Worku Wolassa Wotte

Worku Wollassa Wotte was born to Wollassa Wotte and Barbare Hula on December 12, 1953, in the vibrant town of Yirga Alem, in southern Ethiopia.  Growing up in a culturally rich and close-knit community, Worku developed early on a deep sense of purpose and a heart for service—qualities that would go on to shape his life's path.  He began his Christian journey as a youth, sneaking into the woods to read the Bible. Later, Worku attended Yirga Alem High School and Ethiopia Adventist College near Kuyera. 

On March 9, 1977, he married the lovely Ms. Adanech Wolde Barana from Aleta Wondo.  To their delight, seven children were added to this union, including three daughters and four sons.  In birth order, they welcomed Solomon, Desta, Senait, Tamirat, Kidist, Netanet, and Edidiya.  They brought up their brood in the capital city of Addis Ababa and ensured that they were nurtured and grounded in Adventist education and life.  Father and mother, that is in Amharic, Abati and Inati Wollassa, taught their children to reflect their values of dedication to God and family, compassion, and resilience in the face of the trials of life.

After graduating from Ethiopia Adventist College, Worku devoted his life to education and ministry, working as a licensed and credentialed missionary teacher and an evangelist.  In the classroom, Mr. Wotte nurtured young minds with patience and wisdom, believing that education was a key to both personal and national transformation. His students remember him not only for his knowledge but for the respect and care he showed each of them.

Outside of the classroom, Worku was deeply committed to his Christian faith.  As an evangelist, he shared the message of hope, love, and salvation across communities.  His sermons, delivered with humility and conviction, touched countless lives.

In 2007, the Wolassa family moved to the United States, where Worku worked for several companies before he officially retired, including DeKalb Farmers Market, Cargill, and Pilgrims.  Brother Wollassa was a faithful member of the Atlanta Belvedere SDA Church. 

Throughout his life, Worku was known not only for his roles as a teacher and evangelist but also as a pillar of wisdom and strength within his family and community, in Ethiopia, as well as here in the United States.  Their story of tenderness and love for each other, their children and grandchildren, and their trust in God, through sickness and injury, has inspired and motivated others to walk a path of faith.

Worku Wollassa Wotte is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Adanech; three daughters and four sons - Solomon (Fikurta), Desta (Ruth), Senait (Andrew), Tamirat (Tigist), Kidist (Legese), Netanet, and Edidiya; 11 grandchildren, who brought great joy to his life and will carry forward his legacy of love and integrity, Melody, Jason, Grace, Beza, Noel, Christian, Maroci, Aneke, Lali, Nissi, and Artesian; and a host of relatives and friends.

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