LOS ANGELES (FinalCall.com)�Two families became one as over 500 Muslims, friends and business acquaintances joined Cylenna Muhammad�s three siblings Jan. 5 to celebrate her life at the Angelus Funeral Home in the Crenshaw District. Sis. Cylenna, 29, was killed Dec. 25 when the single-engine plane she was traveling in experienced engine trouble and crashed just off the coast of San Diego. Traveling with her were her husband, Edward, who is still missing, and the pilot, Jamal Muhammad, who survived. A federal investigation into the accident is ongoing.

One by one, M.G.T.-G.C.C. (women of the Nation of Islam) draped in their white garments with matching gloves and F.O.I. (men of the Nation of Islam) in green and red and blue and white uniforms, and crisp suits and ties, filed into their seats, filling the intimate memorial hall until there was standing room only.

National M.G.T.-G.C.C. Captain A�ishah Muhammad, National Vanguard Captain Stephanie Muhammad, along with the National Vanguard 1st Lt. Dana Muhammad came from Nation of Islam headquarters in Chicago to attend the services. F.O.I., some from as far as San Francisco and San Diego lined the walls, the outer lounge and parking lot. Bro. Jamal, whose recovery is steadily progressing, attended with family members.

After everyone possible was seated, members of the M.G.T. Vanguard Class, of which Sis. Cylenna was a member, escorted her sisters, Kameelah Al-Amin and Lewargrea Terry (of Georgia), and Najawaa Terry (of Colorado) to their seats. Sis. Cylenna was the eldest of the four girls.

There was no organ music, no chorus, no sad songs, no grievous, thunderous preaching. It was her day. And there was simply a life-sized portrait of a smiling sister soldier in her white garment before her Nation�s flag. The photograph was stationed next to a petite, rose-colored casket, under a huge bouquet of multi-colored roses and flowers.

After the processional and opening prayer by Nation of Islam Western Region Min. Tony Muhammad, the obituary, a poem, and remarks were read by Vanguards sisters Haniyyah Muhammad, Teresa Muhammad, Rakeisha Muhammad, Western Region Vanguard Captain Kabasa Muhammad and M.G.T.-G.C.C. Capt. Valerie Muhammad.

Sis. Cylenna demonstrated the true meaning of a Vanguard through her work, said Sis. Kabasa. She never let her atmosphere stop her from serving Allah (God), Sis. Kabasa said, and added, "Although change is painful, Allah is the Best Knower, and I pray that we incorporate the spirit that she and her husband had to work into our lives."

"Sis. Cylenna will always be with us as long as we carry the torchlight of truth and remain steadfast in duty," Sis. Rakeisha said.

Ms. Al-Amin reflected on youthful times when Sis. Cylenna, even through her own struggles, would mail her five and ten dollar bills to help through university years.

"To listen to everyone speak so highly of her, when all through life she spoke so highly of others, the only unfortunate part is that I didn�t get to know this side of her family sooner," Ms. Al-Amin stated. She was comforted that those before her spoke with what she called accuracy of her loved one.

Sis. Cylenna�s martial arts instructor, Bro. Sharrief Muhammad of the Muhammad University of Martial Arts, recalled her great energy, saying she made it a joy to teach. Before her passing, Sis. Cylenna had received her orange and black belts in karate. Regrettably, Bro. Sharrief said, he had not yet presented her black belt to her.

Sis. Cylenna�s memorial service unveiled the quiet, almost secret, life of a committed Muslim woman, dedicated wife, kind sister, and strong helper to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. Testimony after testimony, from her sisters, Vanguard Capt., martial arts instructor, on to her hair stylist/biggest Final Call customer, revealed her dedication to The Final Call and her mosque duties. Her stylist said that although Sis. Cylenna did not have a car, she once promised to rent one if he would visit the mosque with her, and they did. He was scheduled to re-visit Muhammad Mosque #27 with her the first weekend of the year, and said he would be there anyway.

He remembered her as one who never complained, or rarely spoke, except through her work.

"We�re not here to be sad. We�re not here to sing sad songs, for when one goes on in the next life, there�s enough sadness alone, and what we need to do is celebrate the life of our dear sister," said Min. Tony during his uplifting eulogy.

He expressed greetings directly from Min. Farrakhan, saying, "Allah is the causer of life and Allah is the One Who permits and/or allows death. During parting views, you will only be looking at a vessel, a body in which Sis. Cylenna used to live."

Lewargrea Terry sparked resounding laughter and clapping in the hall as she gleefully spoke of her big sister�s constant lectures, steady compliments and meatless, corn-laced spaghetti.

After a brief open-casket viewing, the funeral procession traveled to the Inglewood Park Cemetery to inter Sis. Cylenna�s physical remains.

"The body of Sister Cylenna came from the earth and her body shall return, but her spirit and her energy shall forever be with the righteous and those who love her�her family, friends, and the Believers," said Min. Tony, as he sprinkled dirt on the casket.

Led by Min. Tony, members of the F.O.I., M.G.T., and even Sis. Cylenna�s sisters grabbed shovels, making sure she was covered. This helped, Min. Tony said, to relieve any stress or grief they were experiencing.

What impacted her most, said Sis. LaWanda Muhammad of Long Beach, was that, though saddened that they would not be able to interact with the Cylenna they came to know and love, everyone, including Sis. Cylenna�s family, was joyful, laughing, at the day�s end.

"The ceremony was just beautiful, and truly a reflection of how Sister was. Min. Tony�s words were gentle, very lighthearted. This is how a memorial service should be," she stated.

Afterward, everyone gathered at the Kedren Headstart Community Center for dinner and fellowship.

Photo: Sis. Cylenna's photo next to casket at Angelus Funeral Home.