Mrs. Juliana Ama Seneadza

Early Childhood and Education
Juliana Ama Seneadza was born on May 12th, 1934, as the first child of Sosthenes Kwame Addae from the Adovi clan of Ve-Koloenu, who served as a Chief Linguist, and Madam Margaret Agudu, a native of Gbi-Wegbe, both of blessed memory. She was baptised into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and given the name Juliana Addae. Affectionately known as 'Da Julie' or simply 'Davi', she earned these endearing titles from her admirers due to her remarkable modesty and humility.

During her early years and primary education, she resided with her paternal aunt, Grace Abo, a prosperous trader specialising in European cloths, in Hohoe, Volta Region. She continued her education at Hohoe Senior School from 1946 to 1950, where she successfully obtained her Middle School Leaving Certificate. Mathematics emerged as her strongest subject, in which she excelled in all examinations – a notable accomplishment for girls during that era. Da Julie became renowned as a popular 'hundred-metre sprinter' for her school, emerging as the fastest girl in the Hohoe District during inter-school athletic competitions. Her speed earned her the nickname 'Morris Minor,' after the British car produced between 1946 and 1971, which had become synonymous with fast runners of that time. Subsequently, she embarked on her teaching career as a pupil teacher, initially at Ayoma Primary School and later at Ve-Koloenu Primary School, serving from 1950 to 1954.

Marriage and Family Life
At Ve-Koloenu, while serving as a pupil teacher, Da Julie had the privilege of crossing paths with Michael Yao Seneadza, a promising, handsome, and intelligent young head-teacher of the E.P. Middle School. They soon fell in love and entered into the sacred bond of marriage. In 1955, Da Julie and Michael, affectionately known as M.Y., were united in holy matrimony according to the customs and traditions of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Instead of a spontaneous courtship, their families orchestrated their engagement and subsequent traditional marriage ceremony in Ve-Koloenu. The event was particularly special as it marked the first marriage to be blessed in the newly constructed E.P. Chapel in Ve-Kolenu. Mr. Edwin Anyomi and Madam Agnes Aniabre, two esteemed Ve-Kolenu members who are now of blessed memory, witnessed the blessing ceremony that Reverend G. K. Alifo, the Leklebi District Pastor at the time, officiated.

Throughout their remarkable forty-eight 48)-year union (from 1955 to 2003, when she lost her beloved husband), Da Julie and M.Y. cultivated a joyful, fruitful, and harmonious partnership, embracing their distinct personalities. Da Julie, in her entirety, exuded tremendous compassion, kindness, and above all, a deep devotion to her faith. She stood as a prayer warrior, offering spiritual and emotional support for the entire family. Her love extended unconditionally to their children, namely Dorothia, Kenneth (both of blessed memory), Oswald, Wisdom, and Asiwome. Additionally, she nurtured and cherished Mawufemor, whom she embraced as her own from birth. The bond between Da Julie and Mawufemor can only be described as covetous. Their love for each other was immeasurable and unwavering, transcending every moment until Da Julie's last breath.

Beyond their immediate family, Da Julie and M.Y accommodated forty two (42) other children who, at various times between 1955 and 2003, for one reason-to ensure their education was never compromised or interrupted. These children included relatives, in-laws, friends, orphans, and siblings from the Seneadza and Addae families. Each of these individuals flourished into influential adults, attaining remarkable achievements in their respective professions and assuming various positions within the community and Ghanaian society as a whole. Some emerged as Professors, Lawyers, Medical Doctors, Engineers, Nurses, Reverend Ministers, Public Servants, Teachers, and more. Da Julie, in conjunction with her husband, utilised their resources to support the education of their children and extended family members, viewing their academic accomplishments as the pinnacle of pride and satisfaction.

Da Julie stood as a steadfast pillar, binding together the entire Seneadza family. Her unwavering dedication and support for her husband's endeavours cannot be over emphasised. M.Y Seneadza's success cannot be decoupled from the invaluable contribution of Da Julie. Yes she was the exceptional woman behind her husband. She supported her husband to send his siblings abroad for further education. Notable examples include the late Dr. T.A.K. Seneadza, who went to Poland in 1961 to study medicine, the late Dr. Victor Kodzo Seneadza, who studied anthropology at Heidelberg University, Germany in 1962; and the late Samuel Kofi Seneadza, who successfully pursued Electrical Engineering in the United States in 1963.
Da Julie carried forth the legacy with unwavering diligence and grace following her husband's passing. All these endeavours stand as irrefutable evidence that the legacy of Da Julie and her husband extends far beyond material possessions and substantial bank accounts. Their true investment lies in the lives of the people they nurtured and supported. We celebrate and take pride in the remarkable life she led. Da Julie fulfilled her earthly mission with unwavering bravery, unwavering faith, and unwavering commitment as a devoted soldier of the cross. Truly, a mighty tree that once cast a protective shadow over the Seneadza family has fallen, leaving an irreplaceable void in its wake.

Social and Communal Life
She resigned from the teaching service in 1957 and embarked on a new venture in the trade of European clothing, specialising in fashionable attire for male and female teachers across various teaching stations where her husband served: Leklebi-Dugah (1957–1959), Ve-Koloenu (1959–1969), Anfoega Akukome (1969–1975), and Vakpo (1975–1978), all situated in the Volta Region. The proceeds from her successful enterprise were devoted to supporting her husband in his endeavours.
In the early 1960s, Da Julie took great pride in establishing a cultural dance group for young girls in the Ve-Koloenu community, which she named 'Kantata'. Through this initiative, she aimed to instill a sense of decorum and grace in Christian girls, redirecting their energy towards the art of dance instead of engaging in idle games with boys or venturing out unaccompanied at night. She would gather them in the evenings, teaching them to read the Bible and imparting valuable moral lessons. Recognising the need for extracurricular training for the numerous children in the village, Da Julie felt compelled to take action.
In the late 1960s, Da Julie established a school specifically to cater for children below school-going age, naming it 'Abordzokpo'. Initially, the school comprised a bamboo-fenced area with thatched roofing, accommodating just over twenty (20) children. However, in 1966, she secured permission to relocate the school to the old E.P. Church chapel. This marked the inception of a kindergarten in Ve-Kolenu, operating as a day nursery. By the end of 1967, the school's enrolment had surpassed eighty (80) children, thanks to the support of the E.P. Mission and her husband. The school was officially recognised as one of the Local council-assisted Kindergartens. In 1968, when her husband was transferred to Anfoega-Akukome Middle School, Da Julie made the difficult decision to leave Ve-Kolenu and entrust the school to the E.P. Mission. Unfortunately, without a successor to carry on her work, the premier Kindergarten in Ve-Kolenu eventually faltered but resurfaced in the late 1980s. However, what brought immense satisfaction and fulfilment to Da Julie was witnessing the significant accomplishments of the first batch of 'Abordzokpo' children. Among their ranks emerged two medical doctors, a lawyer, a civil engineer, a health officer, and numerous other professionals. Fondly referring to themselves as 'the Golden Abordzokpo Class', many of them enthusiastically attended Da Julie's 80th birthday celebration. On that special occasion, the class presented her with a heartfelt citation, expressing deep gratitude for her care and the solid foundation she had laid, which guided their educational and life journeys.

Christian Life and Devotion
Da Julie was a woman of virtue and a devoted Christian, embodying commendable qualities. She adhered to the teachings of the Lord and sought to align herself with what is morally right rather than merely conforming to societal beliefs. Her tireless energy was dedicated to the service of the Global Evangelical Church in Ve-Koloenu. She was elected as a Presbyter and served as the leader of the women's Bible class. Additionally, she remained an active member of the church choir until her passing. Da Julie played a role in organising the annual nativity play during Christmas and cherished the role of Joseph in the group known as 'Israelviwo.' Her faith and trust in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ were unwavering.
Following the separation of the Global Evangelical Church from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in 1991, Da Julie and her husband generously offered their house to the newly formed church for use in worship. For several years, they provided accommodation in their home for all the pastors assigned to the church. In 1996, Da Julie donated two plots of land to the church, intending to build a chapel and a mission house for the Koloenu/Dafor District Pastors. These donations were later officially recognised.
Even in her old age, Da Julie's children never left her in need of anything. They made every effort to ensure her happiness and peace of mind. Their love for their mother was demonstrated in various ways. For instance, in 2008, Da Julie had the opportunity to visit one of her children in Zambia, where she marvelled at the magnificent Victoria Falls in Livingstone. Upon her return, she expressed her gratitude to her children, stating, "I have witnessed the outstanding beauty and greatness of God whom I serve, and I am most grateful to my children for this opportunity." This experience renewed her faith in worshipping God. Her children also provided her with a new house, where she resided until her passing. In 2014, they celebrated her 80th birthday in the community, paying tribute to her through various citations that acknowledged her contributions to their lives. In her own words to those around her, she said, "I am thankful to my children for allowing me to witness, in retrospect, the celebration of my life. Count your blessings one by one, and you will see what the Lord has done for you."

Beginning of the End
At the age of 89, Da Julie remained active and continued to perform her routine household chores until an unfortunate incident occurred in April 2023. She had a domestic accident that resulted in a fractured hip bone. She was initially treated at Kpando Hospital and later transferred to Korlebu Teaching Hospital in Accra, where she underwent orthopaedic surgery based on medical advice. Unfortunately, complications arose three days later, and on May 11, 2023, at 5:00 a.m., she passed away.
There are three (3) children, fifteen (15) grandchildren, and thirteen (13) great-grandchildren left behind by her.

The Addae and Seneadza families of Ve-Koloenu and the Agudu family of Gbi-Wegbe bid farewell to Da Julie. She will forever hold a place in our hearts.

May her soul find eternal and perfect rest in the arms of God, the Almighty.
As the Lord gives and takes away,
Da Julie, Hedenyuie Mawu nenor kpli wo.