Halimah Shakirah El-Amin was born February 28, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois to Zakiyyah and Tariq El-Amin. The youngest of 5 children, she was affectionately known to her friends and family as “Lima.” Halimah attended Hyde Park Career Academy where she was a cheerleader and participated in drama club and choir. Earning an academic scholarship she went on to attend the HBCU, Florida Memorial College. There, she majored in business with a concentration in marketing. While there, she also pledged Sigma Gamma Rho, making many lifelong friends whom she loved dearly. Halimah enjoyed college life, but when her father suffered a stroke, she returned home to Chicago without hesitation to help care for him.  

In 2007, Halimah married Jehreal Webster. Through this union, they were blessed with two beautiful children, Jahnahn and Jehreal, Jr. As a devoted mother, she home-schooled her children for 10 years. The value of that education was clear upon her children’s entry into the public school system where they were placed in advanced classes. Halimah took great pride in the accomplishments of her children, and while she and Jahreal separated and later divorced in March of 2021, they both remained committed to their children.

Halimah’s skill set allowed her to work in a variety of industries throughout her working life, while also pursuing her passion for singing, cooking, and performing arts. Halimah was able to combine her penchant for business and community stewardship during her time with Muhammad Development Corporation. It is during this time she received a cancer diagnosis. This news did not deter her from using her creative spirit and entrepreneurial drive to start two businesses, Beautiful Blossoms by Kira and Kira’s Catering. Halimah had a beautiful singing voice and performed at a number of festivals and open-mic events. She was a member of the SUN Adult Theater Ensemble and performed in many stage productions. She also performed as one-third of the SUN Puppet Theater, bringing the beloved puppet, Aaliyah, to life.   

Volunteerism and service were central to who Halimah was as a person. She invested her time, energy, and love in spaces where she would be able to help others. She was a member of Masjid Al-Taqwa, serving on the board of directors as secretary for several years. She brought her infectious energy and light to her volunteerism with Bridging the Gap, Sisters Working It Out (SWIO), and various other organizations. 

Halimah was a beautiful person who made a positive impact on just about everyone she met. She transitioned from this life on December 28, 2021, after a courageous 2 ½ year battle with cancer. Those who knew her, knew she was a fearless, loving, and devoted Muslim, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her two children, Jahnahn (14) and Jehreal “Junie” (13) were the loves of her life. Her final months were spent living life to her fullest capacity and surrounding herself with those who covered her with love. Halimah wanted to live her “best life.”

She is preceded in death by her father, Tariq H. El-Amin (2012). She leaves to celebrate her memory, her children Jahnahn (14) and Jehreal "Junie" (13), her mother Zakiyyah (Roosevelt), 5 siblings: Donna, Tariq (Aisha), Hakimah (Vell), Ayesha (Zakee), Khadijah (Chad), a host of nieces and nephews (Zakiyyah, Zahirrah, Zarifah, Jaleel, Naimah, Yaminah, Nazeeh, Na'ilah, Chad, Anwar, Jennah, Kamren...), and a host of extended family members, sorority sisters, and very close friends.

She was a bright light and she will be missed.

“You can’t care about what people think, but you should care about people.” 

 Halimah Shakirah El-Amin