae Crockett in Washington, DC. He was preceded in death by his sons John Crockett III, Delonte King, and two brothers, Andre Millings & Michael Crockett.
Shaka (Johnny) attended Ballou High School located in Washington DC, where he received his High School Diploma. Shaka's educational journey didn’t stop there. He received his Masters in Computer Science Technology and his Doctorates in Theology.
Shaka joined the United States Marines Corp in 1972 where he served 11 years. During his time in the US Marines Corp, he was stationed in multiple locations including Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, and Okinawa, Japan. After being honorably discharged, Shaka worked in the fields of Computer Science and Technology and Personal Insurance Field throughout the DMV area and other states. Some of his biggest accomplishments were working personal security for DC Mayor Marion Berry and being instrumental in the building of both Washington Children’s National Hospital and the World Bank in Washington DC computer infrastructures.
Shaka (Johnny) attended Union Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Willie F. Wilson. Shaka was part of the Men’s Choir and was a member of the Tribe of Umoja.
He married the love of his life, Tabitha M. King on August 8, 1998. They were happily married for 25 years. Everyone who knew them, knew that their love was unique, unconditional, undeniable, and rock solid.
Shaka was a diehard Washington Redskins (Commanders) fan. He loved singing, cooking, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family and he absolutely loved spending time with his wife. They were inseparable and he treated her like a queen. He was known for his bright personality, deep conversations, and many life lessons. We will all remember him as a humble, supportive, caring, respectful, wise, and most of all his love and encouraging words. He will be surely missed by many.
Shaka A. Muhammed leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Tabitha Muhammed; his sons Steven Crockett & Carl Crockett; his daughters Yashica Johnson & Christine Hawkins; his sister Ellen Carter; his brother Ricky Crockett; grandchildren Deronn, Carl, Johnice, Steve, Ronald, Lakeisha, Anautica, Maxon, and Nasir; 5 great grandchildren; extended family Keith, Micheal and Toni Taylor; two best friends Carl Murphy & Victoria Rutherford and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral will be held 12:00 pm Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Victoria Rutherford planted 5 trees in memory of Shaka Abdul Muhammed . - October 08, 2023
To know Shaka was to absolutely, unequivocally love him. He was very loquacious but he had a friend in me, who was just as - and I'm sure Tabitha knew her husband knew no strangers and all of his female friends were sistahs. My bruvvah from the DMV is gone y'all and I can tell you, it is rare to find a real MAN, a real HUSBAND, a REAL father like Shaka. I met him at AARP as Johnny and I remember when he changed his name. I can see the ankh around his neck. I can remember how passionate he was about the name change. I remember visiting Union Temple and seeing the mural of all of the black leaders and how inspired I was that he had found a church home that identified and personified his character. I remember me, him, and Shawna were together were together when the OJ verdict was read. We learned how to shout and scream without a sound.
I can go on and on because after over 40 years of pure friendship, I've never been so impressed with him for relocating to NC to peace and serenity. He often bragged about how quiet it was and I promised to him and "Tab" that I was coming to see the house, the garden, the land, and the tractor - riding lawnmower y'all. This Bama was now a country boy! My Gawd as the tears flow, the calls I will miss. The bass in his voice saying my name - scolding me for not calling him back or not calling at all. Just a spoiled man child! Call me back - and the for hours - we'd laugh about the news of the day and most recently the Montgomery brawl, where we exchanged videos and videos and screamed so loud. I said I am going to sell tee shirts with a folding chair on it. He and Tab were the first to order! Lol. Crying and laughing at the same time right now. I couldn't and still have t figured out Shopify. Lol.
That call that day! Tab's voice and not his. I screamed and screamed embarrassingly but IYKTYK! My buddy, my colleague, my brother, my friend is gone! I will see him again on the other side. Singing: Thank you for being a friend. Traveled round the world and back again. Your heart is pure. You're a pal and confidant. And if you threw a party, invited everyone you knew. You would see the biggest gift would be from me and card attached would say, thank you for being a friend. Sorry I could not be there today for his send off, but I will see him again. So long.
Tab - my heart is broken...I'm speechless. Shaka was my dearest friend and the godfather of my daughter, Logan. We shared so many memories over the years and I cannot believe my friend is gone but, I can still hear his pure bass voice. I'm going to miss my friend and the many times we talked on the phone about our military career. To you, Tab, I'm so very sorry for your loss - Shaka loved you immensely! Please know that we am here for you. The tears are still flowing... Love, Vikki and family
To Tabitha and the family. May God comfort you during this period and you find the peace that passes all understanding. Shaka has been a part of our family forever. I still remember when he knocked the air out of my lungs playing football at Bald Eagle Recreation Center. He was the reason I switched to baseball. Tony Murphy (Carl Murphy brother)
Tabitha and family, we love you and as always are keeping you in our hearts and prayers. Aunt Lucille and Family.
Dearest Tabitha,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. May Shaka rest in heavenly peace.
Sharon King-Long
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.