John Letam Deeyaa, age 56, of Canton, GA passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 PM, on Saturday, December 07, from the Chapel of South Canton Funeral Home with Pastor Jonny Ikoma, and Pastor Zorbari officiating. Interment will be held at the John Compound in Nigeria

John Letam Deeyaa was born in Nigeria on May03, 1957. He hails from Uegwere Boue in Khana local Government in Rivers State of Nigeria, west coast of Africa. He was the first son in the family of four males and a female. John is preceded in death by his father, Mr. Micah Deebom Deeyaa and mother, Mrs. Catherine Ferewa Deeyaa.

John started his primary school education at St. Gerald's Catholic school, Uegwere Boue in the year 1964 but was not consistent in school as he was withdrawn to help raise his younger siblings as was the order of the day at the time. A big sacrifice he paid as the first son and therefore completed his elementary school in 1974. In 1975 he gained admission into Goverment trade Center, Bori (now Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori), where he successfully completed his City and Guide intermediary in welding and fabrication in 1979. He was later admitted into Government Vocational Trade Center (G.V.T.C) Port Harcourt, and obtained his City and Guide final also in welding and fabrication in 1981.

In school and at home, John was a very excellent athlete. He had a high passion for soccer and also track and field. He excelled in both the 100 and 200 meter. John represented his school, community, and Rivers State in various capacities during sporting activities. This enabled him to travel to many other states all over the federal republic of NIgeria to display his skills and talents. He brought home many medals, Gold, and silver in recognition of this athletic performance and victories. He had aspirations of making sports his career but it was cut short due to injury.

Upon graduation, he worked for a few years with Adranvocal Drainging Company in Port Harcourt but later resigned and went into trading at the Bori market in partnership with a friend. In 1988, he decided to be independent contractor with Santa field oil drilling company, working on the rigs on contractual basis. This was a vocation enabled him to be finally independent.

By 1992, John had developed a deep interest in the crusade and activities of movement for the survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) led by Ken Saro Wiwa. In 1996, John moved from Nigeria to a neighboring West Africa country in the Republic of Benin to avoid persecution by the Nigerian Government over his political opinion. He stayed in the Republic of Benin for a few years and was later resettled to the United States of America in 1998 in the Lafayette Louisiana. He later moved to the state of Georgia.

While he was in the United States, he gained employment with Herman Miller Inc. (a furniture manufacturing company) for twelve years. By Decemeber 2011, John was unable to carry on his assignments at work due to illness. Unfortunantely, he had a stroke in July 2012 and was taken to several hospitals and healthcare facilities for treatment. After so many battles with his health, he passed away on the 13th of November 2013 at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital around 09:30 AM. He is survived by his wife, Blessing B. Deeyaa, and four children, Legborsi Deeyaa (23 years) son, Hope Deeyaa (20 years) son, Barisuka Deeyaa (15 years) daughter, Kiadum Deeyaa (13 years) son, Other survivors include his brothers, Monday Dum Deeyaa, Joseph L. Deeyaa, Pius F. Deeyaa, and a sister, Grace K. Bakor.

John Deeyaa was a great but humble person, an inspiring mentor, a spirited and charismatic leader, a devoted Christian, patriot, and a caring husband and father. He lived an exemplary life that earned him respect, admiration, and love among his peers and community. His death is a tragedy not only to his family but to the entire Boue and Ogoni community in Nigeria, an irreparable loss that has created a vacuum hard to replenish.

May his gentle soul be preserved at the bosom of the Lord, Amen.

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com

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