Fatima K. Perkins

Fatima was born on February 22, the second child of Ahmed and Gwendolyn Hussein. She was an extremely quiet child that would not be noticed except when her big brother was present. Ali and Fatima were like twins, even though they were born eleven months apart. Ali was loud and boisterous, while Fatima was refined and introverted. Her intellect and intelligence were recognized by the teaching staff and nourished throughout her school years at Shaw High School in East Cleveland.

When Fatima graduated from high school, she was placed into an intern program at Case Western Reserve. She continued her studies there and, upon graduation, took several jobs before settling on the Cuyahoga County Library System. While studying at Case, Fatima met her first husband, Mahmood Zayed. Her only son was a product of this union. Fatima enjoyed motherhood. She enrolled her son into all enriching activities that kept him fully involved in learning and exploring the world around him.

By the time Fatima graduated from Case Western Reserve, she was no longer quiet and introverted. Fatima had come into being and wanted to let the world know that she existed. She was always reading and sharing her opinions, and no topic was off limits to her. As she continued to move around discovering and exploring her world, love again tapped her on the shoulder. Fatima was to meet and marry Emmett Perkins. This union produced Lindsey, her precious daughter.

Her children were the gems of her life; nothing was more important than the kids. The cycle started all over again, finding activities keeping them involved and opening the universe to them. As the kids grew, they were able to pick and choose some of their own activities. Fatima found herself with time, so she started her own business, an LLC, and continued her education.

She received degrees from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and Syracuse University School of Information Studies (MSLIS), Library Science.

Honors and Awards:

a). Community Leadership Award from President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition Fitness

b). Carnegie-Whitney Award

c). Spectrum Scholar, American Library Association

d). Organization of American Library Association

Affiliations:

American Society on Aging, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., East Cleveland Public Library (Friend), Solon Library (Friend)

Fatima is already missed; she had such a bubbling personality. She leaves to mourn: son Yousef (Stayshia), daughter Lindsey, and four grandchildren: Emonnie, Naomi, Nehemiah, and Noya. Father, Ahmed. Two brothers, Ali and Alhafez. Two sisters, Zaehidah and Mutajah. Aunt Yvonne and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Fatima has joined her mother and grandparents as Angels.