Funmi Odidi

Olufunmilayo (Funmi) D. Odidi is a Christian and Yoruba from the western part of Nigeria. She graduated from the University of Jos, Nigeria with B.A. English (1989), M.A. International Law and Diplomacy (2007), Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (2007), M. A. Guidance and Counselling (2009), and M.A. Theology (2016) from the University of the South School of Theology, Sewanee, United States. She also completed one unit of the Clinical Pastoral Education training from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville in June 2023, and is currently a Chaplain Resident with the Vanderbilt University Hospital.

While living in northern Nigeria, Funmi had a teaching career in the middle, high, and tertiary educational institutions for over 19 years. She also volunteered in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in various leadership roles at parish and diocesan levels for 16 years (2000 – 2016), and in the Women Interfaith Council, Kaduna for five years (2011 - 2016). After serving for five years in many capacities at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Nashville, Tennessee, where her husband, the Venerable (Dr.) Martin Odidi also serves as a priest, Funmi was ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America in June 2023 with her cure as the Church of the Advent, Nashville, Tennessee. Funmi and Martin are blessed with three adult sons and a daughter-in-law at the moment and anticipate the joyful arrival of the others.