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Ifeoma Kwesi Obituary
If there is one word that would best describe Ifeoma, it would be feisty! Though small in stature, she was a powerhouse in all that she did, and her accomplishments are to be celebrated. Trailblazer, pioneer, and legend are words that were often associated with her; she was all of those things and more. Her love for the Lord coupled with her love for her family was unmatched. She was a mother to all and a stranger to none.
Ifeoma was a lover of books, art, and history, and she was able to speak intelligently on a myriad of topics, yet her humble nature and her love for people allowed her to be a mentor, a confidant, and a place of refuge for countless individuals who will revere her forever. Though she is no longer with us, the love and light she shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Dr, Kwesi is survived by a host of family and friends, and she will truly be missed. At her request, she will be cremated and there will not be a service, but she would want us all to remember the words of the classic song, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and to remember the words and promises found in Romans 8:18-39.
Condolences can be sent to The Family of Ifeoma Kwesi at 9606 Dortmund Dr., SE, Huntsville, AL 35803.
Until we meet again, rest in peace; we love you.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
LaVerne Fitch
July 7, 2025
I am so sorry I didn't get to see you again in life, meeting you in Boston was such a great time. You was truly a jewel. Love LaVerne
Robin Tait
June 5, 2025
She was my sister and dynamic friend. I sure miss her.
Jayden James
April 2, 2025
Dr Kwesi, was the first religion professor, I had during my time at Oakwood. Her elegant and soft yet, feisty spirit is what I remember most. I could sit with her for hours as her wealth of knowledge flowed. I truly will miss her, "Till We Meet Again Doc."
Annette Wiley
April 2, 2025
I want to say thank you for being a kind and loving person and soul. Thank you for taking me into your family and loving me as your own. Thank you for all that you have taught me and I am forever grateful to you. Thank you for your love and support throughout the years. You will be missed greatly, until we meet again...press the battle on.
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Brenda Billingy
March 30, 2025
Condolences and hugs of comfort to the entire family. My name is Brenda Billingy and I served as the Associate Ministerial Director for the North American Division for several years. Mentoring and encouraging women in ministry allowed me to meet and work with Ifeoma every December to spend time with her female students in the Religion Department who were preparing for full time ministry. Indeed she cared deeply for her students and always wanted the best for their future- (knowing how difficult it could be for female pastors and chaplains). I'm grateful that we were able to share this special time every year. I am now retired and Ifeoma is now resting until the Lord himself sets another date for us to get together again. I look forward to that day -Blessings!
Christina Thomas
March 24, 2025
The world got a little darker when you died. I keep thinking that you´ll call my phone or that you´re somewhere in the house in just another room, but I realize now you won´t be coming back until Jesus comes. I miss you. Thank you for everything. I Love you.God bless you.
love always "Christina"
Christina Thomas
March 24, 2025
Jawanza (Professor Paul J. Cook, Sr.)
March 23, 2025
Her name Ifeoma Kwesi means "conquering strength". Her adoption of that name was no mere accident. She was proud to be an African. Changing her name reflected a life changing commitment to social justice and freedom of African people and people suffering the world over.
When i first met her in 1974 I was first attracted to her because of her beautiful looks but then I came to understand that her inner beauty far exceeded her external beauty. What a rare combination!
No finer woman could I have ever known. No more intelligent woman could I have ever known. Her mind was as sharp as a razor. No humbler woman could I have ever known, no more loving woman could I have ever known. She loved her daughter, Pixie, she loved her grandchildren, she loved her great grands, she loved her niece, Christina, and nephews and importantly, she loved our people.
She was steadfastly committed to the eradication of exploitation and oppression in our lives. It is important to say what she stood for not just what she was against. She was a warrior for the freedom of African people across the globe . She followed up her support by her actions on the ground and in her constant effort to lift the conscious of our People. She was no stranger to marching and demonstrations. She was a teacher, leader, and inspiration for our People. A more powerful woman, in the defense of the people, I have not known.
In combination with her strong political principles and practice, Ifeoma was a woman of faith with strong religious principles. While we differed on the question of religion, I had to willingly respect her faith as I could do nothing else; she required it, and I willingly gave it because she lived the religious principles she believed in. Again, her "conquering strength".
I will miss you Ifeoma. We have all shared in your conquering strength. I used to tell her I didn´t want to be in this world without her, and she would respond, "I know that´s right!". I am taking you with me...I will always love you Ifeoma, as you loved me...unconditionally.
Ever...
Jawanza (Paul J. Cook, Sr.)
India Bethune
March 23, 2025
Rest well Queen. You will be greatly
Dr. Jason O´Rourke
March 19, 2025
It was due to your class that I began to engage God in a more healing way. It was at your retreats that I began to be vulnerable with strangers and peers alike. Dinners and weekends at your house were such a respite for me while at Oakwood, having come to Oakwood straight from Kosovo. God for you was more than study. God was personal. God was intimate. God was accessible. I can still remember seeing your father walk next to my grandfathers house. I will miss you, and I will see you again...but not yet. When i do, I look forward to presenting to you the family God has given me.
Wilma Zalabak, D.Min.
March 19, 2025
Two years is all I had with Ifeoma, as she and I did our M.Div. work at Andrews. Alive, authentic, always in the present, I loved her and found in her a push to my envelope and a consolation to my disappointments. We lost touch and I am so pleased to know, and add to, the love showered on her memory.
Dr. Roscoe Shields, Jr.
March 18, 2025
I learned so much from you and my personal life and ministry are all the better for it. Thank you! We extend our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to your family.
Darlene Davis
March 18, 2025
I will always remember you as Ruthi, always a ray of sunshine. Rest well. My sincere condolences to the family
Dr. Eveythe Cargill
March 18, 2025
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me. I truly appreciate your insightful comments during our meeting. Until that great getting up morning when we celebrate around God´s throne, I will meet you there.
Darnisha Thomas
March 17, 2025
"The main thing is to keep The Main Thing the main thing." Mama Kwesi would say this to us time and time again during our class time. This quote has resonated with me for many years. It's taking so much time to process this precious loss. I'm grateful for the honor of crossing paths with a trailblazer like Mama Kwesi. Her resilience was second to none, she overcame so much even at her last breath. I'll see you in the morning, Mama Kwesi.
Donna Scott
March 17, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. She was someone who touched all who knew her.
Let us all be ready to meet with those who are resting, when the Lord comes back, to claim His people.
Rachael Hardin Kennedy
March 16, 2025
When Ifeoma and I were teenagers and young adults we would always run into each other downtown or at Columbus Science Center or someplace...Columbus, Ohio wasn´t and still isn´t that big. Anyway, it always seem that we were at the some places every time we turned around... but honestly, I think because they were just two years apart in age, we had similar interests. I remember when she came to San Diego to be the Pastor at Oak Park SDA CHURCH. It is now called NEW HOPE SDA CHURCH. When I went to visit her at New Hope SDA Church. She couldn´t believe that I was in San Diego, California and she introduced me as her "homegirl" to all the church members. I was so proud to be her friend and to have no not just known as a girl, but also as a woman. I will truly miss Ifeoma "my homegirl". She is resting now, but I will see her when OUR LORD and SAVIOR comes to take us home. My prayers are with you all. May God´s comfort and peace lead you always
Demetries Neely
March 16, 2025
I have known and loved Ifeoma all my adult life. She was a friend from the beginning as we connected as kindred spirits. We met in 1981 when we were both law students at OSU. The rigor of law school is unnecessarily difficult, but for some of us, Ifeoma´s friendship and wisdom was our saving grace. In her unique style, using wit and ministry, she mentored many of us and helped us get through. Ifeoma was married with Pixie, and she had lived experiences and wisdom that we needed. After a year or two of law school, she decided she really wasn´t all that interested in being a lawyer. Our loss! Her scholarship, ability to master a debate, and her eloquence would have been a substantial value-add to the profession.
To my friend Ifeoma, I will love you forever, and I will miss you forever. To Pixie, you were the apple of your mother`s eye and she loved you unconditionally. She was so very proud of you. To Christina and the grandchildren, she was a doting auntie, grandmother and great-grandmother. She spoke often about all of you with very fond and adoring thoughts. To the rest of the family and her friends, may your hearts be at peace knowing Ifeoma ran her leg of the race to completion. She has now passed the baton to all of you and the rest of us.
Ifeoma lived her life in a way that had a profound impact on others. She was the very best of humanity, always sharing, and ministering to others...a missionary in the truest sense. It was her very special gift! May she RIP.
Demetries Neely
March 16, 2025
I have known and loved Ifeoma all my adult life. She was a friend from the beginning as we connected as kindred spirits. We met in 1981 when we were both law students at OSU. The rigor of law school is unnecessarily difficult, but for some of us, Ifeoma´s friendship and wisdom was our saving grace. In her unique style, using wit and ministry, she mentored many of us and helped us get through. Ifeoma was married with Pixie, and she had lived experiences and wisdom that we needed. After a year or two of law school, she decided she really wasn´t all that interested in being a lawyer. Our loss! Her scholarship, ability to master a debate, and her eloquence would have been a substantial value-add to the profession.
After law school I remained in Columbus and Ifeoma moved to pursue her doctorate. While the miles between us and our hectic lives separated us from consistent physical contact, we stayed in touch. I could always count on her when I wanted to scream about an injustice. We shared common beliefs about justice, nation-building, and the world we desired. After we screamed about something that we viewed as wrong, we always ended the conversation with this phrase...it´s your environment! We coined that phrase in the 80s when we observed a situation that was completely unacceptable and unexplainable. It was our inside joke, and it helped us get through difficult situations. The phrase provided levity and humbled us as we were acknowledging that one´s environment (good or bad) often dictates one´s behavior and where one lands in life.
Ifeoma and I also shared common beliefs about family and friends, and I could always count on her to be both family and friend. She was there for me as I was a single mother raising my daughter. But perhaps most importantly, I relied on her spiritual advice. I remember the day she called me to say she was entering the ministry. She was resolute, and I immediately knew that she would succeed and would not waiver from her commitment and she never did!
To my friend Ifeoma, I will love you forever, and I will miss you forever. To Pixie, you were the apple of your mother`s eye and she loved you unconditionally. She was so very proud of you. To Christina and the grandchildren, she was a doting auntie, grandmother and great-grandmother. She spoke often about all of you with very fond and adoring thoughts. To the rest of the family and her friends, may your hearts be at peace knowing Ifeoma ran her leg of the race to completion. She has now passed the baton to all of you and the rest of us.
Ifeoma lived her life in a way that had a profound impact on others. She was the very best of humanity, always sharing, and ministering to others...a missionary in the truest sense. It was her very special gift! May she RIP.
Beverly L Jenkins
March 16, 2025
Ifeoma Kwesi or Ruth Hale as I knew her the first 1/3 of her life was a dear friend that I will continue to miss the rest of my remaining days on this earth. She was a huge blessing to me & everyone that she called friend & family.
Dr. Charlotte LV Thoms
March 15, 2025
One of my favorite memories
When we were pastoring in Akron, Ohio, your mom pulled out of me more than I ever thought was there. We were rehearsing "Love Transcending," and she asked me to sing "How Beautiful Are the Feet of Them that Preach the Gospel of Peace."
There was a note I knew I could not reach. However, I went to a voice teacher for a month without telling her to learn how to breathe so that I would not disappoint her. On the night we performed, God must have tapped me on the back so that high note would come out clear as crystal.
She was so proud of me, which made me happy. Beverly Vaughn happened to be in the audience that night, and we all went back to our home for refreshments.
Since it was the Christmas season, the carolers were coming through the neighborhood, and they stopped at our door. When I open the door they started to sing. Were they ever surprised because everyone in the house started to sing, and you know Beverly and you know your mom.
They shared some notes the carolers could only stop in amazement.
They smiled and walked off the porch. We closed the door and continued to celebrate the evening. It was good times, and I will truly miss her.
Rachael Hardin Kennedy
March 15, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Rodriq stubbs
March 15, 2025
I can´t believe this beautiful soul is no longer here. We loved her so much! On short notice she married us a day before leaving California. She travelled to NY to bless my 1st baby at Linden ADS. Hope to meet you again on the crystal shores.
Steven R Hutton
March 15, 2025
My heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to the family in this your time of grief and loss. May God continue to bless and strengthen you and may you find comfort in knowing that she is resting in the Lord.....Steve Hutton
Shirley Benton
March 15, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Our prayers will continually be with the family. She will be missed, but not forgotten. May we continue to live to be among those who keep the Commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus Christ.
Shirley Benton, Valerie Green and Family
Raymond Darryl Roe
March 15, 2025
Heartfelt condolences to the family! Your family member was an awesome advocate for anyone in need. She was a great help to me many years ago when I was in need of employment.
Clifford E Baylock
March 15, 2025
My deepest condolences to the entire family. She will be missed. But we have the hope that we will see our loving professor in the earth made new.
Aaliyah Bailey
March 15, 2025
Condolences to the family, friends, students and loved ones of Dr. Kwesi. She will be missed and remembered. What a legacy she left behind! She was one of my favorite Professors in my time at Oakwood. Fiesty, trailblazer, and legend are truly what she was. She had Lord on her side and she had love in her heart! I believe she will be in that number. May she now rest in peace until that day God bless you all.
Israel Mutema
March 15, 2025
The time and place of one´s life is the time and place of their body, but the meaning of one´s life is as eternal and significant as with all themself they will to make it. Blessed are the ones who die in the Lord for their works will follow them.
Michael and Karen Jenkins
March 15, 2025
Our heartfelt sympathies, prayers, and love to the Hale Family. Michael and Karen Jenkins
James O. Coleman, III
March 15, 2025
Few people impact the lives of so many as did Dr. Kwesi. I remember her "holding court" on Sabbath afternoons following Sabbath dinner. She held her own with everyone (I mean everyone!) no matter what the topic. I regret that I did not seek her counsel in so many matters.
As wise as she was, she recognized that she did not "know it all." I remember once saying to her, "every time I talk with you, I learn something." In true Ifeoma style, she replied, "so do I."
The conditions in the world make it clear that the enemy's reign is rapidly coming to an end. Dr. Kwesi's race is run. She rests, waiting to receive her starry crown. I'm sure her counsel to each of us would be, "hold fast 'til I come!"
Sharon Cochran
March 15, 2025
To the family of our dear friend Dr. Kwesi you have our deepest condolences and Love. Ifeoma has always been an inspiration, a loving friend an adopted sister. She will never be forgotten, her kindness and warmth remains in our heart. Uncle Bobby and I remain available to you.
Love and prayers, Uncle Bobby & Aunt Sharon
Demetries Neely
March 15, 2025
1:35PM (41 minutes ago)
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I write this note with a broken heart, yet I am full of gratitude and grace. It has been my honor to know and love Ifeoma!
I have known and loved Ifeoma all my adult life. She was a friend from the beginning as we connected as kindred spirits. We met in 1981 when we were both law students at OSU. The rigor of law school is unnecessarily difficult, but for some of us, Ifeoma´s friendship and wisdom was our saving grace. In her unique style, using wit and ministry, she mentored many of us and helped us get through. Ifeoma was married with Pixie, and she had lived experiences and wisdom that we needed. After a year or two of law school, she decided she really wasn´t all that interested in being a lawyer. Our loss! Her scholarship, ability to master a debate, and her eloquence would have been a substantial value-add to the profession.
After law school I remained in Columbus and Ifeoma moved to pursue her doctorate. While the miles between us and our hectic lives separated us from consistent physical contact, we stayed in touch. I could always count on her when I wanted to scream about an injustice. We shared common beliefs about justice, nation-building, and the world we desired. After we screamed about something that we viewed as wrong, we always ended the conversation with this phrase...it´s your environment! We coined that phrase in the 80s when we observed a situation that was completely unacceptable and unexplainable. It was our inside joke, and it helped us get through difficult situations. The phrase provided levity and humbled us as we were acknowledging that one´s environment (good or bad) often dictates one´s behavior and where one lands in life.Ifeoma and I also shared common beliefs about family and friends, and I could always count on her to be both family and friend. She was there for me as I was a single mother raising my daughter. But perhaps most importantly, I relied on her spiritual advice. I remember the day she called me to say she was entering the ministry. She was resolute, and I immediately knew that she would succeed and would not waiver from her commitment and she never did!To my friend Ifeoma, I will love you forever, and I will miss you forever. To Pixie, you were the apple of your mother`s eye and she loved you unconditionally. She was so very proud of you. To Christina and the grandchildren, she was a doting auntie, grandmother and great-grandmother. She spoke often about all of you with very fond and adoring thoughts. To the rest of the family and her friends, may your hearts be at peace knowing Ifeoma ran her leg of the race to completion. She has now passed the baton to all of you and the rest of us.Ifeoma lived her life in a way that had a profound impact on others. She was the very best of humanity, always sharing, and ministering to others...a missionary in the truest sense. It was her very special gift! May she RIP.
Juanita Dilworth Johnson
March 15, 2025
I will miss my sister. As a recipient of her love and the love of her family, I stand on the shoulders of the Hale family. As a poor new believer from Chicago, I had never met or seen a family with so much love and compassion for people. They taught me to hold my head up and how to be a God fearing strong black woman. It was the love and friendship of Ifeoma to ask her family to allow me to stay with them that year. There I learned the true meaning of family, they cared for me during times of illness and celebrated by accomplishments. I was a member of the family. God placed them in my life to teach me the value of a real family. I am what I am today because of Ifeoma and her family. Rest well my sister, it won´t be long!!
Dale Patterson
March 15, 2025
Truly a great lady from a great family. She will be missed greatly
M. Arraheem
March 15, 2025
With great love for the family. Mawausi Arraheem Springfield SDA Church.
Lynnette Malone
March 15, 2025
What a beautiful, kind Christian woman. I´m so thankful to have known her. She was strong. She was a fighter. She will be greatly missed. Looking forward to seeing her when Jesus returns.
Lex Madrid
March 15, 2025
No words can adequately describe her impact on my life...see you in the morning
Ephraim Gwebu
March 15, 2025
A bright star. She will be missed by multitudes. Our condolences to the family and friends. We pray for God´s comfort and healing.
Dr. Ephraim Gwebu and family
Anthony Krones
March 15, 2025
Dr. Kwesi was like another mother to me in undergrad. She loved everyone around her, even the difficult people, as Jesus taught. Her retreats...some of the best spiritual and faith-based events I've ever had the pleasure of attending. I fondly remember her laughing at the idea that my son was attending Oakwood to become a chaplain, "following in Dad's footsteps" (he was around 11 when he last saw her) but was very clear that she understood that he was his own man.
Was she perfect? Not by any means. But she was an amazing teacher, an awe-inspiring teacher, and God's gift to ministry. She spoke up against the people who demeaned and looked down upon the ladies in the department. While loving and kind, she was absolutely resolute in her faith and her beliefs.
I also remember Morty, her beloved dog. Such a loving mutt. And she loved him and he loved her.
Dr. Kwesi will be sorely missed by so many people, and I look forward to seeing her on the last day.
I'm so very glad I got to know her.
Nathaniel Arnold
March 15, 2025
I only knew briefly but saw your love and compassion. I look forward to when we meet face to face!
Philana Harper
March 15, 2025
I knew Dr Kwesi many moons ago when her daughter Renee (Pixie) and I became childhood friends at daycare and then our moms became friends. I remember how pretty she was, her warmth radiating in her brown eyes, her smile, her wit, and her hospitality. I understand she became an amazing professor, touching and influencing many through the years. She fought hard, lived well, and loved deeply. May she rest in peace with her Savior. Thoughts and prayers lifted to her family, friends, and former students.
Tony Roseboro
March 15, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ifeoma. A beautiful queen and a gift to humankind. She has fought the good fight and is victorious. Thank you for being you. You have earned your rest.
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