Saleem Abdullah-Lateef

Saleem was born January 6, 1943, as James Herman Hill in Marshall, TX, to the union of Bennie Lee and Sam Hill. He was the eldest of five children.

Saleem graduated from Marshall High School. In 1965, Saleem moved to Muskegon, MI, to accept employment at Lackeys Foundry. Later, in 1969, Saleem refused to be drafted into the Army, and consequently, he was assigned to work at Kent Community Hospital. In 1972, Saleem married Renee Armstrong. Although the marriage dissolved in 1990, they raised five children together.  

Saleem found solace in the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and joined the Nation of Islam. The knowledge of self-convinced him to change his name to Saleem Abdullah-Lateef legally.

Saleem was employed with the Forest Hills Public School system as a Janitorial Custodian. The latter 30 years of Saleem's career were spent in the construction industry, working first with Diversco Construction and later with Lodestar Construction. In 2004, Saleem had a Massive heart attack and was forced into retirement. However, that didn't stop him from giving life his all; he found something to occupy his time and chose to be a crossing guard for Muskegon  Heights Public Schools.

In 2012, Cupid shot his arrow once again, and Saleem was smitten and married Ms. Burnetta Carter.  She passed away in 2013. In 2017, he relocated to Grand Rapids, MI, to be near his children. Later that year, Saleem suffered a debilitating stroke. Subsequent strokes rendered Saleem partially paralyzed. Although his body was unable, his mind was clear, and he shared laughter and wisdom with his children and grandchildren for the remainder of his time on earth.

Saleem loved the musical sounds of  Brook Benton, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke, but his favorite was Ray Charles.  He enjoyed watching Old Westerns on TV. He was an avid CB radio user, and his handles were "Overseer" and "Inspector 12."

Saleem was preceded in death by his Wife, Burnetta Lateef, Father, Sam Hill, his mother, Bennie Lee Hill, and His sister, Betty Hill.

To share his memories are his only son, Naeem Abdullah-Lateef, His four daughters: Jolonda Moore, Shyceka Armstrong, Kenya Abdullah-Lateef, and Alese Abdullah-Lateef, all of Grand Rapids. Brothers John Hill of Muskegon, MI, and Tommy Hill of Marshall, TX, his sister Marvelanne (Gene) Davis of Dallas, TX. 6 grandchildren: Benjamin Armstrong, Tamecia Armstrong, Tre’ Von Armstrong, Anthony Dye Jr., Jacarri Collins, and Emaya Abdullah-Lateef, 10 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family of Saleem Abdullah-Lateef would like to express their sincere gratitude to Kris Kotman for your kindness and loving care for our father. We also extend our appreciation to all who shared their condolences. Thank you for your presence and the many acts of kindness you have shown during our time of sorrow. Special thanks to Crystal Funeral Service for their compassion and care.