Delano Muhammad

Delano Muhammad, born Delano Foster on June 6, 1965, in Washington, DC, arrived for his God-given assignment. He was the son of James Emory Foster and Mary Magdalene. Welcomed by his eldest sisters, Natonya Bailey and Angela “Cherry” Bailey, and later by his younger Earl Leon Rogers Jr., known as Tink, Delano was part of a close-knit family of four children.

Shy as a child, Delano became well-known and well-liked by his preteen and teenage years. Thomas Claggett Elementary School in Prince George’s County, Maryland, at the same time as and actor Martin Lawrence. Sports and recreation were central to his youth. He played football District Heights Boys and Girls Club, proudly supported by his sisters as cheerleaders, and later at High School in Washington, DC, and DuVal Senior High School in Maryland. Delano also loved nature, exploring woods and creeks to catch frogs and salamanders with Tink and neighborhood friends.

He was a lover of justice and being helpful. He often shared the story of rescuing incubated eggs that were about to be discarded because they had not hatched. He said, “They were going throw them out, and I felt they needed a little more time. So I took them home and put them in my sock drawer to keep them warm.” The chicks eventually hatched but did not survive. He said, "At least I tried". This reflects the compassion and beauty of Delano’s soul.

After high school, Delano entered the United States Navy on June 7, 1984, and was stationed in San Diego, California. There, he married Vicky Lynn Harrell and welcomed two sons, Delano Antoine and Demari DeShawn Foster. He served honorably and was honorably discharged. During his years in the US Navy, he boxed for the Naval team and played basketball recreationally. In 1996, he started training in Kung Fu under a teacher whom he affectionately called Lao Su, strengthening his discipline and self-mastery.

Faith was central to Delano’s life. Raised in a devout Christian family, he was placed on the church roll of The United House of Prayer for All People at birth. In San Diego, he joined the local congregation and was a Deacon.

A devoted student of military science and history, he studied Rome, and Hannibal of Carthage, who was both one of the greatest military minds and a Black man—a discovery that deeply resonated with him.

On October 7, 1989, Delano attended a lecture by Minister Louis Farrakhan at Calvary Baptist Church in San Diego, titled "Stop the Killing". That day marked a turning point in his life, inspiring him to become a part of the Nation of Islam. He embraced the teachings and, as a member of the Fruit of Islam, he traveled providing security and support wherever he was called.

In October 1990, he met Amber Maricel Sisson at Muhammad Mosque #8 in San Diego, and they were married on November 1, 1991, and were blessed with four children together: Hakeem Wali, A’ishah, Kareemah, and Rahman, bringing his total to six beloved children. Delano deeply loved all six of them, and they loved him in return. He held individual conversations with each one of them, offering guidance, wisdom, and clarity during life’s confusing moments. They cherished his laughter, encouragement, and unwavering support for them. In his later years, he enjoyed karaoke, sung joyfully to anyone who would listen. His favorite color was forest green, and he loved the smell of pine.

From 1993 to 2002, Delano faithfully served as Secretary of Muhammad Mosque #8 in San Diego, known for being thorough, honest, and forthright. He meticulously kept the books, every penny, and his diligence and precision were recognized by the Regional and National Secretaries of the Nation of Islam.

Inspired by his mother and the Nation of Islam’s principle of Do for Self, Delano founded AACE Security Services in 1994. Through this business, he provided jobs and training for many families and supported other Black-owned businesses. He also created Neighborhood Market, managed by his mother, whose sweet potato pies, lemonade, and lemon pound cake received recognition from the San Diego Chargers and the San Diego Union-Tribune.

In 2002, Delano and his family moved to Washington, DC, where he pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of the District of Columbia. He later worked as a CDL dump truck driver for more than eight years and began studying Cybersecurity in 2020. In June 2025, he relocated permanently to Las Vegas to be closer to his growing family.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Delano returned to Allah (God) at the age of 60.

Delano was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Magdalene Foster; grandmother, Carrie Lou Bailey; uncle, Joseph Bailey; and dear friends Rahim Muhammad, Wali Muhammad, Saleem Muhammad, Carl Muhammad, Jerry X Strawther. He is survived by his father, James Emory Foster; his wife, Amber; his six children: Delano Antoine, Demari Deshawn, Hakeem Wali, A’ishah, Kareemah, Abdul Rahman; and fifteen grandchildren: Delano Jerrell, Nevaeh, Samaya, Zakyla, Maya June, Leilani, Hakeem F., Mecca, Storm, Gracelyn, Moon, Patience, and Elijah; three sisters: Natonya Bailey, Angela "Cherry" Bailey, and Stephanie Foster; four brothers: Earl "Tink" Leon Rogers Jr., Jimmy Rodgers, Kelvin Foster, and Gregory Foster; brother-in-law, Sekou; godfather, Ralph Calhoun; godbrother, Preston; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Delano's smile will be remembered, as well as his tenacity, faith, integrity, intelligence, and spirit; qualities he demonstrated daily; reminding those around him that Allah (God) is Sufficient!

A Military Honors and Burial Service will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:40 am at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV, 89005.

A Celebration of Life will follow at Palm Henderson Mortuary from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Palm Henderson Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015