Birth
The late Jeremiah David Addo was born on Monday 24th November, 1941, to Malwine Kufu-Kosua Addo (nee Ansah) and Gershon Kwami Addo, both of blessed memory. J.D. is the last of the seven children born to their parents, and also the last to go back home.
Education
His basic education was at Wegbe-Kpalime, his hometown. Middle school during that period did not do too well at Wegbe and so J.D. went to Kpeve Middle school for two years. He left Kpeve and continued schooling at Peki Dzake for two years. J.D. ended Middle school in Kpedze, where his brother, Martin Luther Addo, lived and taught. Orphaned early in his teenage years, J.D. has always given credence to his brothers and sister for coming together to pull him up through their love, care, guidance, support for his education and discipline, with his brother Martin Luther Addo at the forefront. J.D’s secondary school education was at the Accra High School from 1960 to 1964.
Working Life
JD joined Barclays Bank, now ABSA Bank in October 1964 as a Clerk at the Kimberly Avenue Branch of the Bank. As God Himself would lead him, he spent his entire working life in the bank working in various capacities and benefited from every developmental opportunity that came his way. He rose through the ranks at work from Clerk to ‘B’ and ‘A’ signatories to Accountant, Sub Manager, Administration Manager, Branch Manager and Managing Director’s Assistant. Some of the branches he worked in are - Kimberly, Hohoe, Accra Circle, Knutsford Avenue (where he met Sophia), Avenue Central, High Street and head office in various capacities. His upward trajectory in his career never changed who he was. He always looked out for the people he worked with and maintained relationships for life.
During his retirement, he was appointed to the Board of Weto Rural Bank, a role he played with diligence and commitment till he retired again when he turned 70.
Church and Fellowship
JD was baptised and confirmed into the E.P. Church where he served in various capacities from the local to the national levels. He was later consecrated as a Presbyter in 1989 and remained so till his call to glory. He was diligent and meticulous and brought his professional expertise to the table to ensure things worked well for the growth of the church. JD served with himself and all his resources throughout his life and encouraged his family, friends and loved ones to do same. He was a member of the Laterbiokorshie E.P Church and Wegbe Kpalime E.P. Church at the time of his return to God.
Papa had a knack for supporting Reverend Ministers -a service which was deep and was perfected over the years to form lasting relationships long after transfers and overflowed to children.
A True Son of Wegbe Kpalime
Papa loved Wegbe Kpalime and would not hesitate to tell you where he came from. He formed alliances, supported groups and did everything in his power to support developmental initiatives for the benefit of the town and its people. Together with other illustrious sons and daughters of Wegbe, they spearheaded the electrification, pipe borne water, World Vision, School and Church Projects. He was a key co-ordinator of the Wegbe Kaplime Youth Association for all of his active years and encouraged all the people both home and abroad to pitch in with whatever they had - small or big. He encouraged get-togethers and fostered great relationships across physical and social barriers.
He provided a home in Accra for anyone who needed accommodation especially as a launchpad to life, education etc. , the password being ‘metso Wegbe Kpalime’ - (I am from Wegbe Kpalime). He knew and visited residents in Accra and spent a lot of time and energy exploring synergies and maintaining relationships. He would map a route to ensure he visited everyone he knew in a particular area once he set off to that area. He always had a monetary gift and a word of encouragement as a minimum on such occasions.
JD was not superstitious at all and so lived freely and fully!!!!
He made Wegbe look good to even to those of us who come from there. He made it comfortable if you wanted to complain about certain amenities. He made it eventful if you wanted to act bored. With the support of Mama, there was always food, lots of laughter and loads of hospitality at all times.
Marriage and Family Life
J.D. first married Eunice Kwami, daughter of Togbe Mathias Kwami Nani from Wegbe-Kpalime and Madam Christiana Agbo from Akrofu Xeviofe, both of blessed memory. She however passed on after a short illness in January 1972.
Widowed by January 1972 and with the support of family and Tasi Koba (Selina Abe of blessed memory) at that critical time, he moved on in life. Tragedy struck again when his brother, Dickson Daniel Addo died whilst visiting him in Accra and had to be conveyed home. Papa recounts the turbulence he went through in that season of his life. With the help of God, family and friends, Papa was resilient, carried his cross and victoriously marched on.
J.D. met Sophia Addo (nee Ababio) of Osu in 1974 at Barclays Bank and married her. Together over the past 40 plus years, they have raised children, nephews, nieces, family members, friends and loved ones. Together, they demonstrated the love of God through hospitality, kindness, humility, goodness, forgiveness among others. Papa took his role as a Father and husband very seriously. He guided his children's education and life with a combination of love, hard work, discipline and common sense. He promoted togetherness, unity, hospitality, and fun. There was no opportunity in their home to look down on anyone or even attempt to act it out. Theirs is a goodly (Godly) inheritance indeed!!!
JD knew how to celebrate - Christmases, Easters, durbars, consecrations, graduations, baptisms, dedications, confirmations, marriage ceremonies, speech days, children’s day recitals, Church anniversary programs, Church harvests, Church Choir rallies, Bible Week Programs, holidays and birthdays. Every opportunity to bring people together was taken and utilized excellently.
Papa enjoyed exercising and was blessed with good health for the best part of his life. He explored many dietary options and enjoyed his fruits, vegetables and other healthy options. Mama was there to support every new turn in interest. At JD’s 70th birthday celebration, he described himself as a crab - prickly on a lot of sides and praised Mama for managing so well. Mama, akpe sia. His health started failing in the last few years and it was difficult for him to accept that he couldn’t do all the things he used to. God has been gracious to him especially with a robust support system all around him. Thank you all for your visits, prayers, support, songs, prayers and just being there for him and us all. May God remember and bless all who have been a blessing to J.D. and his family in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
JD is survived by his wife Sophia, his children, nephews and nieces and the entire Luh Kwesi and allied Families.
JD was special. He lived so others may live. He was the shoulder many of us needed to stand on and we are better humans for having met him this side of life.
JD, may your soul rest with your Maker who loved you and you also loved.
