Omeka Gail Woodson

Omeka Gail Woodson was born on February 8, 1976, to Bobby and Jean Baker. She was baptized at Greater First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor E.P. Walker. After relocating to San Diego, California, the family joined Linda Vista Second Baptist Church, where Reverend David Greene was the pastor. 

Omeka was a woman of deep faith who remained active in every church she attended. She sang in the choir alongside her children and faithfully attended Sunday services. After moving to Vancouver, Washington, she became a devoted member of Highland Christian Center, led by Pastor Dr. W.G. Hardley Jr.

Passionate about serving others, Omeka had a heart for the homeless. She regularly kept clothing, water, and shoes in her car to distribute to those in need and often provided rides to medical appointments. Her compassion extended to the church as well, where she led the Youth Department. She organized plays, worship services, prayer sessions, and art activities for the children, always making sure they had snacks and felt loved. She was instrumental in building the church's Children’s Ministry and even started a nursery for infants.

One church member shared, “Omeka’s commitment went far beyond just the children. Even her plans for Sunday would minister to me. I learned so much from Sister Omeka and was encouraged by her to embrace and use my gifts.”

Omeka carried her Bible with her wherever she went and made it her mission to remind everyone she met that God loved them. Omeka’s greatest joy in life was being a mother. She was fiercely devoted to her five beautiful children: Devonte, Cheyenne, Patrick, Malik, and Adasia. She nurtured each of them with unconditional love, strength, and wisdom. Her children were her heart, and she worked tirelessly to provide for them, guide them in faith, and support their dreams. Omeka’s love as a mother was evident in every sacrifice she made and every prayer she whispered on their behalf. Her legacy lives on through them.

Professionally, Omeka worked in the Labor and Delivery Department at Sharp Hospital and later served as a secretary there. After moving to Washington, she continued her healthcare journey at organizations including Mind Solutions, the Urban League in Portland, Southwest Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and PeaceHealth Hospital.

On February 28, 2025, Omeka was called home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Dwayne Blackshear, and her baby sister, “Baby Girl” Baker.

Omeka touched countless lives with her warmth, strength, and unwavering faith. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. Her love, legacy, and beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Left to cherish Omeka’s memory and legacy include her mother Jean Hale; father Bobby Baker; stepmother Sylvia Baker; stepfather; Robert Hale; daughter Zyla Eady; sons Cheyenne Eady, Devonte Woodson, Deron Woodson and Malik Eady; sister Tonia Underwood; brother Gregory Baker; grandchild Desmond Devonte Woodson; godsisters Minister Krist Jones, Rita Claiborne; godbrother Alfred Lewis Jr.; godson Mozsion Martin Bush and her dearest friends Sarah Punshon, Amy Punshon and Denise Martin and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, church family, and friends.