Akilah was born October 26, 1951 at home using a midwife. Her parents were Martha Grimes and George Blanks. Martha and George met during one of America's most profound times during the civil rights movement.

Akilah attended Williamson High School in Mobile, AL.  Shortly after graduating, she served in the armed forces where she received an honorable discharge September 19, 1974.

She traveled and studied with Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan December 22, 1991 to January 5, 1992.  She lived in Aswan, Africa until political unrest required her to return to the United States.  It was during this time, she changed her name and vital records becoming the, "Ray of Light," we know as Akilah T. Jaha.

In 2003 she met her life partner Katrena Jaha-Watkins.  On May 21, 2016 they legally married in Murfreesboro, TN. With this union she gained two god-daughters and one god-son.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Stallworth (Grimes); father George Blanks; sister, Sarah Richardson-Burt; brothers, George Blanks Jr. and John Roy Blanks.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving wife, Katrena Jaha-Watkins of La Vergne, TN; brothers, MC Stallworth of Sacramento, CA, Melvin Stallworth (Janice) of Greensboro, SC and Emejoe Stallworth of Mobile, AL; sister Queen Williams of Mobile, AL and a host of loving  aunts, uncles, god-children, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews as well as great-great nieces and nephews, friends, and loved ones.

I would like to personally thank all the loving souls that helped during this transitional period including the doctors and staff at NGH for their loving care. Last but not least, thank you to JJ and Gerald at Simple Cremation and Funeral Services.

Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all that were blessed to spend space and time.