In Loving Memory
SHARON LOUISE UKAHA
MARCH 19, 1942 - NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Celebration
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024
Sunrise Sunset
POPLAR BLUFF, MISSOURI AVONDALE, ARIZONA
Reflections on a Life Well-lived
Nathaniel Jones and Lillie Bell Johnson (Jones), in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The family relocated early to St. Louis, Missouri. From 9 years of age and throughout her adolescent years, she and her younger brother were reared by their paternal grandmother, Mrs. Mary Whitehead Jones. Sharon attributed her strong work ethic to experiences working alongside her grandmother as a domestic, as well as her moral fabric being tightly stitched through continuous church-related activities –insisted upon by the woman affectionately known as Gran Gran.
Sharon graduated from Hadley Technical High School, where she studied fashion tailoring. It was at Gran Gran’s church home were she met and married a young preacher named Murrell A. Jenkins; from this union two sons were born. Years later, she remarried George Blackmon; two more sons were born. In her third union, she was proceeded in death to Alex Ukaha.
She took pride in motherhood and being an independent woman. At 30, while rearing four boys on her own, she refused to be complacent with receiving government assistance; she withdrew from the welfare program and enrolled in secondary education. She received an associate’s degree in education from Merritt College (Oakland, California), and then bachelor’s and master’s degrees in linguistics from University of California Berkeley.
Having taught in the Oakland Public School system for more than a quarter of a century, Sharon took personal interest in the lives of many of her students throughout the years. The deeply admired teacher was well read; her home was filled with a collection of culturally-diverse books and artwork (which the family referred to as a library/museum). Notably, she had a particularly keen interest in African/African-American studies. Above everything was her loving kindness, easy-going nature, love of life and learning. She spoke Swahili – her adopted African name was Taiwili Sofala – and traveled to Africa, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.
Sharon’s memory will continue to be held dear by all whom she shared her love and that loved her. She is cherished by: six brothers, Lewis Nathaniel Jones, Jr. (Jean), Stanley Jones, Reginald Jones (Joyce), Nathaniel Jones, Nathan Jones and Elmer Jones; two sisters, Micah (Nickie) Twyman and Amber Jones; four sons, Xavier Lewis Jenkins (Audrey), Courtney Bernard Jenkins, George Bobby Blackman (Danisha), Akintunde Kolawole Blackman (Tamica); six granddaughters, Nia (Justin), Shadae (Anthony), Niani, Eden, Alexandria and Georgette aka GiGi; five grandsons, Omari (Victoria), Elijah, Bobby, Jahsua and Noah; four great grandsons, Anthony (AJ), Nassir, Lux and Aiden; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, relatives and beloved friends.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024
1pm Celebration of Life
University of Advancing Technology - Community Theater
2625 W. Baseline Road, Tempe 85283
Musical Prelude
Welcome & Acknowledgment of Ashes
Sharon’s Sons
Musical Tribute: “Lift Every Voice”
Georgette (GiGi)
Musical Selection: “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
Gloria Platt
Old Testament Scripture Reading
Isaac Kimbrough
New Testament Scripture Reading
Martha Mixon
Prayer
Isaac Kimbrough
Spiritual Words of Comfort
Fatimah Halim
Obituary Reading
Audrey Jenkins
In Memory of Sharon Ukaha
Video Presentation
— Remarks by Family & Friends — (2 minutes)
Musical Selection: “I Won’t Complain”
Gloria Platt
Shadae Bell
Closing Words of Encouragement
Courtney Jenkins
4pm Repast
Betty H. Fairfax High School
8225 S. 59th Avenue, Laveen 85339
400 Building Community Room (upstairs)
A Poem for Mama
you getting weary, so they did what they thought best. They came and stood beside you and whispered, "Come and rest!” You were gone before we knew it, and only the ancestors know why. Sleep well and go on, Dear Mama (Gran Gran),
Family Acknowledgment
Perhaps you sent a floral piece, if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you were not there at all, but just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, We thank you so much whatever the part. Wherever your pathway leads, may God be with you.
