Afrikadzata Deku Obituary in Spartanburg at J.W. Woodward Funeral Home

Obituary For Afrikadzata Deku

Dr. Afrikadzata Deku, 74, peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 3, 2024 at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. Afrikadzata was born on December 13, 1949 in his father’s village in Kadjebi, Ghana. He was one of 24 children. Afrikadzata was a devoted husband to Mrs. Mary Ann Washington Deku.

Afrikadzata attended boarding school in Ghana. He received a BA degree with honors from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana in 1977. Afrikadzata went on to earn three master’s degrees and two Ph.Ds. He studied International Relations, Translation in French and English, Administration and Diplomacy, and African and pan-African Studies.

Dr. Deku was a professor at several colleges and universities to include Wofford, Converse, Clark Atlanta and Morris Brown. He authored poems, novels, plays, papers and articles. Afrikadzata was also the founder of the World African Cultural Institute (WACI) which organized the first Kwanza in Spartanburg County in 1988 held at Mt Moriah Baptist Church.

Afrikadzata leaves to cherish fond and loving memories: his wife, Mary Ann of 35 years; his son of Paris, France; a daughter of Charlotte, North Carolina; a daughter of Ghana, West Africa; a devoted niece Chasity (Elder Willie) Hagler; numerous grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.

The family will receive friends at the chapel from 12:00 noon - 12:45 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations payable to: St. Paul AME Church, 1787 Old Number Six Hwy.,Cameron, SC.

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Uncle May your Soul Rest in perfect peace 😭🥹

How can you bury someone without informing the family. As Ghanaians our culture does not permit this

The man who Introduced me to Drama at Abetifi Presbyterian Secondary School. May your soul rest in peace.... Ameyaw

George Ameyaw

Mary. May the Lord be with you in this hour of sorrow. W.R.Durham

Betty Goins

Mrs Deku my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Soror Mary Ann, please know that you have my heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. If there's anything I can do to support you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Soror Cheryl Meeks

Mary Ann -- Thinking about you at this sad and difficult time. I know you will be strong; you always are. Fondly, Linda Bilanchone

Mary Ann, We were very sad to hear of your husband's passing. You are held close in our hearts during this difficult time. Ruth Stanton And Rick Hahnenberg.

Mrs Deku, So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Jimmy and Pamela Lewis

Mary Ann, you have my deepest condolences in the loss of your love one. May be with you now and always. Gloria Butler

Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. In time, may your heart and soul find peace and comfort. We love you tremendously, Auntie. Willie and Chasisty Haigler

Deepest sympathy is extended to you Mrs Demi❤️
Ella Williams

Sympathy is extended to you Mrs Deku❤️

Mary Ann, I am so very sorry to hear of Afrikadzata's passing. Please know how much we care for you and will hold you and your family in our hearts and prayers.
Libby Huskey, LWV

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC