Rafiah Sabiqah Khateeb went home to be with her creator on February 24, 2023, . She was preceded in death by her husband, Shareef T. Khateeb, they were married 48 years.

Rafiah Sabiqah Khateeb was born August 6, 1937, to Ora D. and Azalee Gaines Fleming in Cleveland, Ohio. The first born to what was to become a large, happy and loving family. Father Ora insisted that Mother Azalee would not work outside the home because being a wife and mother to their eight children was a full-time job. Father Ora worked two jobs to provide for the needs of the family. Rafiah’s sisters included Khalila, Vivian, LaVerne (deceased) and Martha. Her brothers included Latif (deceased), Yusuf, James, and Sayyed.

In June 1953, mother Azalee passed away, leaving behind her husband and eight children. Rafiah, being the eldest, stepped in and left school at the age of 16 to help the family make ends meet. She started working at a local drug store and began taking night classes to eventually become a Real Estate Agent. One day while helping her family move into a new apartment, Rafiah met the love of her life, Shareef T. Khateeb. They dated for a short time and married on November 18, 1962. No children were born to this union but they were always ready, willing and able to assist with the needs of their extended family.

Rafiah then went on, under the teaching instruction of her cousin Ann Barber Bufford (deceased), to become a licensed broker and opened Amin Realty and African and Islamic Books Plus in 1981.  In 1991, Rafiah and Shareef opened Azezalia’s Nile Valley Restaurant. Both the bookstore and the restaurant became notable landmark businesses in collaboration with senior family members in the Shaker Heights-Cleveland area for over 30 years. The businesses created employment opportunities and business training to those within the community, especially for young family members. The restaurant served as a training ground for countless young people to learn invaluable skills such as a strong work ethic, discipline, focus and determination. In fact, civic and religious leaders from around the world came to visit her. award-winning, televised documented, P.B.S Model Restaurant and its classic, cultural décor and exclusive fine dining.  Nile Valley Restaurant closed its doors in 2016.

Rafiah and her husband entered Islam in the early 1970’s. She demonstrated her faith and devotion to the guidance of Allah, The Most High Creator. She was strong in faith and belief in Allah for over 50 years.

Rafiah was a dignified businessperson with respectful consideration for all. A great communicator, whether it was neighborhood, businesspeople, celebrities, community, and religious leaders or politicians. She was a vibrant, colorful, energetic, and dynamic Character-Personality of The Divine feminine quality of Mother guidance and The Family Matriarch, with a profound interest in the development of excellence in people and community life. Her motto was Health, Wellness, and Nutrition and focused on natural holistic ways of self-care.

Later in life, Rafiah moved into an independent assisted living community and enjoyed the company and fellowship of her sisters Khalila, Vivian and Martha. They were very close and spent many hours chatting and watching television together. Quality time with her sisters was truly a joy for Rafiah. Her nephew, James and nieces, Aminah and Sarahita, also enjoyed spending time with their dear aunt, which was instrumental to her care.  Rafiah’s niece, Kabira, seldom left her side. As a nurse, Kabira was Rafiah’s caregiver and ensured she had all the comforts possible in her golden years. Kabria was truly the daughter Rafiah never had.

Rafiah leaves to cherish her memory, her sisters, Khalila, Vivian (Durward, deceased), and Martha (Bill, deceased); her brothers, Yusuf (Lana), James (Freddie), and Sayyed. She also leaves to cherish her memory to her nieces, nephews, countless cousins, and friends.