Minnie Catherine Hakeem

Minnie Catherine Hakeem was born Minnie Catherine Wilson on October 24, 1947 in Meridian, Mississippi. She was the 3rd of three children born to the union Lovie Bell and Arvell Wilson. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the family church, Greater Rose Hill M.B. in Union, Mississippi. Minnie, affectionately known as “Cat” or Cathy to her family and friends lived the first 13 years of her life in Mississippi with her 2nd mother & father, the Mattie and Hennon McDougle. Cat was their Only child until her cousins/brothers and sister Nancy, Larry, and Bobby were born. Cat moved to Detroit with her mother and step-father, Charles Bell and her two sisters around 1958. She started her education in the Meridian school district but completed it in Chicago and Detroit. Cat met and married the love of her life, Roger Arthur Hakeem Sr. in Lackawanna, New York and to this union five children, Andrea, Roger Jr., Andrew, Anthony and Ramona were born. They relocated to the Detroit area and raised their family. Cat was an amazing homemaker and provided the best possible care for her family. She was the best cook ever and everyone loved her cooking. If you never had her turkey and dressing, you missed a treat! She had a love of soul and gospel music and had a garden every year where she planted primarily collards and tomatoes. From time to time she would try her hand with planting pole beans, bell peppers, hot peppers and a few other vegetables. Cat’s green thumb extended to her flowers and plants that decorated both the outside and inside of her home. It ultimately led to a job working at Fifth Avenue Florals in Southfield where she further honed her planting/gardening skills. Her favorite color was blue as is evidenced by the blue roof and trim on her family home, the blue furniture and carpet inside her home and her blue car! She also loved collecting glass or ceramic dolphins and stuffed cats. Cat was preceded in death by her son, Andrew, husband Roger, sister Barbara, mother Lovie, father Arvell, step father Charles, brother Lane, her special aunt/mother Mattie, her special Uncle Henon and her special brother Bobby. Cat peacefully transitioned to her next life on Saturday, January 25th, 2020. She leaves to cherish her memory: four children, Andrea, Roger Jr, Anthony and Ramona, five grandchildren, Devon (Britney), Daunte, Mea, Najee and Monae, 2 great grandchildren U’mirya and Roger, a sister Ernestine Townes, a special sister and brother Nancy Boone and Larry McDougle , two brother’s in law, William and Thomas Hakeem, a sister in law Marvia Hakeem and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that are too numerous to name.

Minnie Catherine Hakeem

October 24, 1947 - January 25, 2020