Bahiyyah Abdullah

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem

In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

SALATUL JANAZAH

Friday, October 24, 2025

Obituary

Bahiyyah Abdullah was born Wanda Boone to William Boone Sr. and Annie Louise Peterson-Simmons in Philadelphia, PA, on July 7, 1955. She is the beloved sister of William Boone Jr., Kevin Boone, and the late Barbara Boone, and the cherished stepdaughter of Lucille Boone. Affectionately known as "Ummi," she is the devoted mother of Sajdah Abdullah-Muhammad, Ibrahim Abdullah, and Muhammad Abdullah; Aunt of Justin Boone. Mother-in-law to Todd Muhammad, Nagina Abdullah, and Lisa Abdullah. She is also the proud grandmother of seven: Yasmeen Muhammad, Todd Ibn Muhammad, Taj Abdullah, Aliyah Abdullah, Isaiah Abdullah, Layla Abdullah, and Maya Abdullah.

Bahiyyah spent her early years in Clinton, North Carolina, where she was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Willie and Annie Mae Bronson. During that time, she shared many cherished childhood memories with her cousins, Beverly Peterson-Watson and Walter Peterson.

In 1967, Bahiyyah relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey, where she lived with her mother and continued to create lasting memories with her cousins, Beverly Peterson-Watson, Walter Peterson, and Gary Peterson. She attended P.S. 34 and later graduated from Henry Snyder High School in 1973.

While in high school, Bahiyyah was an honor student and a proud member of the National Honor Society. She displayed her athleticism as a member of the girls' basketball team, showcased her creativity as part of the school newspaper staff, and brought energy and school spirit as a member of the Strutter dance team. Bahiyyah was known for her leadership, intelligence, and vibrant personality, leaving a lasting impression on her classmates and teachers alike. After graduation, she attended Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University) and earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice.

While in college, Bahiyyah embraced Islam and devoted herself to the Islamic faith. She later united in marriage with Ibrahim Saleem Abdullah on August 31, 1975. After residing in Jersey City for a short time, the couple moved with their young family Sajdah and Ibrahim to Barnegat, New Jersey, where they purchased their family home in 1979 and later welcomed their youngest son, Muhammad. Together, Bahiyyah and her beloved husband built a lifetime grounded in love, faith, family, and community, remaining devoted to one another until Ibrahim's passing. Bahiyyah continued to live in Barnegat, surrounded by family and friends, until her passing.

Bahiyyah will be lovingly remembered by countless family, friends, and community members who were inspired by her compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication to others.

Life of Service and Leadership

Bahiyyah Abdullah dedicated 33 years of her life to empowering young women through her work with the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, where she served as Chief Mission Officer. Her journey with Girl Scouting began as a volunteer and grew into a lifelong mission of service, leadership, and advocacy.

Her influence touched hundreds if not thousands of girls and women across Monmouth and Ocean Counties, inspiring them to live with courage, confidence, and character.

In 2016, Bahiyyah was honored as the Women's Advocate of the Year by the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women, recognizing her decades of commitment to the advancement of women and her tireless service as a community leader.

Beyond her remarkable work with the Girl Scouts, Bahiyyah was a steadfast advocate for civil rights, children, and the arts and humanities. She served in numerous leadership roles across local, state, and national organizations, including:

President, Toms River Area Branch of the NAACP

Commissioner, New Jersey State Martin Luther King Jr. Commission

Vice Chair, Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission

Immediate Past President, North Jersey Shore Chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc.

President, New Jersey Circle-Lets, Inc.

Associate and Lifetime Member, Jersey Shore Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Chartering Member of Jersey Shore Chapter of the Links Incorporated

She also served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ocean County and the Central Regional Network Committee of the American Conference on Diversity.

Her life of purpose earned her countless awards and honors, including:

Barnegat Township Volunteer of the Year Award

Humanitarian Award, National Conference of Community Justice (NCCJ)

Constance K. Weaver Award, United Way of Ocean County

Whitney M. Young Award, Jersey Shore Boy Scout Council

President's Award, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore

President's Award, New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP

Community Service Award, Toms River NAACP

Outstanding Women's History Award, Ocean County/Lakewood NAACP

Woman of Distinction Award, Girl Scouts

She was also recognized by Alliance for Women in History, Women of Purpose, Inc., and the Ocean County(Jersey Shore) Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and was inducted into the 2009 Ocean County Women's Hall of Fame by Soroptimist International of Toms River.

Bahiyyah once shared that her humanitarian drive stemmed from gratitude and a deep belief in service, stating, "We all have an obligation to give back