Dr. Joseph Larwerter Agboka

Dr. Joseph Larwerter Agboka peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on November 13, 1942, in Accra, Ghana, to the late Pastor David Narter and Eunice (Okumko) Agboka. Dr. Agboka was a twin and one of seven children, spending his early years traveling across Africa due to his father’s evangelical work, with Accra being their home base. After completing his studies at Bekwai Seventh-day Adventist Secondary School, Dr. Agboka pursued higher education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Cape Coast University in Ghana. Eager to continue his academic journey, Dr. Agboka moved to the United States, where he earned a master’s degree at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. He then went on to receive a Ph.D. in Manpower Planning and Labor from Michigan State University (MSU). While at MSU he also taught high school math in Lansing. It was at MSU where Dr. Agboka met his beloved wife, Aufwiedersehen “Vete” (Brooks). They were married for 49 years. After briefly working at General Motors’ Fisher Body in Pontiac, MI, Dr. Agboka and his family moved back to Accra in 1977, where he worked for a United Nations agency. Two years later, they returned to the U.S., where he held various roles, including Assistant Training Director for the Michigan Department of Mental Health and Administrator for the Michigan Department of Labor’s Health and Safety Division. Dr. Agboka’s career at the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Association (MIOSHA) spanned many years, and he retired as Regional Director. In parallel with his work at MIOSHA, he also taught mathematics at Oakland Community College. His passion for education continued even after retirement, as he became a math teacher at Pontiac Central High School, where he inspired countless students. In 2017, the Omicron Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, established the “Perseverance Award” scholarship to honor his commitment to the youth of Pontiac, for high school seniors to receive scholarships. For more than 30 years, Dr. Agboka and his wife lived in Bloomfield Hills, MI, where they welcomed family members and helped them transition to new lives in the U.S. Despite enduring two massive strokes in 2005 and 2008, Dr. Agboka’s resilience and the loving care of his wife allowed him to live with comfort and joy, never losing his enthusiasm for friends, family, or his favorite sports teams – especially the Ghana Black Stars, Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, and MSU Spartans. Dr. Agboka was a devoted Christian who lived by the principles of the Bible. While he was deeply honored by the many accolades he received throughout his life, he was most proud of his unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of young people, his family, and his community. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Aufwiedersehen “Vete” (Brooks) Agboka; his parents, Pastor David Narter and Eunice (Okumko) Agboka; and his brothers, Israel (Nora) Agboka, Captain Edmond Agboka, Dr. Ebenezer (Lorna) Agboka; and his sister, Jane (Major Kwame) Ntim-Gyakari. He leaves cherished memories to his three children, Eric Tettey Agboka, Joseph Ofori (ElFreda) Agboka Jr., and Grace (Gregory) Griffin; his four grandchildren, Joseph Omari Agboka III, Amaya Iman Agboka, Amira Reese Agboka, and Pearl Lillian Ohui Griffin; his two brothers, Dr. Japheth (Juliana) Agboka and David Agboka; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Dr. Joseph Larwerter Agboka Memorial “Perseverance Award” Scholarship. Please make checks out to the OAA Foundation and add Dr. Agboka in the memo. The mailing address is Omicron Alpha Alpha, P.O. Box 98, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303. Service Date: Friday, January 31, 2025 Family Hour: 10:30 AM Service: 11:30 AM Location: Detroit Burns Seventh-day Adventist Church 10125 E. Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48214 Live Stream available on YouTube: @BurnsSDAChurch Interment: 2:00 PM Location: White Chapel Memorial Park 621 West Long Lake Road, Troy, MI 48098 Repass: 3:00 PM Location: Pontiac Southside Seventh-day Adventist Church 182 S Sanford St., Pontiac, MI 48342

Dr. Joseph Larwerter Agboka

November 13, 1942 - January 23, 2025