“Your presence we miss, your memories we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.”
-Khadijah’s Family
Khadijah Mecca Allen was born on August 23, 1997, in Newark, New Jersey, to Andrea Strawder and Abdul-Lateef Saboor. On August 5, 2026, our hearts were suddenly broken when Khadijah departed this life, leaving behind a love and light that can never be replaced.
Affectionately known as DeeDee, Khadijah was a beautiful soul whose presence brought warmth, happiness, and love wherever she went. She had a heart of gold and a spirit so pure that those who knew her could not help but love her. Khadijah had a special way of making people smile simply by being herself. She loved deeply, gave freely, and found joy in seeing the people around her happy.
Khadijah attended John F. Kennedy School in Newark, where she learned important academic and life skills. She loved school and was always excited to begin her day. She especially loved the school talent shows and would proudly watch videos of herself and her classmates performing. Those moments captured the happiness that came so naturally to Khadijah.
Khadijah was an early riser, waking at 6:00 a.m. each morning to begin her day with her mentor and daily living coach, Marcia. Over time, their relationship grew into something truly special, and Khadijah came to love Marcia very deeply. Their time together gave Khadijah something to look forward to each day and filled her days with companionship, laughter, and meaningful moments.
Khadijah found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She loved attending Zumba classes at the YMCA, visiting the library, shopping with her friends, and spending time at the recreation center in her neighborhood, where she was always welcomed with open arms. She loved arts and crafts and could spend hours coloring, painting, and making beautiful jewelry. She loved traveling and experiencing new places with the people she loved.
More than anything, Khadijah loved people. She loved her family, her friends, and everyone who showed her kindness. Khadijah was an angel with a gentle spirit. It was rare to see her angry because love lived so naturally within her. She carried a sweetness that was impossible to overlook. Her smile could brighten a room, and her laughter could lift a heart. She reminded everyone around her that happiness could be found in the smallest moments and that love was meant to be shared.
Khadijah leaves to cherish her beautiful memory: her mother, Andrea Strawder; her father, Abdul-Lateef Saboor; her brothers, Karma (Kamar) Allen and Kitab Rollins; her grandmother, Annie Pearl Herbert; her aunts, Janice Herbert and Kia Laster; her uncles, Keith Herbert and Lee Herbert; her cousins, Ali, Aquil, Atallah, Bashir, Christopher, Faith, Frances, Halimah, Jabbar, Jahaad, Keisha, Khalif, Kiye, Majeed, Malcolm, Marquita, Nafisah, Olajuwon, Ozmir, Stacey, and Zain; as well as extended family members, loved ones, and dear friends.
Khadijah may no longer be here for us to hold, but the love she gave will remain with us forever. Her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her, and her beautiful spirit will continue to shine through the lives she touched.
Rest peacefully, our sweet DeeDee.
You were loved beyond words, you will be missed beyond measure, and you will be remembered for a lifetime.
Until we meet again, keep smiling and keep shining your beautiful light. We love you always.