Khalil Abdul-Alim

Death Notice: Khalil Abdul-Alim, AKA Theodore Jackson, 62, passed away at Prince Georges Hospital on April 26, 2016. He resided in Upper Marlboro, MD. Retired as a mailhandler from the Bulk Mail Center, Capitol Heights, MD. Predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Betty Jackson. Survived by three beloved siblings, Weldon Spurling, Karen (Gregory) Brown and David Forde. Uncle of Stephen, Gloria and Angelica. Great Uncle to Isaiah, Chloe and Kennedy. An Uncle, James Jackson and many cousins. Tributes and Condolences can be posted to www.simplicitycfs.com (Simplicity Cremation and Funeral Services). Memorial Service will be held at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery; 10300 Pridesville Rd.; Amelia, VA - June 9, 2016 at 12:00 Noon. OBITUARY: Khalil Abdul-Alim; AKA Theodore Jackson, Jr., “Teddy”, tumbled onto the field of life on February 17, 1954 in Jersey City, New Jersey. He would later, as a teenager, be appropriately nicknamed “Tumbleweed” because he continued to tumble around playing his favorite sport - football. He and his family moved to Maryland where he resided during his formative and adult years. His charm, wit and wisdom afforded him many friends growing up—well liked by them. They often asked him for advice and guidance. He worked during his high school years at the local Arby’s. The word must have gotten around - you could buy a slow-cooked roast beef sandwich for 69¢ (back in the 70’s) served with FREE counsel from Tumbleweed. He graduated from Central High School. Thereafter, served our country in the United States Marine Corps with an Honorable Discharge. Teddy was very philosophical (and became spiritual) - always in search for life’s truths and purpose. The search led him to the Islamic faith where he became and remained a devout Muslim to the end. He was employed as a mail handler for almost 20 years before retiring (disabled) from the Bulk Mail Center in Capitol Heights, MD. Teddy’s disability, due to a massive stroke, would now require him to reside in a nursing home and several assisted living facilities for the next and last 14 years of his life. Nevertheless, he continued to make many friends and enjoy activities centered around American history, music, reading, the movies, Chess (in earlier years) and good food. The most exciting and eventful day, of the last full week of his life, was on April 21, 2016. A trip to the Washington DC Veterans affairs Medical Center was in order. Accompanied by his friend, Roslynn - he was going to be measured for a new wheelchair and examined for a new pair of eyeglasses. The highlight of the experience came when choosing the wheelchair’s special features. Teddy gleefully chose, when asked, to have the Marine Corps emblem displayed on the back of his new wheelchair. Wow!!! A long awaited new wheelchair (with the Marine Corps emblem) and new eyeglasses, both to be delivered in approximately 30 days - what a lovely day! However, the anticipation of a new wheelchair and new eyeglasses would cease on April 26, 2016 when he passed away at Prince George’s Hospital due to complication from a revisited bout with pneumonia. Oh!, “If we could bring you back again - for one more hour or day.” as poetically rendered by Joanna Fuchs. Let’s take a moment to bring back a little of his wit and humor through the predeceased and the survived. Teddy was preceded in death by a large part of his thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), some of his short-term memory (to forget when his Dallas Cowboys lost a game) some of his vision (nearsightedness) - to keep from clearly seeing the glaring running back hole in his Dallas Cowboys offense, and most of all, his parents - the late Theodore and Betty Jackson, the most heartfelt losses. He is survived by his beloved siblings (and proud heirs to his Dallas Cowboys memorabilia), Weldon Spurling, Karen (husband Gregory) Brown, and David Forde. Nephew and Nieces, Stephen, Gloria, and Angelica. Great Nephew and Nieces, Isaiah, Chloe, and Kennedy (all proud heirs to the rest of his stuff!). An uncle, James Jackson and many 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation cousins. Teddy’s most cherished gift to many was friendship - he never met a stranger in life.

Khalil Abdul-Alim

February 17, 1954 - April 26, 2016