Sahida "SAM" Nuradeen Nobi Morrison-Smith

Sahida Morrison-Smith was born on July 2, 1957 to the parents Nuradeen (Jerry) Nobi Abdool and JoAnn (Padgett) Abdool, along with her younger sister, Sahira Abdool (Black), natives of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Sahida attended Hoagland Elementary- where she was the first Hoagie Hornet Mascot for the school and at Fairfield Jr. High, where she was President of the Student Council and a Cheerleader. At Southside Highschool, Sahida was a Varsity Cheerleader and she graduated in 1975.

Sahida became the mother of Ayesha (Morrison) James in 1976 and later started her longstanding career at GTE (General Telephone Electronics), in 1977 where she held a variety of progressive positions and ultimately was an Account Executive. She was employed with GTE and later with Verizon Wireless for approximately thirty-two years in the industry. Also, in 1977 Sahida and Sahira were gifted with their “Daddy”; Robert E. Blanks who married their mother; JoAnn. He remained a significant part and was very instrumental in their lives until his passing in 2020.

In 1990, Sahida married the love of her life, Melvin O’Neil Smith who preceded her in passing on the same date/day, Tuesday, December 27, 2016. Sahida and Mel had a powerful love and were married for thirty-two years. Together they have a blended family of four kids; Tim Smith (Karen), Sherry Fincher (Isaac), Derrick Minnefield and Ayesha James (Edward).

In 2015 Sahida received her Bachelors of Science Degree- in Business Management –Summa Cum Laude from Indiana Wesleyan University and often volunteered the Gwinnett County Library System and Catholic Dioceses in Fort Wayne.

Sahida leaves behind her first best friend and sister; Sahira Black (Reginald), Brothers, Mark Blanks (Marsha), Gary Blanks and sister Heidi Green (Lou). Her namesake granddaughter Sahida Carter, and grandchildren; Shadra Smith, Tristan Smith, Spencer Smith, Kaylen Smith, TJ Smith, David Coleman, Chelsey Fowlkes, Derrick Minnefield Jr., Dionte Minnefield and Kiara Minnefield.

She has a host of special nieces and nephews; Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i (Reno), Billy Sorrells, Johanne’ Sorrells, Brittaney Powell (Joseph), Jordan Black, Matthew Blanks (Donnaye), Lou Green and Michael Green. Sahida never met a stranger and has an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins and a lifetime of friends that she enjoyed spending time with over the many years.

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Sahida will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804. Connect with D.O. McComb & Sons - Covington Knolls facebook page to view live stream.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Morrison-Smith family.