Emilie “Mikki” Jenkins Uyehara was born on August 1^st, 1957 in East Meadow, New York to Jabo and Lillie Mae Jenkins. She was a Copiague High School Honors Alumni and studied at Stony Brook University, University of Wiesbaden, Germany, and L’ecole Des Beaux Arts.  She served as the secretary of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, achieved her BS in Information Technology with the University of Phoenix, was an Educator and Substitute Teacher for the Hawaii Department of Education to students in Waipahu, Kapolei, Waianae, and assisted youth toward their educational pursuits in the Kalihi shelter.  She was an advocate for equal justice, a linguistic bridge to cultural divides, and a representative to veterans, minorities, seniors, and the disabled with conversational knowledge of French, German, Italian, Japanese, Serbian, as well as several others.  A listener of Dave Mathews Band, Floetry, Celtic, George Michael, Motown, River Dance, and Simon and Garfunkel. “Aunty Mikki” was a sewing fiend and self-taught expert at DIY crafts. Amongst these, she was a mentor and friend to many.

She is survived by her six children: Bryce Uyehara, Justin Uyehara, Kendall Uyehara, Jocelyn Spivey, Celeste Kelley, and Gabrielle Uyehara, her four grandchildren: Malachi Kelley, Jacob Spivey, Nathaniel Kelley, and Lily Spivey, and her sister Geraldine Silva.

“For some of us, the only way we can get to know you again is with the things that you left behind. And those things tell such an amazing story! You’ve helped so many people while you were in your own hour of need. You’ve touched so many lives and your memory will live on with theirs.

I realized that you were such an amazing person. Someone who struggled and eventually succeeded in finding meaning and purpose in life. The more that I learn about who you became, the more I want to know. I am proud to say that you were my mother. Even more proud than you were of me as a son. I didn’t deserve it, but you have inspired me to be better. Your light is bright and illuminates the path to humanity. Thank you, mom.  I love and miss you.”

– Bryce Uyehara, First Born Child

“As an adult, I don’t expect a whole lot.  I glean knowledge where I can, I share what I can. I work at being a blessing and not a curse to my people. I open my home and my wallet to those in need.  If I have a loaf, you’ve got as much of it as you need so that all your family can eat.  It works for me.  I get used sometimes.  My choice, My Kuleana.” – Emilie “Mikki” Uyehara, Mom

This Black History Month, please join family and friends of Emilie “Aunty Mikki” Uyehara for her virtual memorial this Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 7:00pm EST