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Ojeda Penn Obituary
"If you were to see his mastery of the keyboard, you'd be amazed by his agility," said Atlanta jazz vocalist Kathleen Bertrand, who used to sing with Penn. "He was ageless when it came to his musicianship."
"Ojeda was a kind and brilliant man," said Camille Love, head of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs in Atlanta. Penn helped her find great musicians for the Atlanta Jazz Festival, she said, "and we endeavored to bring the best to Atlanta, going near and far, but Ojeda himself was one of the best."
Penn played the 2022 Atlanta Jazz Festival, "and we had some of the largest crowds we've ever had," Love said. "People were excited to get back out with their families, to share and to listen to musicians like Ojeda."
Dortch-Williamson Funeral and Cremation Services in Riverdale is handling arrangements.
Read more about Ojeda Penn on ajc.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Ojeda Penn
29 Entries
Sharonlyn Reese
March 1, 2023
Rest in peace Ojeda ! Sharonlyn Jones Reese
Kokila Ravi
February 24, 2023
Rest in peace, Ojeda! I will cherish memories of our lively conversations, your brilliance, humor, and spontaneity. Grateful to have known you and experienced your friendly, open, and generous nature. I so wish I had attended your concerts.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, Beta Zeta Chapter
February 19, 2023
We celebrate a life that was well lived in that of Brother Ojeda Penn.
A man of eminent jazz prowess has reached the golden shores. We pray that the hearts of the Penn family will be consoled in knowing that the Brothers of the Beta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi commemorate Brother Penn's life.
In His service,
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, Beta Zeta Chapter
Cul de sac neighbors
February 15, 2023
Ojeda was a gifted professor, a composer/performer extraordinaire, a cool dresser and a great neighbor. We will miss his spirited debates with the male neighbors; listening to his rehearsals - which seemed more like attending the premiere for his concerts because the music was always great! But most of all, we will miss him as a neighbor. The discussions of neighborly concern as well as his forward-thinking concern and encouragement for the positive development and progress of the youth on the street will remain etched in our memories of him. Last but far from lest, we will miss his concern for neighbors and his diligence in watching out for his neighbor's well-being, including their property.
Ojeda thanks so much for being you!
We will miss you,
Your cul de sac neighbors
alan marwine
February 11, 2023
Gail and I are deeply saddened by the death of our good friend Ojeda Penn. We've known him for over 25 years. I met him first at Bard College where we taught writing together and where we became fast friends. Ojeda stayed at our house on weekends when we could take some time off, and I see him at our dinner table and our front porch (where he fell out of the hammock on his first try) to this day. We were welcomed into his home by Ojeda and his wonderful wife, Angie, and spent long hours in his studio while he practiced and we talked about jazz and about politics. He was a master teacher and musician and friend. We both learned so much from him and we will miss him always. Our condolences to all his family and friends.
Charles Varner Jr
February 10, 2023
My condolences to the Penn and Gardener families of Montgomery, AL. All contemporary Jazz aficionados are saddened at the news of Ojeda's passing. We share the grief being borne by his family and close friends. His Jazz sets afforded me the opportunity to hear him at his best while visiting in Atlanta. May he rest in peace.
Charlie Varner, Jr., Montgomery, AL
Geri Harmon
February 5, 2023
The world is a little more quiet and heaven is a lot more hip!
I taught with Ojeda for many years at AMC, and we all know he was one-of-a-kind! Generous, buoyant, versatile, brilliant and creative, he never stopped savoring each moment with his infective enthusiasm for fully living life as a fully human being!
Sincere condolences to Angie and all the Penn family. Ojeda is surely talking the ears off the angels now! May his piano resonate in heaven!
Shirley Shivers
February 4, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Samuel and Kathy Dunn Jackson
February 3, 2023
We were saddened to hear of Ojeda´s passing. We have known him and his siblings from childhood as our families were good friends. Ojeda was such a smart and talented individual and although we had not seen him in a while, we kept up with him through his sister, Vanzetta. We will keep her and Wilbur and other family members uplifted in prayer.
Samuel and Kathy Dunn Jackson
February 3, 2023
We have known the Penn family since childhood. Our families were friends and we, the children , all attended school together. We were devastated to hear of Ojeda´s passing. He was such a smart and talented individual. Although we had not seen him in a while, we kept up with him through his sister, Vanzetta. We uplift her and Wilbur and their other family members in prayer. May loving memories and the love and support of those around them ease their grief and give them peace.
Samuel and Kathy Dunn Jackson
Lynus Rankins
February 3, 2023
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of this Atlanta ledgendary musician!!! Prayers for strength and understanding from the RANKINS'FAMILY!!!
Robert L Belcher
February 3, 2023
Maat Kheru Ojeda my instructor and friend. My sincere condolences to his loving family.
Doug Mccants
February 3, 2023
He will be remembered for his dedication to his music and as an educator. He loved to talk about philosophical issues
The keyboard was his first love. Jazz was his passion. Condolences too his family.
Lekan Parsons
February 2, 2023
Great Blessings Great Brother Ojeda Penn.
A true Jazz Elder Statesman.
Tell Brothers Roderick Smith, Baatin Muhammad and all the other Great Ones of music in the Upper Realms that we Give Thanks and are eternally Grateful to All of You for the Musical gifts you so unselfishly imparted to us here experiencing this 3D reality.
May the Great Creator continue to Bless & Guide you thru this New Experience of spiritual existence.
Gratefulness
Meta´LP aka Lekan
George Grier, Bassist
February 2, 2023
Still trying to wrap my mind around such a tragic event...I will miss the heavy conversations we'd often have..as well as the Plutonian Music we'd create.. His Family is in my Prayers..
-George Grier, Bassist
Judith Allen Ingram
February 2, 2023
Over the years your musical talents brought joy to our city. Now you can play with others who rest in the bosom of Abraham. Rest in Peace, you will be missed.
Patricia Stokes
February 2, 2023
My sincerest condolences to you, Angie and to the entire Penn family. Ojeda will be sorely missed by all who loved and admired him and his talent. I pray for your comfort during this time.
Paul W. Smith
February 1, 2023
I met Ojeda when we were both freshmen at Howard University and lived in Cook Hall together. He was just a fun guy back then. I have only seen Ojeda a few times since our time at Howard, but I was especially saddened to hear about his passing. I remember seeing him play at a club in Atlanta many years ago. I was fascinated by his ability. I learned that he taught English on that trip. I told him I was never very good at English, so he gave me an English Handbook that he had. I still use it when I'm checking my grammar on paper. He was quite a guy. May he rest in peace.
Troy L. Story
February 1, 2023
I am really sad to hear of Ojeda's passing; he was a kind, gentle, brilliant musician and man. We were friends in high shool in Montgomery, AL, neighbors in College Park and frequently communicated on electronic media. He will be missed!
James and Wanda Walton Jackson
February 1, 2023
Heartbroken at the loss of such a wonderful man! He shared his intellect, wit and talent and the world is a better place because he did! May sweet memories bring comfort to the family. We are sending our condolences and love.
Alberta Yvonne Reid
February 1, 2023
Van !!!
I have ALWAYS LOVED YOU, YOUR MOTHER & OJEDA !!!
OJEDA & I were intouch WITH each other. I would always
Remind him that, I remembered his Mother's birthday ON, APRIL 17th. I THINK on, APRIL 17th.
John Boehm
February 1, 2023
I am absolutely devastated to learn of Ojeda's passing. He was my most treasured colleague and friend. The music conversations we had were always very stimulating and insightful. On one occasion, he actually "sang" in my faculty men's choir which we organized for an Honor's Day program. Ojeda was the consummate musician and had respect and appreciation throughout all genres. I am so honored to have had the privilege of knowing Ojeda and calling him friend. He meant a great deal to me. I wish supportive comfort for Ojeda's family during this time. Be assured my prayers are with you.
Valari Capozzi
February 1, 2023
I am so sorry to learn of Ojeda's passing. My deepest condolences to his family and dear friends. You are forever in my heart, Ojeda.
Tom Maier
January 31, 2023
So kind and giving. Always growing and bringing so many of us along with him. He was a unique person with so many skills. I remember the times he would sit in with Paul Mitchell at Dante’s. RIP maestro.
Janice Gregory Frazier
January 31, 2023
Our deepest sympathy to the Penn family. We will forever remember his talent and contributions to the Montgomery community.
Frank J Gregory Sr and Janice G Frazier.
Terence Thomas
January 31, 2023
The Susie Jerelene Savage and Terence Thomas family are sending their condolences to the Penn family.
Charles and Sondra Johnson
January 31, 2023
Lifting the Penn family and all who knew and loved Ojeda up in prayer. This Atlanta music icon will be sorely missed.
Neighbor
January 31, 2023
Offering my condolences in behalf of the Penn family and friends in this time of grief. May the peace of God comfort you during this difficult time
Mary Jo Hagen
January 31, 2023
Ojeda is longtime friend, until we moved from Ponderosa, a dependable neighbor and an extension to our family that our boys respected and admired. Ojeda played at our oldest son´s college graduation brunch from Ga. Tech University. We will always treasure our time together! Our heartfelt condolences to his family and love ones. Mary Hagen
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
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Dortch-Williamson Funeral & Cremation Services1410 Hwy 138 SW, Riverdale, GA 30296
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