Helen Omosefe Odita

Helen Omosefe Odita, 75, passed away on August 31, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Born on June 14, 1951, in Agbor, Nigeria, Helen built a life centered on faith, family, education, and service to others.

An educator by profession and by calling, Helen devoted her career to helping children learn and thrive. She brought care, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility to her work, earning the respect of students, families, and colleagues. Brian Jones of the American International School of Doha, Qatar, remembered her as “dedicated, conscientious and a professional in every aspect.” Dr. Mary Nash Washington, former principal of Green Oaks High School, recalled Helen’s tireless work on behalf of children, saying that “everything she touched turned to gold.”

Helen attended Baptist Girls High School, the College of Education, Abraka, and the University of Ibadan. She later earned a Master’s degree in Education from Texas Southern University. Wherever she taught, she carried with her an abiding belief in the promise of every child.

Her faith was equally central to her life. A devoted member of Grace Community United Methodist Church in Shreveport, Helen generously gave her time and talents to her church community. Away from the classroom and church, she enjoyed gardening, puzzles, walking, and cooking. Her greatest joy, however, was her family, and she especially treasured time with her grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her children, Dr. Emeka Odita (Marie Odita, PhD), Ifeoma (Odita) Ibekwe, JD (Chinememma Ibekwe), and Chiedu Odita (Ekaete Odita, PhD); and grandchildren, Nnamdi John Ibekwe, Nadia Adanna Ibekwe, Norah Amara Ibekwe, Nina Anuli Ibekwe, Harper Nkiruka Odita, and Zarja Ewele Odita. She is also survived by her siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, former students, and colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ekefre and David Edokpayi, and her beloved husband, Dr. John Chukudi Odita.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held September 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Community United Methodist Church in Shreveport. Burial will be private.

The Reception will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center, 104 Market St., Shreveport LA 71101, following the Celebration of Life service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Community United Methodist Church (https://gracecommunityumc.churchcenter.com/giving) or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/), reflecting Helen’s enduring commitments to faith and to opening doors for children through literacy.

Helen’s influence lives on in her family, in generations of students, and in the communities she served. Hers was a life of quiet purpose whose reach extends well beyond her years.