Akeeba Malaika

Harris

Akeeba M. Harris, 54, of Sandusky, Ohio, passed away peacefully on 30 September 2026. Born on 8 October 1971 in Toledo, Ohio, she was the cherished daughter of parents Evangelist Patricia L. Ferguson and Pastor Stephen C. Matlock. Akeeba grew up in Sandusky, Ohio and graduated from Sandusky High School in 1990 at the top of her class. She attended Notre Dame and Akron Universities, later pursuing a career in healthcare where she acquired her RN with a BSN in Nursing and a Masters Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. She took her education and worked for Cleveland Clinic Hospital for 7 years where she was known for her extreme professionalism, profound empathy, patience, strength and bright smile.

Beyond her professional life, Akeeba was a woman of many passions. She was happiest when she was singing and celebrating other people's accomplishments. She was always willing to help others and the first person to give you the shirt off her back. Her hobbies included traveling, learning new things and cooking for family and friends. Those who knew her will always remember her infectious laugh, fierce kindness and adventurous spirit. Her greatest joy was learning and teaching others, she valued education and was extremely book-wise. She loved to share her knowledge.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Ms. Eddie L. Harris, Ms. Marcia D. Matlock and her grandfather Mr. James O. Harris.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her mother, Evangelist Patricia Lucille Harris-Ferguson, her father, Pastor Stephen C. Matlock; her siblings, Eddie Lee Harris, Mrs. Jeannette Yahca' Anna Harvey, (Mr. Willis Harvey Jr.), Ms. Mychal D. Matlock, Ms. Stevie C. Matlock, Ms. Ashlei P. Cannon, Mr. Leo Ferguson III, (Mrs. Kanoe M. Ferguson), Mr. Ashlynd Vance; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Akeeba touched are invited to a grave side service to pray, celebrate her life and support each other.