Zenobia Muhammad, affectionately known as “Grandma,” passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was 72 years old.

Zenobia was born on May 19, 1954, in Maryland, to the Williams family. She was the oldest of eight siblings and is survived by her three remaining siblings.

Zenobia married Abdul Wali Muhammad, with whom she shared a family of six children: Abdul Akmal, Crescent, Luqman, Amira, Zainab, and Khan. Following the untimely passing of her husband in 1991, Zenobia devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her children as a single mother. She faced the challenges of motherhood with determination, strength, and an unwavering commitment to providing for her family.

Her children were the center of her world. She lived her life for them and did everything in her power to make sure they were cared for and had what they needed. She was a loving and caring nurturer who gave her family both comfort and guidance. She was also known for being strict, stern, and unwilling to tolerate nonsense. Her strength of character was unmistakable. She could be stubborn when she believed she was right, but she was also a great listener who made people feel heard.

Zenobia spent much of her adult life in Chicago, Illinois, and throughout her life also called Honolulu, Hawaii, and various communities in New Mexico home. Wherever she lived, however, her true home was with her family.

In later years, she became known simply and lovingly as “Grandma” to her 14 grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life, and the love she had for them was evident in all that she did. Her legacy lives on through the family she devoted her life to raising and nurturing.

Zenobia leaves behind six children, 14 grandchildren, three surviving siblings, and countless family members and loved ones whose lives were touched by her strength, love, and devotion.

She will be remembered as a mother who sacrificed for her children, a grandmother who cherished her grandchildren, and a woman whose strength and love shaped generations of her family.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.