Atama Zedkaia

Leroij Atama Zedkaia (1931 – November 19, 2010) was the Marshallese paramount chief, or Leroijlaplap, of Majuro. Leroij Zedkaia spearheaded the movement to break the Marshall Islands away from the rest of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and form the independent Republic of the Marshall Islands. She was also the mother of Jurelang Zedkaia, who has served as the President of the Marshall Islands from 2009 to 2012. Approximately 1,000 family and friends of Zedkaia, who were each dressed in black, took part in the state funeral procession.

Her son, President Jurelang Zedkaia, assumed the title of paramount chief for all lands governed by Atama Zedkaia following her death. He had previously carried out chiefly duties for her during her life.