Aduke Uddoh Bennett
June 13, 1948- December 22, 2023
Kennesaw, GA
Aduke Bennett passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home on Friday, December 22, 2023. Aduke was born in Onitsha, Nigeria, to Motosho and Igioro Uddoh, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Deo, husband, Bob, sisters Jose and Eronmwon, and numerous nieces and nephews in the US, Nigeria, Canada, the UK, and France. She was preceded in death by siblings George, Ola, John, Lydia, Chris, and Newman.
Aduke attended Holy Rosary School, the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan, before traveling to the US to attend Clark University, University of Colorado, Boulder, and Cleveland State University. She held a B.A and M.A in English, as well as a Ph. D in Education. Aduke worked in the educational and non-profit sectors for much of her career, but her true passion was early childhood education.
Aduke worked for the Council of Economic Opportunity of Greater Cleveland’s Head Start program, and then as the Director of Head Start for the Neighborhood Centers Association of Cleveland. She ended her career as the Executive Director of the Jersey City Child Development Center, before retiring to spend more time with family.
In 2013, Aduke and her husband moved to Georgia to enjoy warmer weather, and be closer to their daughter. Ever the doting mom and wife she spent her final years traveling, having fun, and enjoying the company of her large circle of family and friends. Aduke was an affectionate, clever, funny, vivacious personality, who lived life to the fullest. She will be missed, but we take solace in the beautiful memories she left with us.
In accordance with her wishes, Aduke was cremated after her passing. Her ashes will be scattered at sea off the coast of Hilton Head Island, SC a family vacation spot where she enjoyed morning walks on the beach, basking in the sun, and frolicking in the surf with her husband and her daughter. A memorial service in celebration of Aduke’s life will be held at the Green Magnolia, 4371 Marietta St, Powder Springs, GA 30127, from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm on Saturday, January 20, 2024.