Tahlil Aole Yasin (born Tahlil Jerome Banks) was created by the envy of the crowd, couple Yusuf and Najuma Yasin, and born on September 28, 1975. From the beginning, the two set high expectations for Tahlil, and he had to adhere to one of the strictest set of discipline regulations and policies. Because Yusuf was enlisted in the United States Army, he ensured that Tahlil was mentally and physically fit for the world ahead. Tahlil lived in a household that some would describe as a boot camp. As a child, Yusuf require Tahlil to rise by 5 a.m. for the morning 10 mile runs, push-ups, burpees, and cross fit training (before cross fit had a name). All of this was done while maintaining a strict diet. Yusuf prepared Tahlil and his other children for life. Equally important, beside every strong man is a strong woman. Najuma instilled qualities that complemented Yusuf's discipline: don't talk before brushing your teeth and washing your face; don't ask, research it yourself; girls' ears must be pierced by 2 weeks old; clothes must always be ironed; and always have on clean "draws" just in case something happens. I assure you Tahlil's drawers were definitely clean. Being the offspring of such wonderfully spirited parents, Tahlil always kept a positive attitude about EVERYTHING. He believed he could do anything, and he did! From opening barbershops to creative land lording, Tahlil was going to make a way to make a buck. His work ethics were impeccable. Tahlil was loved and adored by his oldest sister, Koumba, who he affectionately called 'Twin'. Not only did the two have similar physical characteristics, both were always trying to master the next hustle to make a dollar. Tahlil and Koumba had a bond only they understood - their love for one another was endless. Tahlil owes his brilliance to his second oldest sister, Njeri. Because she wanted to be a teacher, she forced him into becoming her student. He could perform calculus mentally, due to the relentless beatings Njeri gave him when he performed poorly on her 'pop up' quizzes. She expected greatness from him and he loved her for it. Tahlil was witty, charming, and the ultimate hustler! He and his brother Tacuma briefly tried working for others, but found their natural entrepreneur spirit and love for being the BOSS would only allow them to be self employed. Tacuma and Tahlil were inseparable. Even in the face of any adversity, the bond they shared was unbreakable. Their names were almost never said by anyone separately. They were not only brothers, but the best of friends. Tahlil was that "over protective big brother" to his little sister, Nkenge, making him the brother she loved to hate. His positive outlook on life always encouraged her to strive to be her absolute best. He was that secret weapon - the motivating force behind her success. Tahlil was a proud brother to his baby brother, Big Jabril. He admired Big Jabril because, like him, Big Jabril feared nothing, not even death. When Big Jabril passed away and we were blessed with little Jabril, Tahlil would say, "Big Jabril is not gone - I see him every time I see his son." Tahlil loved his little brother and his nephew more than words can express. Tahlil loved strong women like his mother, and he was blessed to have met and loved a few. Meechie was his love who blessed him with his first born, Tahlil, Jr. He prided himself on finding a woman who would selflessly raise his son into the wonderful young man that little Tahlil has become. He was especially happy when Little Tahlil completed high school, and Tahlil, Jr. continued to make him proud when he decided to further his education. Tahlil, Jr. was Tahlil's heartbeat. His breath of fresh air - all that he wanted to be. He knew for sure his son would forever make him proud and represent the Yasin legacy with dignity and pride. Tahlil, Sr. loved Tahlil, Jr. to the end of this earth. Corretta was a faithful friend whose love and loyalty never went unnoticed. Alexis was the love of Tahlil's life who blessed him with the apple of his eye, Talia. Talia could do no wrong. Tahlil could not see the sun rise until Miss Talia rose. She was definitely the joy of his life. Tahlil and Alexis shared the bond of their daughter but also had unconditional love one for another. She was his rock in the time of storm. Tahlil loved and appreciated each of you. Tahlil enjoyed being his mother's favorite child, forging his mother's signature on school permission slips, deficiency notes, and other notes sent home from school. He truly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and loved having a fashion sense many tried to duplicate. Many would consider this family dysfunctional or maybe untraditional; however, everyone's reality is one unto itself. Yasin is not only a last name to this family, it's an experience; one that has continued to persevere through many obstacles and hardships without blinking. An experience that often makes people question their sanity, but has allowed us to always move forward. Tahlil leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Najuma Yasin (father Yusuf Yasin preceded him in death); a loyal sister Koumba Yasin; a loving sister, Njeri Yasin-Meriweather (brother-in-law, Samuel); an innovative brother, Tacuma Yasin (sister-in-law Quintina); an outgoing sister, Nkenge Yasin-Woolford (brother-in-law John); and (brother, Jabril Yasin, Sr. who preceded him in death). He leaves his pride, Tahlil Yasin, Jr. to carry his legacy. He leaves his wonderful step son Ryan Stewart, his sweet daughter Talia, and his love Alexis Thompson to cherish his memory. He leaves his grandmother, Dear (Dorothy Barnes), to hold all fond memories in her heart. His grandparents Norman Barnes, and William and Mary (Spence) Banks all preceded him in death. He leaves his aunts and uncles: Terri Johnson, Jerri Thomas, Michael Thomas, Richard Banks, and Jerome Banks to cherish his memory. His aunts and uncles Bernard Banks, Joan Wise, Carol Banks, and Joseph Banks all proceeded him in death. He leaves several nieces and nephews to honor his memory, by living each moment as if it's the last, and to forever be their best in every aspect of their lives: Pepper Buchanan, Buffy Buchanan, William Hardy, Emani Hardy, NKenge Lee; Sterling Meriweather, Marquise Meriweather, Samantha Meriweather, Miles Meriweather, Makar Meriweather, Shakyla Yasin, Tacuma Yasin, Jr., Camille Yasin, Jabria Yasin; Kevin Maultsby, Chase Maultsby, Jada Woolford, John Woolford, Jr; and Jabril Yasin, Jr. He leaves a host a cousins, family and friends to keep his memory alive. Tahlil will truly be missed, yet our blessings as a family together have far outweighed our trials. Tahlil believed in a higher power, and had that power vested in him. Thank you, Tahlil, for gracing the world with your presence. The Yasin Clan Viewing Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Email Details