Ij, I'm still numb at the news of your sudden death. Still so strange really. Our memorable days in Nimo comes to me so clearly,it's heartbreaking!. The days on end when we played cards, and I and Tim ran around Asele much to the slight irritation of Late Prof. Uche Okeke (of blessed memory). How about my short holiday with you in Enugu which I still relish with so much joy and laughter. You were a big sister with a big heart!. You taught me how to act smart and be my self and taught me things down to observing personal hygiene. Our days in Nsukka also is impeded so much in my memory.

Our families were so close, and you never quite relented to keep in touch even when we 'grew up' and went different ways to build our own families in different places with you in SA.

You kept in touch and I remember your words in a familiar way telling me not to stay away. We did keep in touch because from your love for people emanates a certain degree of closeness to you. I will surely miss you Ij. I could go on and on but this is still so surreal. I need to take a breath to come in terms with it.

May God grant you eternal rest big sis.

Bivi

I remember the first time we met at Wits University as post graduate students, then working together at the International Office as student liason assistants. Over the years we have remained friends or I even dare say you were like family to me. I am struggling to wrap my head around the news of your transition, I guess it was the will of the Almighty, but it is really painful. Rest in Peace Ijeoma.

Oh noooooppop

This is a shock. What happened?. I'm actually heart broken. Ijeoma????????

Lord have mercy  

I am bereft of words for this shocking news of Ijeoma’s sudden death at 49. How can anyone imagine that a young woman so full of life with so much on her plate and a young daughter to raise would within just one week of illness depart this world so unceremoniously. A typical instance of the saying that in the midst of life, we are in death; very thin line between life and death. All is vanity, nothing but vanity. We are indeed in shock. Rest In Peace dear cousin. May the Good Lord grant Aunty, Thembz, Ifeoma, other direct siblings, extended Okeke family and us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Ijey,

Thanks for touching our lives so positively.
Thanks for the smiles and laughs.
Thanks for the labours of love.
Thanks for teaching us about friendship.
Thanks for exemplifying the true Ubuntu spirit.
Thanks for being your best.
All these will be missed, terribly missed.
Well, keep spreading joy on the other side.
Love ❤️

Ije, I still find it difficult to believe you have passed on but the reality is dawning gradually on me. You had such a sweet spirit and good heart and always reached out to others to encourage and cheer them up at their low moments.
I feel pained because I barely knew you were sick and then the news of your death broke. I would have wanted to reach out to you and encourage you just like you would have done for others.
Rest In Peace Ijeoma. You will be truly missed.

I am utterly in shock by your unexpected departure Ijeoma. Just spoke to you about your father's amazing Uli art exhibition days ago. I don't know how to articulate my shock & grief. It is heart wrenching. Your life's journey especially one with the love of your life, your daughter Thembi has been a true love story. My heart goes out to Thembi. She gave you a purpose to be here on earth. I pray that purpose will give her the fortitude to continue living the life that you envisaged for her. As I try to pen my thoughts & try to rationalize your sudden departure I find it utterly irrational. I pray God shows me & all your friends & family a light at the end of this dark tunnel. I pray the spirit of our Great God enshrouds your family & the love of your life Thembi & all of us your friends to someday come to grips with your departure. Ije may our great God rest your soul. Sleep peacefully.

I am still struggling to understand this, Ijeoma. You left just like that. It's just a few days we had a conversation. It just seems so unfair. Well, just last night I was asking God to teach me to number my days. Your passing has just taught me. Nothing on earth is satisfying. Ije, you were such a beautiful soul, full of genuine concern for your friends. May our Lord reward your selflessness. I will miss you dearly. Rest in peace.