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Obituary For Godwin E. Dafe
Godwin Dafe was born on June 12, 1949, in the village of Urhuagbesa, Nigeria, in the Abraka Kingdom, to Mr. Dafe Tietie and Ms. Omete Egbri. After a life richly lived in service to family, community, and faith, he peacefully transitioned on January 19, 2026.
From humble beginnings, he went on to live a life defined by perseverance, service, leadership, and generosity.
Dafe proudly served in the Nigerian Air Force as an airplane mechanic, an experience that led him to pursue further studies abroad in England. In 1973, he migrated to the United States to study aviation in Ozark, Alabama. Although vision requirements prevented him from completing the aviation program, members of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ozark assisted him in transferring to Clarke College in Newton, Mississippi, where he earned his associate degree.
Newton proved to be a pivotal place in his life. It was there that he met Sarah, and the two became inseparable friends before marrying in December 1976. Dafe continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and later earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Jackson State University in 1979.
Together, Dafe and Sarah raised a beautiful blended family. Prior to his marriage, Dafe was blessed with two older children, Jane Onome (Anthony Imafidon) and Ovo Iyke (Udodirim Dafe). During their marriage, Dafe and Sarah welcomed three children together: Oneki, Oria (Jefferson Ogwurike), and Odiri. Though they were born in different countries and on different continents, all five children were raised together with love, guidance, and unity, forming one close-knit and joyful family.
Dafe was a devoted father who took great pride in each of his children and in the life they built together as a family. He was also a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and a great-grandfather to one great-grandchild.
Dafe often said that America had been good to him. Many remember him from King’s the Tailor on Capitol Street, where he was one of their top salesmen, and from Service Merchandise at the old Metro Center Mall, where he worked in electronics sales. He began his insurance career going door-to-door with Union National and New York Life before starting his long and impactful tenure with State Farm Insurance in 1981, faithfully serving his community through 2024.
Beyond insurance, Dafe was a successful real estate owner, holding and managing multiple properties over the years. He was also a founding member of First American Bank, which was later acquired by Liberty Bank, now one of the largest African American–owned banks in the United States. He was appointed by then-Governor Kirk Fordice to serve on the Mississippi Economic Development Council and later served on the 2014 Jackson 1% Sales Tax Commission. In addition, he partnered in several restaurant ventures.
In 2018, the Jackson City Council honored and commended Dafe as “an outstanding citizen whose authentic heart for the people has empowered the community.”
His desire to serve extended deeply into the community. He first located his State Farm office inside the Jackson Medical Mall and later moved to the corner of Bailey Avenue and Woodrow Wilson, where he remained for the rest of his career.
Though Dafe left Nigeria, he never left his people. He continuously gave back to his family and community, building a school in his village and sponsoring a water project to provide clean, accessible water for daily living.
In 2007, the elders of his village and the King of Abraka honored him with a chieftaincy title, bestowing upon him the name Ezomo of Abraka, in recognition of his leadership, generosity, and lifelong service.
Chief Dafe is survived by his siblings: Sunday Egbri, Elizabeth Achi, Bridget Opia, Lucky Omoghene, Charles Onoriode Dafe (Stella), and Ishioma Esquire.
He was preceded in death by his siblings: Tilo Egbri, Comfort Egbri, Polo Egbri, and Ese Dafe.
He is also survived by his sons-in-law: Anthony Imafidon (Jane) and Jefferson Ogwurike (Oria); and his daughter-in-law: Udodirim Dafe (Ovo).
He leaves to cherish his memory his grandchildren: Nathan Izevbigie, Tyler Dafe Turner, Natalie Izevbigie, Garen Dafe, Iyke G. Dafe, Daisy Imafidon, Matthew Ogwurike, Ethan Dafe, and Chidera Ogwurike; and one great-grandchild, Kyden Ryu Amir Cole.
He also leaves behind a vast extended family—many whom he lovingly adopted as his own. To countless individuals across cultures and generations, Dafe served as a father, mentor, and guiding presence, offering wisdom, support, and unconditional care. He deeply loved his nieces and nephews, cherished his friends, and touched the lives of all who knew him in lasting and meaningful ways.
Dafe had a deep and unwavering passion for helping others, especially those in need. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor his life and legacy by making a donation to help feed and shelter individuals experiencing homelessness—causes that were close to his heart.
Donations may be made through Central United Methodist Church using any of the following options. When making your contribution, please include “In Memory of Godwin Dafe” in the subject or remarks.
• CashApp: $CentralUMCJxn
• PayPal: www.PayPal.me/centralumcmsfinance
• Givelify: https://giv.li/avy1js
Your generosity ensures that Dafe’s commitment to compassion, service, and community lives on.
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Sara Brookins sent The Peace Lily for Godwin E. Dafe - January 30, 2026
Mr. Dafe was truly a jewel. He gave me my first job fresh out of college. What a wonderful human being he was! I thank God for his kindness and loving family. May God comfort you all at this time.
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Chief Dafe was a remarkable person who touched the lives of many, and his memory will forever be cherished. Please know that you are in our prayers and we are here for all of you.
With deepest sympathy,
My deepest most heartfelt condolences are with you and family. Praying for you and family. Evern Garland & family
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Godwin: What a wonderful man, great and valued friend. He was a true philanthropist and always willing to help anyone . His patented words whether taking care of my insurance needs or if I was trying to aid or assist someone were "What can I do to help". To Sarah and family, My friend left a sterling legacy behind and we are all proud that our paths crossed in this life. "To God be the Glory"
Good name better than riches.. You can identify a man by the family he raises.... The partner he chooses. This is in honor of a good great man and his legacy. From the matriarch to the last of his sire I am honored to have met you all. We take solace in the fact that this man of men is definitely resting and is in a better place. The man whose life was as exemplary to the point that I was the indirect beneficiary of his wisdom - passed through his son. Benevolent with a kind of smile that can only be described as "wry" in the best sense of the word. He would look at a problem that would elicit fury from ordinary folk and decide to smile. what a man. what a man...
Sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura McDonald Walker & Family
Sarah Sending my prayers and support for your loss. He may be gone but he will always be with you through your memories and your children. May the Lord be with you in the coming days. Gloria Jordan Halford
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
