Wow! Wow! Wow! It's just over a year that you relocated to the heavenlies but memories of you are still fresh. You will always be fondly remembered for your kindness.

Great Grand Ma J, thanks be to God for the exemplary life that you lived. Indeed you are a ‘Mother in Israel’.

Long before I met you, I have heard so much and known you by your fruits through my beloved Aunty Iyabo and Uncle Michael Larinde.  I was not disappointed when we eventually met in Rome, Italy. I was supposed to ‘Grand Ma Sit’, but you were actually the one who was ‘babysitting’ me. You outperformed beyond my wildest dream for a Grand Ma of your age. You cooked and took extreme good care of me. I enjoyed the evenings of ‘tutoring’ on American politics and other current affairs issues. Great Grand Ma J, your memory was so sharp and you reminded me of Moses whose strength and eyes were not abated despite the age.

Thanks be to God that you have been made righteous through the blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You will continue to be in my heart always. As it is written, '......the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.' (Psalm 112:6), Great Grand Ma Juliana will be in everlasting remembrance.

I’m sure you’re already enjoying the praise and worship in Heaven before the throne of the Almighty. Well, keep cheering the rest of us still on our journey on. We too will make heaven just like you where we’ll meet to part no more.

May the Holy Spirit continue to comfort and strengthen the family.

You’re Blessed Great Grand Ma J

Dupe & Dayo Fagbenro

Maami today marks a year since you left us for a well-deserved rest in the bosom of Abraham. None-the-less, your memory lingers on more than ever. You were so beautiful, gracious and loving that your departure has left a vacuum in the family. I will always remember you for so many things, amongst them:

1. Your reassuring smiles, warmth, comforting words, unparalleled compassion for me and anyone fortunate enough to look into your soulful, doe-shaped eyes.

2. Memories of the last days I spent with you in your hospital ward – your last days - characterized by sleepless nights, full of twists and turns, yet laden with unforgettable periods of punctuated humor.

3. Your loving spirits and caring attitude. These were greatly displayed in your hospital ward where you tried to comfort other patients when you yourself were in pain.

4. Care and thoughtfulness about your children and their offspring. My mother will always be remembered for crucial roles played at strategic points of my life and that of my family.

5. Our chats while you were taking your therapy in the nursing home. The two months I spent with you in the hospital, trying to encourage you and make light of your suffering.

6. Your validation of who I am in Christ. You helped me believe in myself. You dared me to dream. You always told me the truth and not necessarily what I would like to hear. I hope you knew how much your opinion meant to me.

You are greatly missed mother and I will always love you. It has been one long year without your close companionship, wise guidance, loving and caring attitude as well as patience to listen to my deep thoughts on all issues.

Maami, thank you for all your sacrifices for us all, you will always linger in my memory.

Your daughter,

Hauwa Iyabo Larinde