It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Don Straughter, Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and member of the Boston community, on December 17, 2024. He was 87 years old.

Don was born in Beckley, West Virginia on March 27, 1937. Don was an athlete from early childhood - playing football and scoring touchdowns on Friday nights, and a star pitcher who was recruited by Tom Yawkey and the Boston Red Sox. At 17, Don moved to Boston where he worked with his older brother Justice in dry-cleaning. Shortly after, Don met the love of his life Shirley Upshaw originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia and married her within the year. From this union, they were blessed with five children.

Don and Shirley began hearing about the teachings of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad from local representative Louis X (who later became Louis Farrakhan). They became known in the Nation of Islam as "the power couple", growing and developing as leaders together. Don Straughter became Don Muhammad and Shirley Straughter became Sister Captain Shirley.

Don was appointed as the minister of Muhammad Mosque #11. Don taught throughout North America and Europe, never missing an opportunity to bridge the gaps between the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities. In his over 70 years of service to his community, he worked to quell gang violence, foster prisoner rehabilitation, empower his people, and ultimately, leave the world a better place.

A wake will be held on December 20, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Morning Star Baptist Church, 1257 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA with a memorial service to follow at 6:00 PM.

The Straughter Family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Don's name to one of the following organizations.

Good Shepherd Community Care. We are appreciative of their hospice services for our father in his final days. https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate

Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz.org/Donate

No Books No Ball Basketball Program https://www.nobooksnoball.com/donate