Robert Muhammad

Robert Muhammad was born Bobby Lee Davis to Lillian Davis and Samuel Edmonds on January 21st, 1945, in Richland County, South Carolina. After briefly living in Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, his mother, Lillian Davis, moved him and his brothers William and Arthur to New Haven, Connecticut, where he graduated from Eli Whitney High School in 1963

At age 20,  Bobby joined the Nation of Islam, changing his name to Robert Muhammad. Robert joined The Nation because he had an overwhelming desire to uplift African Americans and make beneficial changes to the community. Robert was part of the Fruits of Islam (FOI), an essential foundation of the Black Power Movement, emphasizing black pride, economic independence, individual discipline, and self-defense. Later, Robert served as the Minister of the Bridgeport Temple #41 for many years. In 1968, Robert opposed the Vietnam War and resisted the draft. Unfortunately, Robert holding fast to his convictions, was jailed for his beliefs, sacrificing his freedom.

In 1977, Robert decided to move his family to California. In California, Robert pursued his passion for dry cleaning and ran a successful dry cleaning business. After a few years, he returned to New Haven to care for his mother.

Robert Muhammad had a prowess for entrepreneurship and business and charted his way with unbelievable fervor and savviness. Robert became the first to gain his regional office at A.L. Williams/Primerica in a matter of months. Usually, this feat takes years to accomplish.  Next, he established a dry cleaning business called Robert's Valet on Dixwell Avenue and a second location in downtown New Haven. Additionally, he excelled in many marketing companies, from Isagenix to 5Linx to YTB to Rain International, leading teams to great success.

In 1989, Robert was reunited with his father, Samuel Edmonds, and met his long-lost brothers and sisters.

Robert loved to ponder the wonders of the world. He would say, "the oldest book in the world is nature; If you want to learn  the lessons of God, look at nature." Because Robert was so strong in his convictions, he took pride in teaching his nephews and others ministry. Robert had natural magnetism and an oratory gift. He loved to share how to build a business and encouraged independence.

Robert is survived by his wife Bettie Muhammad, children;  Robert Connolly, Seleena Muhammad, Dawud Davis (Christie), Aziz Yeldell-Peoples, Stevon Muhammad and Alonya Muhammad; brothers and sisters;  Arthur Davis, William Muhammad (Ronchelle), Samuel Edmonds Jr., Sally Edmonds-Balancier, Ralph Funderburk (Sylvia), Patricia Meyers (Steve), Sheila R. E. Williams (Calvin), Oswald S. Edmonds (Yvette), Andrea S. Edmonds and Edna B. Edmonds; ten grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, friend and business partner Vendette Thomas and a  host of many other friends and business colleagues.

Robert was predeceased in death by his mother, Lillian Davis; father; Samuel Edmonds; daughter, Ayesha Muhammad; brothers, Samuel Edmonds II and Vienna Edmonds.

Those who are left to cherish Robert's memory will miss his wisdom. As we hold fast to our memories of Robert, may we turn our mourning into joy. May those memories replace the sadness of our loss.   May we thank Allah for sharing him with us and, in the words of Robert Muhammad, "Be Happy. Stay Positive!"

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