Betty Abdullah

Betty Abdullah, who was lovingly called Bibi by her grandchildren, was born January 18th, 1951 in Louisville, Kentucky to Ozen Carter and Ida Mae Carter-Campbell. Not too long thereafter, her family moved to Indianapolis, IN where she received her education through Indianapolis Public Schools; culminating in her graduation from Arsenal Tech High School in 1969.

Betty was always a freethinking, hardworking, independent, and spiritual person. She started working in her early teenage years and shopped around the different denominations of Christianity trying to find the religion that matched the rhythm of her soul.

During Betty's search for employment, she worked for Indiana Herald Newspaper and later Project Renewal where she met Clarence Edgar Reynolds and subsequently got married to him August 29th, 1969. Through their union Betty would give birth to five children.

Still freethinking, hardworking, and emotionally fulfilled, Betty was still in search of spiritual fulfillment and found her home in Islam as taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. And within months of becoming a registered Muslim she became a Lieutenant in the training of Muslim girls.

After the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975, his son took over and changed the direction of the Nation of Islam and challenged his father's teachings. This fueled Betty’s search after truth and she left the Nation of Islam. During this time, she got involved with community development programs and was recognized by city leaders for her work.

In 1979 she once again joined the ranks of the Nation of Islam, this time under the leadership of Minister Louis Farrakhan; along with her husband and children. In 1988 her family would leave Louis Farrakhan’s version of the Nation of Islam and concentrated her energy on raising her kids, working, and seeking the truth.

From 1985 to about 1994 Betty worked at Target Stores where she became supervisor; working 40 to 50 hours a week to support her family.

Betty throughout her life nurtured and guided her children, family, and friends with wisdom and a love that's unparalleled.

Although Betty was a righteous woman, she knew how to have a good time. She loved to dance, sing, and listen to music. But most of all she loved to read and teach the truth.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Ozen Carter and Ida Mae Carter-Campbell; her sister Colinsia Barbara Winston and brother Wilson Carter, and her oldest son Karim Ibn Abdullah.

She leaves on this Earth to continue her presence and to cherish her memories her children Tami Abdullah, Ayanna Green, Elijah Abdullah, and Muhammad Abdullah; her grandchildren Kanimah, Akeem, Karim (III) and Taji Abdullah, Wallace Green, Jaron and Alexis Abdullah, Asia Barnes, Anniyah, Muhammad (II), Yah’Shua, Makayla, and Ta’Meri Abdullah and her nine great grandchildren Calvin, Nariya, Naeem, Zamira, Eniyah, Esa, Jacob, Dakota, and Karim IV.

Betty is also survived by her sisters Ida Mae Carter, Kathleen McGee, Judy Miles, and Sender Folson; and many family and friends including her personally adopted sister, Bridget Peters and her longtime friend and partner Charles Royston.