Obituary of Gloria Z. Pennington-Rashada

Gloria Zakkiyah Rashada, born Gloria Ann Pennington was born to the late George E. Pennington II & the late Lucille Pennington on January 3, 1950, passed on July 30, 2019.  Gloria was blessed with an additional mother, Elizabeth Pennington who was a pivotal support in her formative years.  Known to close family and friends as Beebo and Penny, Gloria Zakkiyah Rashada leaves a legacy that evokes the spirit of strength, determination and compassion in others.

Gloria Ann was raised in the Buttonwood Methodist Church and accepted Jesus into life at an early age. She received her primary education in the Wilmington Delaware public school system attending Stubbs Elementary School, Bancroft Middle School and obtained her diploma from Howard High School in 1968. After over 20 years of service in the Social Services industry, Gloria went on to obtain her Master of Human Services from Lincoln University in 1996.

In 1969 Gloria married the love of her life, Shadeed Rashada. Meeting as children, the two were able to maintain a life-long friendship lasting over fifty years. Through their union she mothered two children, Omar N. Rashada and Bayyinah ‘Beanie’ N. Rashada Cunningham.  She adored her children and referred to them as Blessings from God, the missing pieces.  It was during this season of her life she was affectionately known as Zakkiyah and worked as a Sister Captain in the Nation of Islam. Serving in Mosque #35 in Wilmington, Delaware, Zakkiyah was a natural leader and found her place nurturing the children, supporting the women and working at Ali’s Bakery.

Gloria was incredibly smart, outspoken and loved sharing her knowledge with others.  She was known for her Afrocentric style and could be found speaking out about anything she perceived to be an injustice.  Gloria loved her African lineage and ensured it was engrained in every aspect of her life.  Gloria had many hobbies and interests.  In addition to her love for reading, traveling, rock collecting, movies and bowling, she developed special talent and interest in photography.  That interest drove her to the creation of Focused Thoughts, her very own photography business.  Her passion for the art took her across the world to capture the beauty of African Culture.  Her Images made it all the way to the National Institute for Exploration and were later published in the 1987 publication of “Egypt: Images of Adventure.”  Gloria was also musically inclined playing the flute, the Congo drums and later in life, the guitar. Gloria had a pure loving heart for her family and loved dogs.  She was a beautiful soul with a big heart and a contagious smile.  Her giggle and chuckle could often be heard when sharing a quick-witted joke or cultural stories.  ‘Uhuru” – Swahili for freedom.

Gloria Zakkiyah had a genuine love for people, with a particularly soft spot for the growth and development of young women.  She believed that everyone could make it and did everything in her power to positively impact her community through service.  Throughout her life Gloria Zakkiyah served as a leader, an activist, an advocate and a mentor.  Gloria was innovative and always working to create new avenues to impact the greater mission.  Through the 1980’s and 1990’s that innovation led her to co-founded NISSA (Arabic for “The Woman”) Unlimited Association, Inc.  with the focus of inspiring, educating, encouraging and empowering women of color.  And API (African Prison Initiative) focusing on visiting incarcerated men and women and serving as an advocate for their families.  Both NISSA and API published monthly newsletter and hosted free cultural event in the city of Wilmington, Delaware.  Gloria was very passionate about her culture and the advancement of people.  While building her own initiatives, she was also an active member of AACUF (African American Cultural United Front), U.N.I.A (Universal Negro Improvement Association), AAA (Artist Against Apartheid) and various other cultural and activist groups.  Gloria truly possesses a spirit of giving and was known for opening her home and her heart to help others in need.  She was widely loved and respected by her peers and those she served.  “Zakiyyah was one of those strong and committed Souljahs who will not only always be an inspiration to me, but to all whose lives were touched by her.” – Gary ‘Maka’ Watson (former political prisoner)

Gloria Zakkiyah Pennington Rashada truly left her mark on this world and will always serve as an example for all that will follow.  She never allowed herself to be limited by standards, opinions or limited resources.  She believed she could, and she did.  She found her purpose and used every opportunity to show others they could do the same.  In 2010 Gloria Zakkiyah reunited with her Christian faith and began attending service at Ezion Fair Baptist Church in Wilmington, Delaware.

Gloria Zakkiyah was proceeded in death by her parents, George Pennington and Lucille Pennington; brother, George Pennington; granddaughter, Janiya Battle; Grandparents, Edward and Louise Moore.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Omar N. Rashada and Bayyinah N. Cunningham, Corey Ferrell Sr. (Sandy); Mother, Elizabeth Pennington; Her spiritual children Gennifer Bivens (Tomar), Marissah Temple and Terry Wilson; Grandchildren Maya N. Cunningham, Kylah M. Temple and Averi L. Bivens; Brothers, Gerald Pennington, Gerry Pennington (Wanda), Glenn Pennington, Garland Pennington (Bonita); Sisters Gwendel Robinson (Antonio), Virginia Pope; Sister Friend Cassandra Lee; Life-long Friend, Shadeed Rashada; and a host of family and friends.