Basic Information

Early Life and Academic Prowess

Born into the Jakes family as one of three siblings to Ernest and Odith Jakes Sr., Odith Jakes exemplified intellectual ambition from a young age. At just 15, she earned admission to the prestigious Tuskegee University—an institution renowned for empowering African American scholars—and by 18, she had completed her degree in home economics. This remarkable achievement not only showcased her personal drive but also set a powerful example of the transformative potential of education within her family and community. Her time at Tuskegee cemented lifelong values of discipline, scholarship, and service that would shape her career and parenting philosophy.
(Source)

Career and Dedication to Education

Following her graduation, Odith launched her career as a home-economics teacher, where she taught practical life skills—from culinary arts and nutrition to budgeting and household management. Though she never sought the spotlight, her classrooms became laboratories for social uplift, equipping young people with the confidence to manage both home and career effectively. Over the years, colleagues and former students praised her precise teaching methods and warm mentorship, noting how she instilled a “stick together” ethos that echoed far beyond the school hallways.

Influence on Family and Ministry

While Odith Jakes maintained a private lifestyle with no public social-media presence, her most enduring legacy is found in the life and ministry of her son, Bishop T.D. Jakes. In his numerous writings and sermons, Bishop Jakes frequently credits his mother’s unwavering commitment to education and family unity as foundational to his spiritual leadership. Her belief that “knowledge empowers the soul” became a guiding principle in his global ministry, demonstrating how a teacher’s influence can ripple through generations and across continents.
(Encyclopedia.com)

Most Recent Coverage and Remembrance

The last notable public remembrance of Odith Jakes occurred in November 2015, when Bishop T.D. Jakes penned an emotional op-ed recalling his mother’s final words in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. In that piece, he shared her admonition to cherish family through life’s challenges and to approach every gathering with gratitude. Since then, while there have been no standalone profiles, her spirit continues to be honored annually in congregational tributes and family gatherings.
(Christian Post)

Connecting Generations: Spotlight on the Jakes Family

The Jakes family narrative extends beyond Odith’s own accomplishments. Her son’s success has influenced younger generations such as Jamar Jakes, who has taken on leadership roles within T.D. Jakes Enterprises. This continuum of mentorship—from Odith’s classroom to Bishop Jakes’s pulpit to Jamar’s boardroom—illustrates a powerful tapestry woven by maternal guidance, scholarly pursuit, and entrepreneurial vision.

FAQ

Who was Odith Jakes?

Odith Jakes was a home-economics educator, mother of Bishop T.D. Jakes, and scholar who entered Tuskegee University at age 15 and graduated at 18.

What did Odith Jakes teach?

She taught home economics, focusing on practical life skills such as nutrition, budgeting, and household management.

How did she influence her son’s ministry?

Her emphasis on education and family unity became foundational values in Bishop T.D. Jakes’s teachings and global outreach.

Is there any recent news about Odith Jakes?

The most recent substantial coverage was Bishop Jakes’s 2015 op-ed recalling her final words before Thanksgiving.

Where can I learn more about the Jakes family?

Explore Bishop T.D. Jakes’s biography on Encyclopedia.com and read updates on Jamar Jakes.