My precious Pearl, volumes of books cannot contain the depth my heart wants to express of our friendship, our love, our aspirations, our goals, our dreams, our marriage, our companionship. You were indeed an angel sent by God to my life. My ever smiling and peaceful wife.

Though we were married for just 7 years but the experiences we share are more than several decades. You always told me, let the love we share bless the world. I always told you that my responsibility was to make you happy and love you till the last breath.

You were the most wonderful person I ever encountered in my life. You were very peaceful, loving and easy going. You were the most decent Christian I've ever related with. Your heart was always to please God. You were very patient, always believing in God's perfect timing. You were very intelligent and smart. You were very realistic yet hopeful.

Ooo you were so sacrificial, always making people's needs your own. You would not see a naked or poorly dressed child and look away. You would not keep food in the store when you have knowledge of a hungry neighbor or church member. You believed in reaching the world through the individuals we see everyday.

As my wife, you were my soulmate, my best friend, my companion, my counselor, my lover, my prayer partner, my intercessor. You never mounted any form of negative pressure on me. You were a constant source of motivation and encouragement. I always loved impressing you to get your usual praises and compliments. Though we are both doctors, you were very loyal and respectful, always sliding your plans under mine even when I tried to bring them out.

For 7 years of marriage you honoured me with every fiber of your being until your last breath.

You gave me the best 7 years of my life. We had beautiful plans as regards career, finances, housing, charity, service to God and life generally. We had plans of how we would raise the kids. Little did I know God will take back His angel from me so soon.

You taught me to always appreciate people and praise their little efforts. You taught me love, patience and tolerance. You taught me focus and determination. You always believed in me and my dreams. Though, you are gone, I will forever cherish every single moment of joy, dancing, eating, drinking, working-out, making love, singing, praying and playing we shared.

Your legacies will live on.

Till we meet again.

Darah loves you.

Dikan loves you.

Disah loves you.

I love you Pearl.

Late Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Aniefiok McCarthy was born on the 18th of June, 1987 into the family of recognized Educationists, Chief (Dr). Gladstone F. Ukoima and his wife, Deaconess Grace Gladstone Ukoima of Blessed memory. Esther's parents taught her the values of sacrifice and love for family through leading by example.

Late Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Aniefiok McCarthy was raised in the Assemblies of God Church according to the teachings of the Holy Bible, in particular as to holiness unto God and the sanctity of family and marriage. She was nurtured to internalize basic Christian virtues of humility, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and temperance. She exemplified these virtues in both her family life and professional career. She was strong and firmly grounded in her Christian journey and she would say ever so often that whatever GOD had endowed her with must be shared.

As a result of these influences, Esther, through her own passion for good, justice and fair play, and a concern for the poor and disadvantaged, evolved into a masterpiece of GOD, cherished and loved by her family and friends and admired by many wherever she went.

Before her demise, her last sermon to the church was to always judge God faithfully.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION Late Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Aniefiok McCarthy grew up as a peaceful and hardworking lady. She started her educational journey at Saint Thomas Nursery and Primary School, Port Harcourt and in 1998 where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). After which she proceeded to Blessed Comprehensive Secondary School, Port Harcourt.

She went through the prescribed academic program successfully graduating top of her class and was adjudged the best during her set and consequently obtained her West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC) in 2003.

She later continued into University of Calabar to study Medical Laboratory Sciences and was awarded Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLS) in 2010. In 2011, she worked as a Medical Laboratory Science intern at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital before proceeding to Anambra State, where she serve Nigeria under the NYSC scheme.

Late Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Aniefiok McCarthy was still not satisfied with her academic achievements as her desires was always to be a medical doctor, hence her direct entry into medicine and surgery at the university of Calabar, where she graduated with distinction in 2019. She later proceeded to do Medical Housemanship at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital formerly Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital which she completed in December, 2020.

She was a devout Christian and lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation. A lover of God, family, very flawless with a paragon of virtue, loving, intelligent, diligent, obedient and humble, a selfless and cheerful giver. She was indeed a virtuous woman with all shades of talent and skills. Very caring and faithful to family and friends.

Late Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Aniefiok McCarthy slept in the Lord on Tuesday the 27th day of April, 2021.

Husband: Dr. Aniefiok McCarthy Udoetuk

Children; Darah Aniefiok McCarthy (Daughter) Dikan Aniefiok McCarthy (Son) Disah Aniefiok McCarthy (Daughter)

Brothers;

Mr. Ene Gladstone Ukoima, and Mr Awajiro Gladstone Ukoima

Sisters;

Dr. Mrs Helen Waribo Anthony, Mrs Mijan A. Ebegha, Mrs Patience Elenwo, Miss Edith Gladstone Ukoima

Mother-in-law: Deaconess Mrs Patience McCarthy Udoetuk

Brother-in-laws;

Engr. Inemesit McCarthy Udoetuk (Msc), Engr. Usoro McCarthy Udoetuk ( Msc), Mr. Mfon McCarthy Udoetuk (ESQ), and Engr. Justus Ngerebara

Sister-In-Laws;

Dr. Mrs Unyime McCarthy Ngerebara, Mrs Ekaette Ebong Udoetuk (MPH), and Mrs Abigail McCarthy