Saleema C. Karim-Bey

Saleema C Karim-Bey (Russell) was born August 21, 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware to Clara Eliza Walls Russell Thompson and John William Russell. She was also known as Shemie. Saleema departed this life, suddenly on June 9, 2023.

Saleema received her early education through Delaware's public education system where she graduated from Wilmington High School in 1965.  Saleema went on to attend Hampton University, in Hampton, VA. During her junior year, she fell in love, eloped, hitchhiked home to break the news to her parents and started a new adventure. In 1969, Saleema earned her degree in Elementary Education, with Honors from Hampton University.

Upon graduation, she moved to Springfield, MA to start life as a young wife and begin her teaching career. In 1970, Saleema gave birth to her oldest son Rashid.

In 1972, Saleema moved home to Wilmington.  With a small son in tow and the support of her family, she continued building her teaching career.

Being a super educator, she so graciously agreed to help her baby sister complete a 7th grade Health project, displaying and explaining different drug types. On a cold, rainy night, we knocked on the door of Black Men Development Center (BMDC). Wow, Colonel Oba and Major Jalal provided all the materials needed to complete the project and receive an “A”.  Wait that is not all that was secured that night, Jalal got her number.

Saleema and Jalal began to build on their family with 3 sons and 1 daughter, Jalal Muhammad (1975), Mustafa (1976), Zayid (1978) and Mecca (1979). Jalal also had a daughter, Shahidah (1972) from a previous relationship.  This blending made them a family of 8 strong!  In 1978, Saleema and Jalal officially married.

She had a passion for teaching which never wavered.  You could expect an impromptu spelling bee, storytelling, puzzle building, finger painting, story writing or reading, on any given day at Saleema’s house. Saleema’s teaching career flourished in the Wilmington Public school system.  Saleema was awarded “Teacher of The Year” in recognition of her outstanding work and student impact.  She was highly respected by her peers, administrators and parents. She was a spectacular Elementary School teacher for 15+ years until retiring from Highlands Elementary School, due to health issues.

Saleema was the original “Fanatic”, apart from a few, there wasn’t a sport that she didn’t watch.  She watched each game or match with such enthusiasm and refused to be interrupted. No calls, no visitors and no conversation could be had when she was watching “her” sports.  She loved the Eagles, Serena Williams, Roger Federer and anything that consisted of hitting, bouncing, throwing or swatting a ball. She was an avid sports FAN. After retirement, she also developed a passion for word puzzles and game shows to keep her mind sharp. She enjoyed music, gospels and oldies.  She had a fixation on Babyface’s Whip Appeal, which she played often in the kitchen while cooking.  Of all her passions, Saleema enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.  She developed a unique relationship with each of her grandkids because her grandchildren were her greatest joy.   It was imperative that each one of them understood the special place that they held in her heart.

Saleema was a strong individual, who had a GENEROUS heart. She would take her last, and sometimes go without, to ensure that the family had what they needed. Saleema was loved by so many, and we know that she will forever have a place in the hearts of those who knew her.

Saleema was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Eliza Walls Russell Thompson, father, John William Russell & sister Rhonda Russell. She leaves to cherish her memories Abdul Jalal Karim-Bey(husband), Rashid Karim-Bey (Tracey) Jalal Muhammad Karim- Bey, Mustafa Karim-Bey (Peaches), Zayid Karim-Bey (Alicia) and Mecca Karim-Bey. Seven (7) grandchildren, Rashid, Khai, Jabril, Alim, Aaliyah, Sadiq & Xolani, three sisters Theodosia Armstrong (John), Raylyne Shaw (Gregory), Rosalyn Moorer-Daley (Cedric), brother John Young (Aletha) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and devoted friends.

In loving memory of Saleema C Karim-Bey (Russell), donations can be made, in her honor, to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, https://engage.mymsaa.org .

Memorial service will be held on Friday June 23, 2023 at 11 am. The service will be held at Mother UAME Church. 701 E. 5th St. Wilmington, DE 19801