Maurice Saleem Wooden

In the celebration of the life and legacy of Saleem Maurice Wooden, who many knew as the ultimate storyteller, it’s time to share the story of his life. Saleem Maurice Wooden was born January 10, 1947 to Mr. and Mrs. Maurice and Ethel Wooden in Capitol Heights, MD. He went on to attend Fairmount Heights High School and was a decorated track athlete. He went on to attend Morgan State University, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. After college, Saleem joined the National Guard. He loved Baltimore so much he decided to make it his home, as he became an Industrial Hygienist. In 1972, he met his future wife Ayana Aljean Wooden. In 1974, there were married. From this union came their children, Omari Saeed Wooden and Jasmin Ayana Zorata Wooden. One of the major parts of his life was his role with his church, Bethel AME, which he joined in 1981. He became born again and his passion to help others manifested. With a willing heart, Saleem was someone you could depend on and always made himself available. He exemplified the gift of ministry of helps. He was an active member of the Married Couples Ministry, Saturday and Sunday School, Historian, Trustee, Men’s Choir, Men’s ministry and the I thrive young person’s ministry. During these times, he shared God’s love with so many and offered help whenever needed. Saleem and Ayana loved to travel. Their extensive travel around the world included trips to Europe, South America, Africa, the islands, Iceland and many more. Throughout all of their travel, Saleem had an exceptional sense of direction. After being in a country for a few hours, he knew how to get around like he lived there for years. While working with the Army Corp of Engineering, Saleem, Ayana and Jasmin lived in Germany for 3 years. He was through and through a family man. He spent summers teaching his son how to pitch and hit for little league baseball. Saleem loved taking his daughter to the National Aquarium and the Science Center. He loved becoming a sea monster with his granddaughters, grabbing their feet, while swimming in the pool. Every year, Saleem and Omari had an annual tradition of watching the Super Bowl together and grading the commercials. The family would take road trips and car rides with the top down and windows open to enjoy the local sites. He truly lived a satisfied, rich and complete life. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ayana Aljean Wooden, his two children Omari Saeed Wooden and Jasmin Ayana Zorata Wooden, his sister Cheryl Broadway, his daughter in law Carolyn Wooden, two granddaughters Chloe and Journey Wooden, and many friends and family who truly loved him.

Tributes

Maurice Saleem Wooden

January 10, 1947 - February 20, 2021