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Kojo Kamau Obituary

Kamau Kojo Kamau, age 77, entered eternal life December 12, 2016. An accomplished artist and photographer whose work is internationally recognized, Kojo was a native of Columbus and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Preceded in death by wife Dr. Mary-Ann Williams, and parents Elizabeth Jones Perkins, James Perkins and Roberts Jones, Sr. Survived by sons, Kenya (Joyce) Jones and Kayin (Shinnell) Jones; brothers, Joe Perkins, Charles Jones, and Marvin (Genevieve) Perkins; grandchildren, Joshua Jones, Jaya Jones, Neveah Russell, Robert Jones, Moniqua Russell, and Ta-Saun Leo Reynolds; former wife and mother of children, Mary Skinner-Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Celebration of Life 12 noon Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Broad Street Presbyterian Church, 760 E. Broad St., where his family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the start of service. Interment Green Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St. To read Kojo's extended obituary and express condolences to his family, please visit www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Kojo Kamau

Not sure what to say?





Vivian Pitman

March 27, 2022

You are greatly missed a legacy for sure of an artist,Kojo was a sweet talented man.

Dr. William Harris

January 6, 2017

For the Family of Kojo. Kojo was a very, very caring, giving, and responsible artist at Ohio State and in the community. He provided me the opportunity to exhibit at Ace Gallery where I met the real Columbus community. Moreover, in the early 1990's Kojo was the photographer for the OSU Distinguished Teacher Awards of which I was a recipient. His photograph of me is one I've always cherished.
Kojo was a unique man. As in Africa, remember to speak his name, and never, ever, let him be forgotten. Theresa (Tari) and I will miss you. Take your deserved rest Kojo. You've earned it. Bill & Tari Harris.

VIVIAN PITMAN

December 29, 2016

YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED

Sherry M Baxton Thompson

December 22, 2016

Heartfelt prayers to my extended family in the loss of such a talented Man Cuz Kojo. Know you are loved. Our connection began with his Mother Mrs. Perkins sister of my uncle Herbert Breckenridge. Love you forever.

December 21, 2016

I am deeply moved and sadden to hear of the transition of my friend Kojo Kamau. You have touched the hearts and minds of many with your kind personality and creative spirit, your absence truly will be felt in our community.

Yvonne Foster-Smith

Larry Clark

December 21, 2016

Family -
My deepest condolences on the passing of a great man in our community. We will be eternally grateful for his documentation of life in Columbus; esp. his 50-year perspective showing how the city has changed.

We will miss him and hope his legacy will live on through his many images.

Arnett - sorry we missed hearing you play: "Last Mile of the Way" was one of my solos many years ago in the church's Boys Choir.

"The Eagle Has Landed"

Herb USMC

December 21, 2016

RIP

Herb USMC

December 21, 2016

Herb USMC

December 21, 2016

Herb USMC

December 21, 2016

USAF Memorial

Herb USMC

December 21, 2016

International Known,Photographer

Herb USMC

December 21, 2016

East H.S. Class of 1957

Herb USMC

December 21, 2016

Herb USMC

December 21, 2016

Herb USMC

December 21, 2016

Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC

December 21, 2016

God Bless and Thank YOU,Kojo for your service,in The United States Air Force... RIP ... And Semper Fi.

December 21, 2016

To Pepper and the Kaumu Family, Kojo was a wonderful early example of what a successful life in art looks like for me. As a young artist when I met Kojo years ago, he offered me many kind words of encouragement. He was a steller role model and over all kind and gentle man. Pepper, My condolences are with you and I will keep you in my prayers; it was always nice seeing you and Kojo, together sharing your love for the arts. May God bless you and family.
Lisa M. Cliff

Lawrence Williamson, Jr;

December 20, 2016

Words cannot fully offer the heartfelt sadness we feel as a community with your departure. You leave a wonderful artistic legacy for all of us to visually adore.

We will greatly miss you and all your contributions as you were truly our ACE and Art for Community Expressions!

Larry Williamson, Jr.

Arnett

December 20, 2016

Kojo,

I went to the National Afro American Museum a couple of weeks ago to see the exhibit. However it was closed because of Veteran's Day. How could they?
Christine came home from the book store and announced that "Kojo has passed." I sat speechless for a half hour. I called the two phone numbers that I had for you but didn't get through. I called Diehl Funeral Home and they told me that it would be a couple of days before the arrangements would be ready.
So, you have passed, I wanted to play for your service. I guess it's too late for that, so I'm going to play for you now.

"If I walk through the pathway of duty. If I walk to the close of the day. I will see the great king in his beauty when I've gone the last mile of the way. When I've gone the last mile of the way, I shall rest at the close of the day. And I know there are joys of that await me, when I've gone the last mile of the way."

I am short on words because you were so dynamic. Blessings!

CHARLINA HUBBARD

December 20, 2016

Kojo, I will miss your smile and words of inspiration.You will remain in our hearts forever.

The FTD Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Janet Willis

December 20, 2016

Kojo, I will miss your humble smile and gentle strength, your laughter and kindness.

Kojo and I spent many hours talking in his studio.

Kevin Willis

December 20, 2016

You are greatly missed, my good friend. Words cannot tell the emptiness I feel at the loss of you in my life.

Patricia Williams

December 19, 2016

Kojo,
my dear & gentle friend, your warmth, generosity, artist's eyes and so many wonderful adventures shared in helping to bring the arts alive in Columbus, will be sorely missed. You touched many lives, hearts, and spirits; and we are ever grateful for that special light that was YOU. Peace on your journey...Pat Williams

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Funeral services provided by:

Diehl-Whittaker Funeral | Cremation Services

1370 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43205

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