The oldest of five children of Shaker and Shaheena Cohlmia, immigrants from Lebanon at the turn of the century. She graduated from Wichita High School East in 1929, attended Fairmount College and married Elias Louis (Louie) Najim on November 5, 1933 in Ashland, Kansas. They began their life together in Springfield, Illinois where Louie was co-owner of the Lincoln Candy Company, a wholesale candy and tobacco business serving south-central Illinois. After Louie's retirement they moved to Wichita in 1961 where they resided since. Jamelia was active throughout her life in her church and several community organizations. She was a devout, life long member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral and took an active leadership role in the St. George Junior Guild, the Ladies of St. George, and the Order of St. Ignatius. As the oldest living member of the St. George parish, she assumed a matriarchal role and was known to all as "Aunt Jamelia". Over the years she served on the boards and committees of the Wichita Center for the Arts, Welcome Wagon of Wichita, Christian Women's Association and The Institute of Logopedics (Heartspring). Jamelia was well known for her artistic talents, as well, which included hand-crafted ceramic works and crocheted creations of every nature imaginable. Devoted to her heritage and cooking skills learned from her mother, Jamelia loved to entertain and share her culinary talents with family and friends. She was a vital part of the St. George Lebanese Dinner with hands-on involvement in the preparation, presentation and service of this annual event. Jamelia is preceded in death by her husband Louie in 1986, her parents, her brothers, George, Sam and Joe Cohlmia, and her sister Helen Cohlmia.
Published in the Wichita Eagle from 11/7/2004 - 11/8/2004.