Eberechi Thelma Ikpe, more fondly called Eby by family and friends was born some 34 years ago. She was supposed to turn 35 some weeks ahead before Heaven decided that an angel was needed up there. Eberechi was born in Owerri. She grew up in Owerri, Lagos and Anambra. Eberechi started earning accolades at an early age as her intelligence was something to marvel at.
She was the second child in a family of 5 children, the first of two girls. Eby was smart, intelligent, witty, dogged, beautifully stubborn and determined to get whatever it was that she wanted.
As a young girl, Ebere enjoyed playing football and table tennis. She was very good at these sports that she practically beat most if not all the guys in school. Her dribbling skills were second to none. She was so good at it that most folks wondered if she was a boy. She was popularly called a tom boy as she regularly challenged the guys to football contests.
She was an A student in school as she always chilled among the top students of any class she was in at any point in time. She attended Marjos International Primary school, then Bedrock College, and Nkisi Comprehensive Secondary School. University was Madonna University and she went ahead to do a post graduate degree at FUTO.
She had a lot of interest in teaching/ tutoring which led to stints in some top secondary schools in Lagos. She was also a private home tutor to some children. She was very good at her job: dedicated, punctual, and most importantly knew her stuff. Till she became an angel, most of the families that she taught still kept in touch with her ( which really counts for something).
Ebere lit up a room just by walking into it. She didn’t need to be seen but he was certainly hard to miss! Not only very outgoing, she also had a very large heart. She was sincere, easy-going, and eternally positive. Ebere valued relationships, and made sure she kept in touch with classmates from school. On the home front, we called her Ebe. At times, we teased her that she should have become a lawyer because she knew how to argue and always stood her ground. She was very vocal and assertive.
Ebere was determined to crush sickle cell. She always had a very positive outlook most of the times.
We prayed and gave her all the support that she needed. However, it gives us great peace knowing she no longer has to fight and is finally at rest. She is free from all the body pains, the countless needle pricks, the endless blood transfusions, the occasional bouts of depression, the almost non healing ulcers, and the dependency on pain medications.
We are eternally thankful to know that Ebere had a strong faith and belief in God. Our hearts break, and will continue to do so, that she is no longer here with us; yet, her legacy will live on.
The joys, progress and little achievements of her family and friends were the joy of her life. Being involved in our lives was very important to her.
Her kind spirit, respect for others, determination, doggedness, intelligence and wittiness is alive and will carry on through those she left behind.
The sweet memories that she created in our lives will live on till the end of time.
Eby always looked out for others even when visibly sick. She was full of empathy and was always willing to go the extra mile once she committed to something.
She was and is still a gem.
She will be SORELY MISSED.
We hold dear memories of her in our hearts as we grieve.