Kalem Karim Mateen

Mr. Kalem Karim Mateen of Odenton, MD passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at the Ellicott City Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, at the age of 67. Mr. Mateen was born on April 29, 1946 in Kinston, North Carolina to the late Inez (King) McKnight.

Mr. Mateen was a devout Muslim. He and his wife, Aqueelah, with whom he shared 34 beautiful years of marriage, converted to Islam in 1978, and together raised their five children in the Islamic faith. Mr. Mateen was an exemplary husband and father, and led his family exceptionally in the ways of Allah. He was devoted and dedicated to his wife and their marriage, and spoke often of the unbreakable love and devotion that the two shared. Mr. Mateen was dedicated to the constant reflection, amelioration, and education of his children, and incessantly emphasized the importance of educating one's self while remaining true to one's faith. He was a Viet Nam War Combat Veteran from the U.S. Army and received many awards and accolades for his service. Mr. Mateen was very positively involved in his community, and was always seeking to improve the lot of himself and the community in which he resided. He was truly one of a kind, and has touched and inspired innumerable lives with his strength, courage, and wisdom.

Mr. Mateen is survived by his wife, Mrs. Aqueelah Anjail Mateen of Odenton, MD, his four daughters and sons in law: Swiyyah and Thomas Williams, Fatimah and Melvin Mitchell and their son, Mr. Mateen's grandson Melvin Mitchell III, Khadijah and Cedric Petteway, and Jahmelah and Eldridge Pemberton, and his son and namesake Kalem Warith Mateen. Mr. Mateen is also survived by two stepsons Don and Dennis Simms and a host of extended family, including, but not limited to, aunts, uncles, cousins and in laws.