Jeanette Vera Ighedosa

Obituary OBITUARY- Life and Legacy of Jeanette Ighedosa Jeanette Vera Ighedosa was born on March 13th, 1954 in St. Louis, Missouri at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, the only hospital for African Americans in St. Louis from 1937 to 1979. Jeanette was the 3rd daughter of Wilhelmina Hopkins-Martin (Robinson) and Harry Martin. She attended elementary school in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated from Southeast High School. She went on to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Avila College in 1977, followed by obtaining her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas accelerated one-year Master’s program. Jeanette was an Adjunct Professor in Social Work at the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri, Kansas City. On August 17th, 2020, Jeanette quietly transitioned from this earthly realm to a magnificent home in Paradise. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her oldest sister Brenda Joyce Martin Rogers. As a result of her family upbringing at Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness, USA, Jeanette became a Christian during her teen years. As an adult she joined the Catholic faith, where she described experiencing a deeply fulfilling spiritual connection with her St. Therese Little Flower Church family. When she moved to High Ridge, Missouri in the St. Louis metropolis in 2013, she joined Christ Temple Cathedral, Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A in St. Louis, Missouri. She also fell in love with St. Alphonsus “The Rock” Liguori Church and became a member. Jeanette’s strong faith in God helped her overcome many obstacles in life, and was the foundation for her passionate advocacy for others. Jeanette was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who devoted her life to working with children and families in the urban core. Jeanette was a fierce leader and advocate for the African American community. In her role as Director of Children’s services at Swope Parkway Health Center and Niles Home for Children, she developed and implemented numerous innovative mental health programs and services. Jeanette’s clinical expertise focused on the potential, strengths, and resilience of children and youth. She fought to ensure that families were equipped with resources that helped them to thrive. Jeanette authored the book “Schizophrenia is Not a Candy Bar” to help children and adults understand schizophrenia. She also has written a manuscript for an important book on suicide prevention, which will be entrusted to scholarly peers to complete and publish in her name and honor. In recent years Jeanette provided much needed resources and support to people experiencing mental health crises at St. Anthony’s Highland Behavioral Health, and Behavioral Health Response (BHR). Jeanette approached life with a verve that was contagious! No one laughed as much, danced as much, worked as hard, dared as much, fought more for the cause, or reached as high for the stars as Jeanette Ighedosa. Jeanette also enjoyed traveling the country, always seeking new adventures. She wore many hats, filled many roles –mother,leader, mentor, teacher, wife, activist, counselor, pianist, singer, orator, author, friend, confidant, and so many more. She also held many titles – “Professor Ighedosa”, “Mahogany”, “Ovbioha", and known by so many as “Mama J” - she was always on or behind the scenes helping someone in need. A political warrior and community advocate, “Mama J” joined youth fighting for gun reform in their March on Washington after the Parkland High School mass murders. She attended The Annual Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C. several times, and attended the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. Yet, of all her accomplishments, the role she valued as most important was that of being a loving mother to her children, and a doting "Grammy" to her grandchildren. Jeanette leaves to honor and cherish a life well lived: Sons Iyobosa and Enoma Ighedosa; Daughters Ilani (Efe) Idugie and Ese Ighedosa; Foster daughter Peggy Brown; Grandchildren Osose Ighedosa, Omohe Ighedosa, Adazee Idugie, Eraze Ighedosa, and Osazee Idugie; Sisters Iness Panni, Deborah Robinson, Annette Howell; Brother Kenneth Martin (Connie); spiritual family Bobbieteen Austin, Karen Austin, Kim Austin; A HUGE Extended Family of Aunts, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins; her tribe of Beloved friends; and Esteemed Colleagues and Coworkers. Private Services will be held on Monday August 24, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at St Therese Little Flower Catholic Church 5814 Euclid, Kansas City MO 64130. Public Visitation at 9:00 a. m. - 10:45 a.m. Burial at Forest Hill Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the visitation is open to the public, and the service is private. Masks/facial coverings and social distancing will be required, in accordance with CDC guidelines. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeanette Vera Ighedosa, please visit our floral store. Read More

Jeanette Vera Ighedosa

March 13, 1954 - August 17, 2020