On Wednesday, December 30, 2015, my mom-in-law of 15 years went to be with her Lord and Saviour.                                                                                                                                                                                                      
You were more to me than an in law, I would characterize you as my Mother-in-Love.
Words are not enough to pay a good tribute to you. My tears flowed, my heart bled.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Mum2! My mother, midwife, nurse, teacher, coach, counsellor, mentor and, reliable help is gone ahead. 
                                                                                                                                                                                          A whole lot in a woman! You gave me the best you had and could give as a mother. You taught me to trust God Almighty in every situation I face in life; 

He knows best and is forever faithful. So I believe HIS will is best for us all, and He will keep us till we see you again, amen.

 “Precious In the Sight of the Lord Is the Death of His Saint."

This statement alone made sense in the midst of seeming confusion. I drew strength and comfort from these precious words of the Lord. He further confirmed it to me when you were revealed to me in your translated form, as you were filled with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Dancing to the heavenly music as if you were the song itself.

Since you have joined the cloud of witnesses watching us from the grand stand, I pray that my family and I will keep up the good name you bore.

I can't say "ADIEU" Mom. I still hear your voice and see your face very vividly in my mind. I remember your instructions, counsel, and words of comfort & faith at challenging times. I still long to call your phone and hear you call me.

Your memory and face are always fresh in my heart. No one can fit into your space in my life.

You taught me to bravely face challenges of this world. You did your part to make this world a better place and by God's grace, our children, and our children's children, will reap the benefits of the seeds you have sown.

You were the best mother-in-law any woman could wish for. There wouldn't have been any better mother-in-law than you in the whole world.

 GOOD NIGHT MOM.

See you in the "morning".

Ogechi Onyegbula

Where is my Grand-Ma? I have not seen her.

Who will take dinner with me?

Who will play with me? Who will take me to Shoprite?

I miss you Grand-Ma.

You were mom's midwife, and she delivered me into your soft loving hands. You made sure I was safe when I came into this world.

You nursed me from then till I am now a "lady".

You gave me your name, "Chinma", just as beautiful as you were.

Wherever you are, I know that God is keeping you. I will ever miss you my darling grandma.

I love you Grand-Ma.

 Chinma  Onyegbula

Greatest grandma, you are not gone to me. You called me "AdaUche", and you always asked how I was and if I needed anything. When I was an infant, you sat and watched me while I slept. You gave me a lot of soothing baths, fed me and cared for me. You always bought me beautiful things, and took me out shopping. You taught me to be well behaved and respectful. To always pray and read my books.

You were always strong and beautiful, kind and always giving yourself.

The plan was to come and spend Christmas with you when school would close last December 2015. Little did I know that I will not see you here on earth after the last time we visited you on 6th December.

I wish I could turn back the clock and spend more time with you and show you more love and care.

Thank you grandma for all the things you did for me and my siblings. For

your unfailing love and doting care. No one else can be like you. You were a wonderful and unique grandma to me. I love you so much grandma. Jesus will always take care of you. Jesus please take extra care of my grandma for me. Thank you Lord for her life.

 Ogonnaya Onyegbula

Dearest Grandma, I’ve missed you being with us, with all the fun we have had together. I wish you were still around us, telling us the right things to do and the wrong things not to do. And this is a special thanks to you for being the best Grandma in the world to me. You were always there for us to protect us and guide us. Even though you are at rest, I believe your presence is around us. I wish you were still alive now, ‘cause I will miss all the things you would have done for us; the delicious and nice food, taking us out shopping, giving us what we wanted.  I miss you so much:<(.

You are in a better place now. GRANDMA SLEEP well. I will see you again:>)

Osinachi Onyegbula

DEAREST GRANDMA, I've really missed you not being around us. At this time in my life when I really needed your wise counsel just as you usually did when we came around for holidays. You were really very caring and awesomely good, kind and nice. Your motherly love shone brightly always. You were in the hospital with my mom when I was born, and you took care of me. You baked my first, second, third, forth, and fifth, birthday cakes. You bought me pajamas, socks, indoor and outdoor clothes. You bought me body and hair lotions. You came with my mom for my immunizations. You bathed, fed, nursed and loved me, and taught me the way of the Lord. You always taught me to have good manners, and did your best for me. You made sure we had all we wanted and more. You took us out shopping a lot and I miss you dear grandma for that. You made me bond with you during those times, and I will ever cherish those moments when you imparted your wisdom in me.

I know that you have gone to be with Jesus, to rest in His bosom, Amen. I love and miss you dearly grandma. Your many counsels I will always have in my memory, and obey them. Sleep well dear grandma, sleep well. I am missing you and will miss you dearly.

Ugwumsinachi Onyegbula

God fearing, generous, kind, loving, sweet, caring, honest, elegant, fastidious, brave, strong, energetic, hard-working, resilient, thoughtful, hopeful, selfless. Mama, those are the qualities I think of when I think of you.

Grandma Yo! Yo! as you were fondly called by your grand kids. You were more than a mom–in- law to me you were like my mom. You loved me like a mom would and you took care of me as if I was your daughter. You taught me so much about love. Your love was all encompassing and unconditional. You knew how to make everyone around you feel special.

You taught me what it meant for a woman to be the anchor of her home. You taught me that my duty and obligation as a wife and mother is to intercede for my family in prayer. You lead by example because you spent countless hours on your knees. I know that God is truly attentive to the prayers of a loving and caring mother because your children are so blessed. You stood for truth and justice and I admired that about you.

You were so generous mama. You gave all you had to the people you loved. You held my hand in the delivery room and prayed as my Kids were welcomed into this world. You were an excellent grandma and Sochi, Chidozie and Chidera will never forget you.

I miss you so much. where do I start....I miss watching Dr. Oz and Maury with you, I miss our long drives, our shopping trips, I miss listening to all your Igbo gospel songs, I miss all the stories you shared with me about our ancestors, I miss praying with you. And ooh all the laughs. Your sense of humor, you always knew how to make me laugh. I miss our cooking classes where you did all the work and I did all the eating.

Mummy I cannot believe you are gone. I will take solace in the fact that absence from the body is presence with the lord. I will remember the moments we shared and cherish them. I love you so much and I will never forget you. I promise to take care of your son and your grandkids and be there for them in every way for the rest of my life.

It is really hard for me to write this… I feel like my writing a tribute means that I am acknowledging that you are really no longer with us.

Adieu Mama,

Your Loving Daughter Inlaw - Cynthia Onyegbula

"Your daughter-in-law & Brother,
Nze Engr & Lolo (Engr) Mrs. Sammy Ikechukwu Akano 
(Akuruoulo & Ugodiya)

I had once told you that though you are my “sister –in- law”, I will take you as my “mother-in-law” and call you such going forward. One does not need to go far to know the reason. You loved me and believed in me despite all odds. I will never forget and I remain eternally grateful.

You were simply a wonderful, loving, caring, firm, kind, compassionate and no-nonsense personality.  You stood for truth and justice, no matter whose ox is gored!  You cared too much to remain continually angry with anyone. You loved peace and pursued it with all those that crossed your path.

I don't want to ask why you had to leave us too soon because I am persuaded that you have gone to be with your saviour, to receive your various crowns awaiting you as you rest in his bossom. 

Your brother, my husband Nze Akuruoulo is greatly devastated over your demise and so are we all - including our children. We are comforted that you showed us the part to follow which is to love and serve the Lord Jesus with our whole hearts and to love our neighbours as our selves. We pledge to continue on this part and to remain united as one family - in love, peace and understanding. I assure you that your charge to your brother and I not to leave your beloved children alone when you are gone we have taken seriously to heart. We intend to keep this promise!

Rest in peace Ada Okpiegbe, daughter of zion, our beloved mother! We miss you sorely but take solace in God's effectual love."

Maamaa!!! there is non like you, there will never be another like you; you are irreplaceable, life will definetly change without you.

You took in all the wonders and sweetness of life, wrapped and packaged them all up, and gave it to us. You were always willing to lay down your life just to make sure it was well with us.

You did not exist in life, you lived a fulfilled life, you lived a meaningful life. You taught us life, you educated us about life.We will miss all your advises, we will miss your loving tender care. What of the sweet delicious meals you prepared, they are gone forever.

You are/were a wonderful God given mother. Like an eagle, you soared very high. You listened, you encouraged, you lectured, you blessed. Your greatest desire was for it to be well with all of us.

Like an Amazon, you fought and wrestled to subdue challenges that life brought your way. Inspite of all the terrible pains you faced, you stood dignified, and kept a bold face, not wanting us to worry too much. You wanted to live for us, you wanted to be there for us, you wanted to see your grand children grow, you wanted to impart them with your wisdom and knowledge.

You ran a good race, and God rewarded you by calling you home to live in eternity; a place of peace and tranquility, without pains, without sorrows, and without the worries of this life.

Your love will continue to light our way, your memories will ever be with us. We will never forget you, our hearts will keep on yearning for you, our hearts will immortalize you, we will always love you.

He gave thee, a very PRECIOUS GIFT; He took thee; you are home with the Almighty God, free from pains, free from worries, free from the trials of this world, free at last from sicknesses and adversities of life.

Your song is ended, but the melody lingers on so so loud. Memories of you will forever live in our hearts and in our minds. Death is a path way that awaits every man, a path that ultimately leads to eternity. We are glad that you are there, with our Lord and Saviour; and we give the Lord all the glory, for we refuse to sorrow like people that have no hope.

Goodbye Mom, Goodbye Maamaa, you where/are a gift, you are the best, Non compares to you.

Uche Onyegbula.

When the news of your death, came to me, it seemed like everything has just come to a halt. I realized that we would never have another chance to get together again and discuss. Your generosity and kindness I know has led you to God your Creator in heaven. It is painful that death snatched you away from us leaving your Children, daughter's In-law heart-broken and all of us in agony.

Well, to the canal mind, death is a threat but to the Spirit-filled person, death is liberation from mortality to immortality. Therefore, we cannot cry like those that do not know their God. He is your Creator and has called you back home, which we cannot question God and I strongly believe that you are in the bosom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Really death is an inevitable and a journey which all beings must embark-on depending when it is once turn.

Beatrice, you were a great and virtuous woman who labored to make ends meet after the death of your dear husband you have taken care of your Children that none is left behind. Very unfortunate, when you were to eat and enjoy the fruits of your hard labour, death did not allow you.

It is with a heart still full of sorrow that I write to commiserate with my Son In-law Nkem and the entire family on this tragedy. For I know a loss of a beloved mother, is a painful and sorrowful experience.

Adieu Deaconess Beatrice! Laa n'udo Nweke Nwanne m!!

Rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet to part no more.

Engr. (Nze). Humphrey Ihekwoaba.

The song is ended but the melody lingers on......... Irving Berlin
 
"Then I heard a word from heaven say " Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." " Yes," says the spirit, "they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them." Rev. 13:14


These powerful scriptures above describe you and where you are now which is most important for all mankind as we live and pass through this earthly journey.
Maama!  for this was what I fondly called you and you would reply Paapa!  I was short of words about the sad news of your transition. We hoped that you would be around for the next 20 years but man proposes and God disposes. Thank God for the opportunity I had to speak to you and pray with you while you were on the hospital bed. Thank God for the words you spoke into my life while in your severe pains.

When I set out in search of a wife, I prayed God to lead me to a family that serves him. I still remember the first day I was to meet you and wanted to know the kind of a woman to call my second mother. I just flew into the country and though the weather was hot, but deliberately decided to wear a sleeveless top that left my body bare and on getting to the gate, my fiancée told me it can never happen me appearing before you that way and you would not tolerate that instead that I should go back home and dress up. In my mind I said "O! God I bless your name.". Mum there are so many positive things to reflect about you.

You were a woman of strength and wisdom who knew how to persevere in times of adversity. You guarded your children jealously and held them together and guided them to reach great heights in life, even after your husband had transited into eternity; You showered them with deep seated love and care. You were very close to my wife and kids; it has been tough for them. My kids are sad about the fact that you would not be around to take them to the mall, to IKEA, and to TIM HURTONS. They are sad that grandma would not play with them again or accompany them to the Church. They are sad that grandma would not buy them gifts anymore. But in it all we have solace in the fact that in God's care you rest above and in our hearts you rest with love. 

 For the past 14 years of coming into your life, through marriage to your daughter, I observed you placed God first in all things. I still remember the time I had to take an important decision in my life- it was either to obey God and serve him or to continue with my earthly life pursuit. It was tough for me but you gave me some words of encouragement, asked me to kneel down and you laid hands on me in prayer and this aided my final decision. It was tough but you asked me to remain focus in it all and I have never regretted accepting your wise counsel. Throughout my 4 1/2 years in the Theological Seminary, you continued to give me words of encouragement and donated some books which I still hold  dearly to till this day.

With open hands you welcomed me into your family as your son; you called me Emeka nwam! This meant a lot to me and though we might disagree over issues, that doesn’t take away the deep love I have for you over these years and the utmost regard I have for your husband who I never have the opportunity to meet. Thank you for accepting me and giving your daughter to me in marriage. Thank you for your love, kindness and good heart.

I observed you closely the years I was in Nigeria and got some insight about your personality. You cared for the people that came across you. You joined me in my ministry to the poor and destitute as you visited SO-SAID CHARITY HOME on many occasions and donated items and money. You cared for people in need, your pastors and the church with what you had because as money came into your hands, you gave to help the needy and became broke and my wife and I kept wondering. You kept an open door and welcomed people who came to feed from your table- even those on holidays from abroad. Maama!, you left an indelible good marks on earth for all to see and I thank God for knowing you and having you as my second  mother. With difficulties and tears in my eyes I write this tribute to you and I speak rest unto your soul. Rest in perfect peace mum.

Earth lost one gentle soul, but heaven gained one more.
Your life is a beautiful memory but your absence remains a silent grief.
Though in grief we pay the price for love.
Times may pass and fade away, but your good memories stays.
For tenderly we will treasure the past .
    Ecclesiastes 7:1a says " A good name is better than fine perfume......."


           " In the end, its not the years in your life that count.
              Its the life in your years."    Abraham Lincoln  

It is difficult to say a good bye but..... 

Adieux Mum
Adieux WOG,
May peace be unto your soul for we shall meet to part no more.

Evang. Mike Emeka Ibemesi. 
Missionary Canada
Son in law

Great Mama ...!

When I think of you, I think of the various challenges in which you excelled - fending for your family, supporting your husband, giving the best of your service to GOD, working diligently for the government, supporting others in need, and serving your community - and I remember the great passion, poise, and joy that you displayed.

You battled like an Amazon; you gave your everything for the cause; you had a kind word and advice for every occasion; you always desired to put a smile on the face of others; and you sacrificed your own needs and desires, even when it was not always appreciated.

Your Faith kept you close to GOD, your constant companion, even when it seemed you were all alone. He finally gave you victory over the struggles of life.

I won't forget your last words of prayer over my life, even when you were in excruciating pain. You always thought of others first; never yourself.

I know you are in a good place, confidently echoing Paul's words and saying 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7)'.

Remain blessed in eternity ... Amen!

Your son
Obinna Onyegbula 

Sweet mama de mama as I fondly call you, you were such a precious gift to me from God, so much beauty, grace, love and patience you possessed. You touched my heart in so many ways, your strength unimaginable and your smile even in dark days make me realize an angel you are to me.

I sit and reflect on the days we toiled all night baking in your kitchen; I sit and reflect on how you taught me to cook all the traditional dishes one can think of; I sit and reflect on your words of wisdom and caution knowing my personality; I sit and reflect on how you toiled to enroll me in the best schools in Nigeria and the U.S.A; I sit and reflect on how you laid hands on my head and blessed me, my wife and kids; I sit and reflect on those deep  Igbo gospel songs you voiced out from your innermost spirit; I sit and reflect on how selfless you were in lending a helping hand to others and changing their destiny without expecting anything in return; I sit and reflect on how you loved your husband and us your children; I sit and reflect on how you served the Lord selflessly; I sit and reflect on how you showered love on my wife Cynthia and the kids; I sit and reflect on how you wrote your biography and handed to me during your last trip to visit me; I sit and reflect on how you put passion towards anything you laid your hands on; I sit and reflect on how we sat together watching those lovely Igbo gospel videos; I sit and reflect on the days and nights we prayed and sat together; I sit and reflect on how you raised 7 of your kids alone when Dad passed on 15 years ago….then I kneel down and THANK GOD for bringing me to this world through you.

Mum your legacies will never disappear and your passion in the things of the Lord will continue through your children. I will forever salute you mum, because you have been all I ever needed in this life. God assigned you to be my mum for a purpose and you have exceeded all expectations and surpassed it.

Even minutes before your last breathe all you did was praise your Lord and bless your children, in-laws and grand children. The heavenly angels salutes you as you march forward to be with the Lord. You have done exceedingly well to show forth the light to the world we live in.

It is well. I will forever love and miss you. Adieu Mum

Your loving Son - Nkem Onyegbula

If I live a thousand lifetimes, I would pray to God to give me the same mother over and over again because nothing and no one can replace you.

Flashbacks through life with you... like a provider, I remember how you sold your clothes and jewellery to pay for the best schools; like a mama bear, how you protected us and always ready to rumble with anyone who dared to harm us; like a teacher, how you imparted wisdom to build character and integrity within us; like a shepherd, how you provided spiritual covering with your prayers and prophetic utterances... Yes, nothing and no one can replace you.

It hurts deeply to know that you won't be there to celebrate with me in future successes, to cry with me through challenges, to dance again at my wedding, to carry my kids BUT I know your presence will always be felt because you will live forever in our hearts. We cry with sadness, we grieve with a broken heart, we yearn for your presence BUT we rejoice that you loved the Lord and lived a beautiful life.

As you have started a new journey that transcends this physical realm, we are confident that you are resting well in His bosom. Watch over us... Pray for us... Guide us... Cover us... till that glorious day, when we shall meet again to part no more. Give my love and kisses to Pops, Ogo, and Okwy...

I love and miss you so much...

Adieu Mama!

My sweet mummy, i still can't believe you are gone and i would never see you, talk, jist, go shopping, cook, attend occassions ,pray, sleep together with you anymore. I haven't spoken to you over a month now which is so unbelievable because we speak to each other almost everday. Everyday i sit and think, think of all the times we spent together, we confided in  each other, we helped each other. You are not only my mum, you are my sister, my best friend and everything i leaned and hoped for in my life. After we lost Ogo we became even much closer, no week passed by when i was in Nigeria that we dont see, i never had anywhere to go when im not at work except your house, my movement was that predictable. You taught me so many things, how to love, give, respect, endure, patience, hardwork which made me a strong woman. You never ever wanted to see me in pain and suffering and you ensured you gave me what i needed, you spoilt me silly.. You were ready to fight anyone who hurt me, you showed me you loved me even when you were down. I remember the day you slept in my house and in the morning i asked you how your night was and if you slept well, you said no you were thinking of me and how i would cope when you are gone,i only laughed and said you are funny thinking of what will happen in 20 plus years, i didn't know it would even be less than a year. You even worried about me when you felt you will not be there. You always asked me about my surgery date even  in your pain, you consoled me in your pain beause you knew i was always crying. You never wanted to give me an impression you were not okay. Where do i begin and end, there is a lot to say that this website cannot even contain it. I weep as i type this even though you have told me in my dreams where i see you all the time happy and talking to me that i should cry no more, you are happy where you are. Mummy i wish you didn't have to go now, i don't know how i will cope without you. 
I miss you so so much, i never ever imagined you would be gone now, i was expecting you to come over this january and started preparing especially when i saw that you visited me in my dream even before you were gone.I was confident you will be okay even though i had sleepless nights and worries. The kids miss you so much, i cry when i see oluchi wear the clothes and booths you gave her before you went to Nigeria because you wore the same size. We still call your room 'grandma's room' even till today. I just see you and feel you in that room, i slept there for one month plus after you left and i felt you beside me all the time and we really shared some moments because you kept on appearing and speaking to me in my dreams and i always wished it was not a dream. You loved God and served him diligently and you helped and left a memorable impact on anyone that came your way, you were so unique in so many ways.
 Mummy rest in peace and i promise i will not fail and dissappoint you. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU.

<p>My little daughter woke up this morning and asked me of her grandma!!!!! I asked her why? She said she wants her to come back from heaven. I smiled, and asked her if she wants to tell her something and she said i should tell her to buy sweets for her and to come to the house. And she also said i should tell her Good Morning!!!!!

Life is a mystery. Death took away my lovely sister, SHEPHERD, LATE BEATRICE N. ONYEGBULA without considering my fate, as an orphan. She was a mother to everybody, very social, caring. She was a woman of peace, full of kindness and love.

She gave us the best; she could afford and had her trust in God. She gave with impunity. A peace paradigm with ever radiant smiles.

Ada Nnem, was a very enterprising and hard working woman and these showed in the business of buying and selling, training people for catering services despite the fact that she was the deputy controller-general customs and excise.

Ada Nnem's attitudes, values, hopes and dreams are worth-emulating. She taught us how to respect people no matter the status in life and our elders. By her exemplary life, lovingly nurtured her children and people around, even those who were not her biological seed, also benefitted from her teachings. Being around her was synonymous to hearing the word of God.

She lived a life of sacrifice, distributor and a giver. She has a big heart for God and the less privileged. She believed that everything she had was given to her freely by God and therefore must be shared.

Our joy and confidence is that you are resting in the bosom of the Lord and had joined the cloud of witnesses who are encouraging believers to keep following Jesus Christ who paid for all the debts, we could not pay, on the cross of Calvary.

The legacies she left behind remain evergreen and would not be trifled with. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, you lived a fulfilled life.

Rest in peace Ada Nnem, till we meet on the glorious morning.

ADIEU THE EMBODIMENT OF PEACE

ADIEU EPITOME OF LOVE ADANNEM GAA NKE OMA.

Reggy. I. Akano

You have always been my aunty from afar but 10 years ago, I walked into your home and your heart.and I never left. I was always amazed at how much you loved people even when they treated you wrongly, you were always giving and giving and giving..... Even more amazing was your love for Jesus, He was truly your lover and you could do anything for Him. You were more than a mother to me, you were a friend, you made me laugh, smile, cry and you understood me and let me be myself with you. You were one of the strongest women I know, yet you had the most gentle of hearts, I learnt so much from you, how you cared for everyone, especially the widows, motherless and the less priviledged, your sense of humour was unparalleled, I remember the last night I saw you before you travelled to PH, even in sickness you were still making us laugh, I wish I could frame that moment and relive it every single day. I still hear your voice in my head and it is just like I am dreaming, but I know when I wake up with Christ, I'll see you again. I do hope I showed you how much I loved you when you were alive, I only wish I had some warning that your time was near so I could intensify the love, but God knows best. I will cherish every single moment we had, thank you for the love, the lessons, the stories, the teachings, thank you for feeding me, housing me and being a mother to me. God keep you for us till we meet again and rest your beautiful heart. 

My mommy of life, I'm yet to accept the fact that you're gone! Does it mean I’ll not see or talk to you again?

It’s over a month now with no word from you and it hurts badly. The giant shoes you left are too big for my tiny feet to fit in. You've been more than a mother / father to me especially after I lost my parents. Everyone thought I was your biological daughter and not a daughter in-law because for over 17yrs of knowing you, you showered me and the kids with love, you never raised your voice at me or a 3rd ear hearing us argue, not even your son, my loving husband.

Where do I start from? Is it the clothes, undies, food, toiletries, provisions, medication, up to my makeup? Some stuff you ordered for us for the yuletide arrived after your passing.

My mom spoiled and left me, you took over and now you are gone too, where do I start from? You made loving so easy; you were my prayer partner, my anchor at all times, my teacher and strong confidant, who do I turn to now? Someone should please wake me up from this unending nightmare.

I remember our good and bad times together; we laughed together and cried together. I remember you telling me that you lost a daughter in Ogonna and gained a daughter in me and me telling you I lost my mother and gained a mother in you. How could you break my heart so soon again? Your finger prints are everywhere, in my room, my kitchen, my living room even in my office where I have assorted teas, coffees and cups provided by you. No week passes without your signature appearing in my dressing. The burden is too heavy for me to carry oooooo.

How was I to know that all the while you kept telling, giving and showing me things, you were preparing me for your passing? I wish I had listened more and not place my finger on your lips to stop talking like that and believe with me that you’ll come out of it stronger.

I miss you like crazy, especially now.

I take solace in the fact that you were a radical for Christ and I know precious in His sight is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15). I am glad my daughters took after you; I look at them and smile to myself, knowing I still have you here with me.

My pretty, elegant and glamorous mommy is sleeping peacefully in the bosom of Abraham. Sleep on Rev. Mrs. DBN Onyegbula, until the resurrection morning. I love you so very much, even in death.

Of a truth “THE MOURNING OF A MOTHER NEVER REALLY ENDS” – Dr Rita Bonchek.

I'll sorely miss you and just like your last words to me “I LOVE YOU & HAVE YOU WRITTEN IN THE DEEPEST PART OF MY HEART, I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, FOR EVER!".

For as long as there is memory you’ll always live in my heart.

REST IN PEACE MY RIGHT HAND PERSON.

Your daughter In-law

Blessing Onyegbula

When God created grandmothers, he saved the very best for me.

You were astonishing, spectacular role model; in fact you were my idol grandma.

I still can’t believe I’m never going to see your beautiful smile again.

It came as a rude shock; rather unpleasant Christmas surprise, but God knows best. I can still remember the wide smile you had on your face the very first time you tasted my food; I still remember how happy you were about my academics; I can still remember the soft feel of your face and hands, can I ever forget that? The times we baked together are still fresh in my memory; I still have all the lovely clothes, shoes, perfumes and jewelry you got me, they are so precious to me. Words can’t explain how much I really miss and would miss you. I can still remember the sound of your lovely voice through the phone. I miss your food, your smiles, your words of encouragement, your cooking lessons; everything about you is irreplaceable. If I could turn back the hands of time, I’ll kiss you every single day during your visits.

I remember how you always stood up for me when I was a little girl and how you corrected me in love when I was wrong. I remember how you told me to be hard working like my dad. You taught me a lot more about Christianity, respect, being a good child and of course catering! Your cookery books are still with me, as important to me as ever. I couldn’t have asked for a better grandmother; you were an all-round angel. I just wished you stayed longer. I really wanted you to meet your great grand children and watch me become a sports doctor. All the good times we shared and all the memories we built together as a family would forever remain in my heart. I promise to be a good girl, I promise to keep up your culinary skills and become an excellent caterer. I promise to be an outstanding and famous sports doctor, I promise to grow up to be a strong Christian woman; I promise to continue making you proud, the way you’ve always wanted.

Sleep on grandma, till we meet again!!!

Your first grandchild

Chisom Onyegbula

When I imagine that I’ll never see you again, I start crying. Grandma why did you have to leave us this early?

You've taught me a lot. You've taught me to do good things always according to God’s commands and to be a strong person. You always encouraged me and told me that God will always protect us.

Even when I had bad dreams that scared me, you prayed with me. I really wish I had spent more time with you because you are fun to be with. I remember you teaching us how to pray, bake, cook and do a lot of things. Now I cannot imagine it's the same you that has left us. It’s too painful to take it all in that I’ll not see you again.

Thank you for making a very good impact in my life. I love you so very much and will miss you sorely.

You will surely be loved and remembered, widely and deeply. May you Rest In Perfect Peace with God. Amen.

Your granddaughter

Amarachi Onyegbula

Oh Granny! I miss you so much! I wish you can come back and stay with us a little longer.

Grandma, you really taught me to be confident, responsible, God fearing and bold with the right moral values. You always reminded my siblings and me whose children we were, the blood that runs in us and how we should live exemplary lives. You helped me check my weight,  watch how I ate, plan my menu, read bedtime stories and above all taught me about Christ and how to pray right. You promised to work on me and make me become as slim as my sisters before the end of your Christmas holidays with us, but sickness and eventually death did not allow you. 

Sometimes I look into the sky, see the stars and imagine you as one of them along with Christ and the host of angels. What a happy family you have up there! You were my star and role model grandma.

You know God has plans for everyone. God rescued you from sickness and pain and took you to heaven to rest from the troubles of this sinful world. There is a saying “IT IS BETTER TO ASCEND TO HEAVEN THAN LIVE IN BONDAGE & SUFFERING”.

Grandma why did you leave us this soon? I thought you said you were my body guard and will always be there for me? You've created a huge vacuum no one can ever fill. I still can’t accept the fact that I’ll never see you again. Grandma can you hear me?

I’ll never forget you and will miss you all the days of my life.

May God accept your kind and beautiful soul in His kingdom as you continue to take your well deserved rest in Christ Jesus - Amen.

Your granddaughter

Koside Onyegbula

Grandma is it true that I’ll not see you again? I looked for you grandma; I asked my mommy where you were and she told me you were gone to join the host of angels; I started crying but my mommy told me not to cry that you had gone to a better place where there was no pain or sickness; she told me that you were singing, dancing and dinning with Jesus Christ.

I was very happy to hear that you are not sick anymore.

Grandma I wish you had told me you were going so I could say goodbye.

I miss you grandma, I wish you goodluck in heaven; God will bless you in heaven, enjoy your life in heaven while blessing us.

Your grandson

Kamsi Onyegbula

I’m not sure how many times I need to learn this lesson, but once again, I have been reminded that Love is the greatest thing.

So, cherish your loved ones, never be too busy for them, that hug may be the last so make it more regular. 

That smile may be the last ,so give it to a loved one always.

There is no engagement or figure high enough that should ever keep you from your loved ones and life is far too short to take it for granted.

Mumsy ! I am pained that we didn't get to see each other and communicate as often as I desired.

Writing this tribute I am reminded that the beauty of a relationship does not lie in how well we honour our dead loved ones but on how well we honoured, loved, appreciated and valued them while they were with us. 

Mumsy ! ,I am happy that  we shared your last moments on earth by your side till you took your last breath  but......

Most of all, I am pained that my best friend in the world and love of my life lost the woman who shaped him into who he is today.

Unfortunately, all the anger in the world can’t undo what has happened. More than that, she would want us to be happy as she always wanted.

She was a woman who loved her children far more than what made sense.

Nothing I could write will be enough.The best we can do for her is to live to make her proud. 

Rest in peace Mumsy and thank you for everything you’ve done. You truly left a mark.

"I couldn't have wished for a better mum, you'd rather starve so your kids would have food to eat, always willing and ready to go the extra mile to ensure your kids and people around you are happy and ok. I'll NEVER forget the few weeks i spent with you before you departed to Glory, you are still alive in my heart and i will never forget your words of wisdom and encouragement, your unconditional love and the way of the Lord you so ardently imbibed in us all. Mama, I know you're in a better place and smiling down at us. Till we meet on that Glorious day, I miss you every passing second but I smile when I know you are with God Almighty. Thank you for everything, Adieu"