Hajja Lydia Ayeshia Aqeel

Lydia was born August 15, 1936 in Eutaw, Alabama. She received her education in the Birmingham Public School System. She was a strong and persevering woman who wore many hats, a determined, dedicated, and tireless worker. She completed the fifth pillar of Islam earned her the distinguished title of Al-Hajja, traveling to Rabatat to Mecca.

Lydia Aqeel graciously accepted the call of her Lord when the angel of death called her name on October 27, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents; Willie and Fannie Harkness, a spouse; Omar Aqeel, sister; Nura Alimin, Marie Cotton, brothers; Curtis Cotton, Cleophus Cotton, Willie Cotton Jr., and O.C. Cotton. She leaves to cherish her memory; daughters; Ruqyyah Aqeel, Zenobia Aqeel, brother; Riley Cotton (Debra); sisters;, Mattie Morris (Nashville TN), Etta Willis (Nashville, TN)and Geraldine Winfrey (Nashville, TN), sister in law Lille Cotton, grandchildren; Passion Vincent and Santangelo Vincent and several nephews and nieces and host of cousins and friends.

The family of Lydia A. Aqeel is sincerely grateful for the outpouring of prayers, well wishes, thoughtful deeds, expressed and unexpressed, love and support shown to us individually and collectively. May Allah, Most Gracious, reward and bless each of you.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 11:00am at Elmwood Cemetery located at 600 Martin Luther King Dr. SW Birmingham, AL. 35211. There will not be a public visitation at the funeral home. We ask that family and friends meet at Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel located at 800 Dennison Ave. SW Birmingham, AL. 35211 no later than 10:45am and we will all process together to the cemetery. Brother Salaam will be officiating. Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel directing.