Olayimika Olutusen Sholaja

PA OLAYIMIKA OLUTUSEN SHOLAJA was born on January 19,1943 into the family of Late PA SOLOMON AKINOLA SHOLAJA and Late Mrs. JANET ABIKE SHOLAJA (Nee Bamgbose) of Elelede in Lagos Island. He was the second Child of his mother and the only Male amongst his siblings. Olayimika started his primary education at Methodist Primary School lkorodu Garage in Ikorodu while living with his Paternal Grandmother along with his siblings, and transferred to Tinubu Methodist Primary School, Lagos Island, upon the demise of his grandma and the return of his father from the United Kingdom in 1954.

Olayimika had his Secondary education at FIDITI GRAMMAR SCHOOL, Fiditi, (one of the prestigious Secondary Schools as at the time in Western Region) now Oyo state from 1961-1967. While in School, he was the School Organist / Choirmaster from 1963 to 1967; the President of the Scripture Union and the Treasurer of both the Science Club and Adeyi House. His extracurricular activities included swimming, music and playing table tennis.

Olayimika was a devoted a Christian and an was an active member of Boys Christian Association, now known and called Youth Christian Fellowship, a Chorister and a Sunday School teacher at Ereko Methodist Church (Now Ereko Methodist Cathedral) prior to traveling abroad.

Olayimika due to his zeal and love for knowledge was sent to the United States of America by his father in 1969 to further his studies. He met and fell in love with his future wife Deborah Harrison El while still a student at Rockhurst College and she was a student at Avila College. In October of 1971 he married Deborah and to that union three children were born. Olubori Sholaja who precedes him in death, Oriyomi Richardson and Akinola Sholaja. Olayimika was very young, but he worked very hard taking care of his family and was a much beloved son of his wife's parents- especially the father whom he would cook his famous fish stew for on a regular basis.

Olayimika earned the following degrees: AA in business from Penn Valley Community College, BA in Personnel Administration and a Minor in Economics from Avila College, and an MBA in Management and Supervision in Personnel management from Central Michigan University. All this he accomplished while working a full time job at Sears and Roebuck Co. He attended day,evening, and weekend classes until he fulfilled all of his educational degrees.

Olayimika taught in the Kansas City Missouri Public School district, ultimately serving as a GED instructor at the Jackson County Detention Center before retiring in 2013. He was awarded numerous "Best Instructor of the year" accolades from the state of Missouri. His students loved him, he never had discipline problems in the classroom, he would pray and witness to his students- some of whom accepted Christ, and all would pass the GED exam. Olayimika also volunteered for seven years with the Missouri State Board of Parole, only missing one time  due to snow. Whatever he put his hands to he executed excellently and never cut corners. Olayimika was blessed with excellent health up to the moment of June 22nd, never suffering from any ailments large or small.

Olayimkia served as a deacon at Paseo Baptist Church under Rev. Charles Briscoe; he served as an elder and financial bookkeeper at Berean Christian Fellowship under Bishop Charles Williams; and at the time of his passing was attending Sheffield Family Life Center.

Yinka married Miss Taiwo Osinowo in Nigeria later in life, and she has stood by him as a faithful partner up till his demise.

Olayimika is survived by Taiwo Talibi ( Wife ), Deborah Munson ( Herman Munson ), Yomi Richardson ( Courtney Richardson ), Akinola Sholaja ( Teniece Sholaja ), Rachel Richard ( Granddaughter ), Jordan Sholaja ( Grandson ), Akinya Sholaja ( Granddaughter ), Courtney Richardson III ( Grandson ), Courtney Richardson ( Granddaughter ), Akinola Sholaja Jr. ( Grandson ) and Tiaraoluwa Sholaja ( Granddaughter ) along with a host of relatives and friends both in Nigeria and US.

Olayimika was an ardent lover of JESUS CHRIST and a Soldier of Faith. His homecoming was truly the will of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He will be missed beyond compare and his legacy will live on in his children and all of his family who are left behind.

AYURDY!!! AYURDY!!! AYURDY!!! your slogan. Adieu OLAYIMIKA OLUTUSEN SHOLAJA, till we meet again at the feet of JESUS.

Due to the COVID-19, please respect social distancing and face covering guidelines.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Olayimika Olutusen Sholaja, please visit our floral store.