Reflections Celebrating a Life -
Tarick Akil-Bilal Ali
November 10, 1963 - November 28, 2006
Tarick Akil-Bilal Ali (Mark Edwin Lewis) was born on November 10, 1963 to Kathleen Massey Lewis and the late Frank Edward Lewis III. He was the fourth of five children. His sister Irene Emma Lewis preceded him in death.
Tarick started his life and early years traveling the world with his father, a sergeant in the United States Air Force. The Lewis family later settled in Capital Heights, Maryland. He was educated in Prince George's County Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1982. After graduation, Tarick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Serving his country with honor and dignity.
Tarick was so full of life, always willing to serve anyone in need. This passion for service led him to become a firefighter for the Distrct of Columbia. As an active memeber of the prestigious group of mean and women, Tarick faithfully carried out his duties with the utmost professionalism and dedication. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to Engine 26, Truck 15. Soon after his appointement on the fire department, Tarick me and fell in love with Monica Darlene Green. It was truly love at first sight. They met in June 1992 and were married six months later on December 31, 1992. They lived a beautiful life together. They lived, loved and laughed with their three children, Mark, Brian and Amika for fourteen years. Tarick and Monica made a blended family work. They showed others that love really does conquer all.
Tarick was not only a dedicated firefighter, but a caring and trustworthy friend. There was never a question that Tarick could not answer. He did not shy away from a challenge and would not rest until he proved just how smart he really was. As a young fellow of great intelllect, he would often frustrate his siblings Frank, John and Valerie because he never had to study to receive his "A's," it always came natural to him.
In May 2004, Tarick combined his gift of knowledge and his love of people by earning his Associate in Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science from the University of the District of Columbia.
Tarick loved to entertain and make people smile. His spirit was so contagious and he would always be the life of the party.
As a loveing husband, father, son, brother and friend, Tarick leaves his faithful wife Monica D., his children Mark E. Lewis, Brian Logan and Amika Underdue; his beautiful mother Kathleen Massey Lewis, four loving siblings, Frank E. Lewis IV, John Marshall Lewis, Valerie Lewis Hubbard and Katrina McFarland, two grandmothers, Louise Massey and Gertrude G. Massey and his mother-in-law, Edna Green. A host of nieces, nephews and many relatives and friends.
***Taken from a rememberance of Tarick Ali dedication to life.***
