Welbon Abu Salaam, formerly know as Welbon Lemar Mayes, was born to Maggie Lee Perrin and Charlie Silas Mayes on August 1, 1941. He attended Central High School in Newark, graduating in 1959, and furthered his education at Shaw University in Wilmington, NC, in 1988.

Brother Welbon was a dedicated and skilled individual, excelling as a contractor in roofing, plumbing, shingling, masonry, electrical work, and cooking. He was also a talented machinist, proficient in operating a lathe and a milling machine, and served as an orderly at various hospitals. His work ethic was matched only by his dedication to his faith.

Introduced to the Nation of Islam in 1967, he earned the status of Fruit of Islam (FOI). In 1976, he embraced Al-Islam from Warith Deen Muhammad and, by 1980, followed the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), dedicating his life to the Deen of Rasulullah. As a devout Muslim, he became the Muezzin at Masjid Muhammad in Newark, NJ, calling the Athan to prayer in 1980. Throughout his life, he continued to spread dawah and invite others to the religion of Allah. He was also a business owner on Irvine Turner Blvd in Newark, NJ, running a fruit and vegetable store.

In 1986, he moved to Currie, North Carolina, where he ran a musk oil stand called ANKIMOA and started Pender County's first taxicab company, Pioneer Taxicab. He built a house with his own hands, teaching his many trades to his children. During his 14 years in Currie, he served as a Muezzin at Masjid Muhammad in Wilmington, NC, now known as the Tauheed Islamic Center. Later, he moved west and served the community of Masjid Al Salaam in Oakland, CA, as their Muezzin.

Welbon was an avid coin collector and could speak at length about any topic religious, political or economical. He loved the Chicago Bulls, washing his truck, watching westerns on Sundays and eating peanuts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Maggie; his older siblings, Johnnie, Charles, and Betty; and his son, Koby Issac. He is survived by his older brother William and his children: Naim, Valerie, Ibn, Halimah, Habeebah, Haniyyah, Muraad, Omar, Minimah, and Aziz. He leaves behind a legacy of 37 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Brother Welbon’s life was a testament to his faith, his work, and his dedication to his family and community. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. May Allah (SWT) grant him Jannatul Firdaus and provide strength and patience to his loved ones. Ameen.

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