Visitation: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Visitation Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Visitation Location: Rejoice in the Lord Ministries
8053 Gilliam Road
Apopka, FL
Service Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Rejoice in the Lord Ministries
8053 Gilliam Road
Apopka, FL
Obituary:
Philomena O. Okaiwele, 78, of Orlando, Florida, departed this life to eternal rest on August 23, 2023. Philomena was a devoted and phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and beloved friend to so many people over the years.
She completed her early childhood education and later earned a teaching certificate, which led to an initial career in education as a teacher. She then met her husband, Peter Okaiwele, and was married to him for over 59 years, which lasted throughout the rest of her life.
She began a career in the hotel and restaurant industry and quickly excelled while raising a family with her husband due to her faith, learning agility, interpersonal skills, intellectual skills, and passion to help and serve people. She later went on to earn a college degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management at Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida and worked at the University of Miami. She held staff and leadership roles at various prominent hotels and healthcare organizations prior to her retirement.
Philomena was known and beloved as a mother to many, as she embraced and loved people dearly, especially children. She was a devout Christian, philanthropist, benevolent, and a member of Rejoice in the Lord Ministries. Some of the charitable organizations and ministries to which she donated include St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Boys Town, AARP Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association, The Navigators, and the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association – which awarded and recognized her as a Florida Citizen of the Year in 2018.
She was an amazing and caring person who will truly be missed by her loved ones and many others. Her memories will continue to live on in the hearts of her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, and everyone else who loved her. She is survived by her husband Peter, their five (5) children: Francesca, Eunice, Martin, Gregory, and Augustine; as well as a host of grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws, other relatives, and friends.
In her honor, please consider making donations to any of the aforementioned charities or her supportive church: Rejoice in the Lord Ministries. As Philomena trusted Jesus Christ in life, we take comfort in knowing that she is with her Lord and Savior now and forevermore.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the celebration of life service begins at 11:00 a.m. at Rejoice in the Lord Ministries, 8053 Gilliam Road, Apopka, FL 32703 with Pastor Roderick Zak officiating. A reception will be held at the same venue.
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