Alkhabeer Idris Qadeem

SPRINGFIELD - Al-Khabeer Idris Qadeem, 78, of Springfield, IL, passed away on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, at his residence in Springfield, IL surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Qadeem was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on October 31,1946, the son of Mary Ann Louise Harris and Mose Lee Harris. He was a resident of Springfield, Illinois for most of his life. Idris married Elaine Sadieka Qadeem on May 6,1972 and is survived by her, his children Mark Harris, Floyd King, Aisha Qadeem, Ayanna Qadeem, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, his brother Ralph Harris (Zettie), sister Ora Ann Micks (Earl), nieces and nephews.
Idris was a visual artist, musician, martial artist, world traveler, philanthropist and entrepreneur. During his high school years at Lanphier High School he was a drummer for the Jive Kings jazz band. Qadeem attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he was the drummer for The Tammi People and legend has it that they once opened for Parliament Funkadelic. He was also a temporary drummer for the jazz fusion band Coal Kitchen. As an undergraduate, Qadeem developed his artistic abilities while studying art, graphic design, and communications, and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After graduation he moved back to Springfield, IL where he continued his graduate studies in filmmaking and earned a Masters of Arts from Sangamon State University.
He worked for the State of Illinois, Department of Rehab Services, Division of Disability Determinations Services for 28 years. Idris started as a Social Services Career Trainee in June of 1974 and was promoted to a DCA I in March of 1975 and then to a DCA Il in September of 1979. Idris was promoted to a Disability Claims Specialist in October of 1986 where he worked until he retired in December of 2002.
As an avid reader and researcher, Qadeem founded The Center Bookstore and Research Facility, an African-centered bookstore that specialized in Afrocentric books and imported African products. He was a book vendor at cultural fairs and hosted lectures and free Sunday dinners at his bookstore for several years.
In his younger years, he enjoyed camping, working with his hands, drumming, playing flute and making art. He practiced martial arts and earned his brown belt Aiki-Jut-Jutsu. He was a self-taught carpenter and electrician. As a philanthropist, Idris anonymously donated to many causes.
Qadeem was a dedicated founding member of the Islamic Society of Greater Springfield which thrives today. His janazah was performed on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Islamic Society of Greater Springfield masjid. He was laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for the caring support they provided for Idris. Memorial contributions may be made to the Garvey Tubman Cultural Arts & Research Center.
Gtcarc75@gmail.com garveytubman.com
To Allah we Belong and to Allah we Return.