Hajjah Tauheedah Muhammad

Hajjah Tauheedah Muhammad was born in Florida on October 13th, 1945. She was educated in the state of Florida, where she attended Lincoln High School. She later relocated to New Jersey. In 1964, she made Elizabeth, New Jersey her home, remained a proud resident and homeowner for over 50 years. In her later years, she retired to Leesburg, Florida, where she enjoyed a fulfilling chapter of her life.

A true pioneer, Hajjah Tauheedah became one of the first African American female entrepreneurs in the City of Elizabeth, opening and successfully operating Price Rite #1,Price Rite #2, and One Stop Deli. Through her businesses, she not only served her community but also created opportunities by employing local residents and mentoring youth through after-school and weekend programs.

In 1975, she met and married her beloved husband, Hajji Saleem Aakhir Muhammad, an original Tuskegee Airman, who preceded her in death in 2012.Hajjah Tauheedah dedicated much of her life to education and community service. She worked within the Elizabeth Public School system beginning in 1999, serving in various roles including Community Liaison and Parent Liaison at Christa McAuliffe Middle
School and Elizabeth High School. In these roles, she organized workshops, programs, and activities that encouraged parental involvement and supported student success. She was also deeply involved in mentoring youth, spearheading programs that uplifted
students and their families.

A committed leader, she served on the Executive Board of the Elizabeth Education Association (EEA), where she was Chair of the Workshop Committee and Co-Chair of the Social Committee. She was a proud union representative and a delegate for the National Education Association from 2006 to 2010. She also founded and coordinated the EEA Fashion and Talent Showcase and served as Vice President of the Elizabeth
High School PTA.

Beyond her professional work, Hajjah Tauheedah was deeply engaged in civic and community life. She served as a committee woman, poll worker for over 18 years, and was active in voter registration initiatives. She was Vice President of the Anna Street Block Association and a dedicated member of the Neighborhood Preservation Residents Organization (NPRO). Additionally, she was a member of the Stephen Sampson Center.

A woman of strong faith, Hajjah Tauheedah embraced Islam in 1975 and was a devoted member of Masjid Waarith Ud-Deen in Newark, New Jersey. She completed Hajj in 2006 and later served on the Hajj Alumni Executive Committee of New Jersey.

Throughout her life, she received numerous awards and recognitions for her unwavering dedication, service, and commitment to her community. One of her treasured memories was being able to attend 44th President Barack Obama's inauguration as a guest with her husband.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Randoil Pitts Sr. and Marie Pitts. She was preceded in death by her siblings Frandlin Vaughn, Adell Pitts, and Willie Pitts.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving bonus daughter, Tawanna (Shahidah) Wright; her siblings Rebecca Pringer, Rev. Dorothy LaPierre, Randoil Pitts Jr., and Isaac Pitts (Maria); her cherished grandchildren, Dawan Wright and Deonna Wright; and her great-grandson, Kason Wright. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, as well as her special friends who were like sisters: Shahidah B. Sharif, Rosemary (Aseela) King-Allen, and Emma Shakir; and mentee Perla Ivette Hayashida.

Hajjah Tauheedah Muhammad will be remembered for her strength, leadership, compassion, and tireless devotion to uplifting others. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched.