Sarah Ukaha Memory Book

In Loving Memory SHARON LOUISE UKAHA

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MARCH 19, 1942 - NOVEMBER 16, 2024 POPLAR BLUFF, MISSOURI

AVONDALE, ARIZONA

Celebration of Life

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024

Reflections on a Life Well-lived

Mrs. Sharon Ukaha was born Sharon Louise Jones, March 19, 1942, to Lewis Nathaniel Jones and Lillie Bell Johnson (Jones), in Poplar Blu f, 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 a fectionately 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 lled 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.

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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; ve 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.

Order of Service 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 Poem 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)

E D U CATO R A R T I S T

H I S TO R I A N DA N C E R

A Poem for Mama

The ancestors saw you were 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), and take your rest.

We all still love you dearly, but your ancestors knew best.

Family Acknowledgment

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Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you sent a oral 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.