Elva Lee Abdal-Khallaq (Collins), the youngest and last surviving of 13 and mother of 10, grandmother of 26 and great-grandmother of 21, died at 96. She was pre-deceased by her husband Malik A. Abdal-Khallaq. She is survived by sons Abu (Jamila), Sharif (Lesley), Mustafa and Jacob (Rose), and daughters Saafa (Richard), Jumaada (Robert), Hamida, Regina (Devon), Yvette and Yvonne.
Elva was born in Baldwin, La. Her family moved to Houston, Texas and she graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School. Soon after, she married her high school sweetheart, Malik. The young couple and their first five children moved to Boston where another five children were born.
While Elva played a vital role in the family business and community activities, her love for children was her passion and she was mother to many. From the YMCA Clarendon Street Day Care to Crispus Attucks Children’s Center to St. Joseph’s Community School, she taught and loved many generations in Boston. She earned an Early Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University and attended the Million Women March with four generations of her family. She was a member of the Roxbury Tai-chi Academy and past treasurer for the Goldenaires at the Freedom House.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 27 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Mission Church) 1545 Tremont St., Roxbury Crossing 02120. Visiting with the family at 9 a.m. Funeral Mass begins at 10 a.m. Burial at Forest Hills Cemetery.
To post sympathy messages, visit www.DavisFuneralHomeBoston.com.
