Don Albert Straughter Sr. Minister Don Muhammad

Don Albert Straughter, Sr. passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024. He was 87 years old. Don was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and member of the Boston community. His life impacted people of all ages, races, religions, and cultures for over 70 years. Don and his beloved wife Shirley shared 65 earthly years together, and now he has returned to her in peace.
Don was born in Beckley, West Virginia on March 27, 1937, to James and Sarah Straughter and was their tenth child. Don was an athlete from early childhood - playing football and scoring touchdowns on Friday nights, and a star pitcher who was recruited by Tom Yawkey and the Boston Red Sox.
At 17, Don moved to Boston where he worked with his older brother Justice in dry-cleaning. Shortly after, Don met the love of his life Shirley Upshaw originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia and married her within the year.
Shirley and Don began a dry-cleaning business in 1955. As the business grew, they expanded into flooring installation and worked throughout New England and Illinois. From their union they were blessed with five children. Yvette Muhammad is the eldest child and followed in the footsteps of her parents in the Mosque. Cheryl Straughter opened several restaurants – inspired by her mother's love of cooking and fond memories of her father making cinnamon apples on holidays. Don Straughter, Jr. followed in his father's footsteps eventually taking over the family business. Shirley Straughter-Carrington became a nurse and has been healing people for over two decades. Brian Straughter inherited his father's work ethic and often recalls his father telling him to, "never let someone work harder than you".
In addition to Don's five children, he was blessed with 20 amazing grandchildren and 11 wonderful great-grandchildren. Don was extremely proud of the accomplishments of his grand and great-grandchildren who now live across the U.S. working and studying in a variety of fields.
Don and Shirley began hearing about the teachings of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad from local representative Louis X (who later became Louis Farrakhan). They became known in the Nation of Islam as "the power couple", growing and developing as leaders together. Don Straughter became Don Muhammad and Shirley Straughter became Sister Captain Shirley.
Don was appointed as the minister of Muhammad Mosque #11. Don taught throughout North America and Europe, never missing an opportunity to bridge the gaps between the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities. He often worked with the Boston City Council, Governors, Mayors, and Police Chiefs of Boston, Los Angeles, New York City and Philadelphia. In his over 70 years of service to his community, he worked to quell gang violence, foster prisoner rehabilitation, empower his people, and ultimately, leave the world as a better place.
Don often attended the sporting events of his children and grandchildren proudly wearing his "Coach Don" jacket and "The Don" shirt. Whether on the playing field or at the rostrum, Don
commanded excellence, determination, grit, and sacrifice - all which make us stronger individually and collectively.
Don is predeceased by his adoring wife Shirely, his parents James and Sarah, his brothers Justice Muhammad, Warren C. Straughter, James A. Straughter, sisters Marvel Abayomi-Cole, Quantina Peck, Orphus Taylor, Barbara Tollerson, Audrey Straughter, Melisa Straughter, Gladys Straughter and his grandson Jake Straughter.
Don is survived by his five children Yvette Muhammad, Cheryl Straughter (Nancy), Don Straughter Jr. (Sharon), Shirley Straughter Carrington (John), and Brian Straughter (Heather). He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A wake will be held on December 20, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Morning Star Baptist Church, 1257 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA with a memorial service to follow at 6:00 PM.
The Straughter Family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Don's name to one of the following organizations:
Good Shepherd Community Care. We are appreciative of their hospice services for our father in his final days. https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate
Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz.org/Donate
No Books No Ball Basketball Program https://www.nobooksnoball.com/donate
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to the family, please visit our floral store.