No one can fill ur shoes in my life.Aunty

Auntie Kate. We will not forget you.

We miss you mom but we rejoice in the beautiful memories you left behind, continue to rest with the saints.

The peace and comfort you brought to the Okafor's is what is guiding them today . Your legacy will continue to live in us. Your physical presence is always missed in every function we are comforted with the hope that you are around in spirit. Continue to rest on.

My heart constantly feels this indescribable deep seated pain. Don’t tell me to take it easy, because it’s not easy. Don’t tell me God understands and knows best, because I don’t understand, neither do I know why. But then again that’s why He’s God and we are mere mortals, always lacking in our understanding of His ways. Mummy, I know that you are heaven (and that might be all I get to know for now) because you “knew where you were going”.
While you were with us mummy, you taught us to love God and our fellow men. And you didn’t only teach, you showed us how in the way you lived your life. You held unto life, regardless of the pain you went through, for as long as you could because you didn’t want to make us sad, you wanted to stay on for us. You sacrificed in every way you could so that peace would reign. You didn’t owe anyone anything; not even love.
Mummy, you left a vacuum but you also gave us an honourable legacy; tools with which we will daily fill the vacuum. I would never call you again anytime I’m ill, just so you can pray with me. Your grandchildren will never struggle for which bed grandma will sleep on when she comes to Enugu – boys’ or girls’.
Mummy, you must find death to be gain - for rather than sting; it has taken you to everlasting life, peace, rest and joy; to the presence of your Father, and to Jesus your friend. While we mourn this early and heartbreaking departure, I take comfort in knowing that you will never feel pain again – not physical, not emotional, not spiritual - absolutely no pain.
You will never be forgotten mummy, for your memory is filled with blessings. I bid you farewell mummy. Worship on with the saints daughter of Zion, heaven’s royalty, Ada Jesus, crowned with the glory of God, my mother, my friend, my role model.
Your daughter,
Chinyere

TRIBUTE TO MY TREASURED FRIEND
Kate, the bad news of your exit on Good Friday morning gave me a rude shock. I opened my mouth in utter confusion coming to grips with this sad reality. I wept and even thought I was going to die that day.
    The Lady, your exit has caused indelible pains in my heart and I wonder when the tears will stop running down my checks as I always remember your good life and the love you always shared with your husband, children and grand-children especially with Sarah (Onyi) as you used to call her, your great love and passion for your creator and your strong will even in hopeless situations.
You were my best friend, my counselor, adviser, co-ordination, my moving force in front and holding force behind. You were full of life, ever cheerful, always eager to help, solution finder to every problem even those that appear impossible.
My consolation is that I know where you are, continue to intercede for us from God till we meet to part no more. With heavy heart, I am saying- Rest in perfect peace – my beautiful and wonderful friend. I miss you and always love you, my angel!

Mrs. Meg Onyeise.

Gone too soon
We met an Angel
Aunty Kate, your death is incomprehensible and utterly devastating; an absolute tragedy. Who could believe that you are gone? Your elegant spirit, winsome smile, graceful eloquence will remain evergreen. Your beautiful soul is incomparable. Onye udo, where are you? Our grief cannot be contained. But our consolation is that Christ died; therefore your death is surely not in vain, a sacrifice worthy of God’s full acceptance.
The pain of your death resurrects the pain of our mother’s death, Monica Obika, just as senseless. Our mother loved you at first sight, like an older sister she nurtured you and extended the bond she had with her brother to you, facilitating your seamless integration in a very large family. You were just emerging from a cocoon of innocence, Monica guided you in everything; sharing with you those intimate aspects of Nigerian women’s fashion that only she had mastered. To cement that relationship she made you Ekilisie’s godmother. The day you came back from the UK with your first son our mother met you at Benin Airport. Your beauty radiated, your complexion immaculate, your simile full of joy. No sooner you became our favourite aunty. You were there for us over the years of pain and tragedy. There were years of joy as well, and you were there.  You were there Aunty Kate, but gone too soon.
Umu Monica mourn you but are profoundly grateful to God for your exemplary life. You finished the race in a resounding ovation. Rest in perfect peace our lovely Aunty!
Umu Monica Obika

TRIBUTE TO THE ARCHITECT OF MY LIFE
Like a dream to me but it turned out to be real. Mum, the news of your sudden & unexpected death was shocking. I didn’t know that that very day you left for treatment was going to be the last day to set my eyes on you. Well, God’s time is the best. He knows the best for us.
Mummy, you were everything to me. You treated me like your own child, you inspired me a lot, and you showed me unforgettable love & care. Mum, no amount of words or write ups will be able to express or quantify how good you were to me.
You were a mother of all. You supported many around you. You always helped others achieved their goals. The smiles you put on everyone’s face that come across you was great.
Oh death! How painful you sting, you came like a thief while we were yet asleep. You stung us so wickedly; you have taken away a loved one without considering the living. Mum, you will fondly be remembered for all your good deeds
One consolation is that you lived a good life worthy of emulation. You lived an exemplary & fulfilled life, a life of dedication, devotion & commitment to the call of the gospel.
You will be remembered for your legacies of hard-work, discipline GOD-fearing.
I missed you a lot mum, you will forever be remembered in my heart. Rest in the bosom of the Lord; keep watching over us till we meet to part no more. Goodnight.
From Chinaza

TRIBUTE TO MY GRANDMA
You are an angel to me, my guide and protector. Your life gives me energy but death doesn’t.
When I heard you died, I couldn’t believe it. It was like the key to my destiny had been destroyed; but the good thing is that I know you are out there watching over me and guiding my every step. Your love and compassion is what gives me joy every day. The lord was wise to give you to us because you have brought nothing but love to us.
Thinking of you everyday makes me sad; to know you’re dead is a shame. I know you are there in heaven watching over me and may your soul live in peace.
Onyi baby (Grand daughter)

A Tribute to a Woman of Immeasurable Faith
I want to thank God who first gave you to us. I know that what he gives, He takes not away. Death is eternal, and death is a horizon. A horizon is nothing but the limit of our sight.
I looked forward to your full recovery as a testimonial to your trust and dedication to God. We already had plans for a family thanksgiving. Then, the news came and you were gone to be with God. I mourn you! I shed tears for you because you deserve them. Your life was an open book, read by all who came across you and influenced many.
So many things I didn’t tell you because I thought I had so much time. You were an exceptional woman of impeccable character. A woman of immeasurable faith. I had the best mother-in-law anyone could ever have or dream of. My kids were very fond of you. They loved you to bits! You were their best friend and hero. Too bad it didn’t last like I thought it should but your footprints will forever be in the sand of time. You will live forever in our hearts.
It is true you are gone. We will continue to relive the memories you left behind - Precious memories. Our consolation is in you O! Lord, as recorded in these passages of Isaiah 57: 1-2 “The righteous pass away; the godly often die before their time. And no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For the godly who die will rest in peace.” 
My prayer is that our God will lift us up strong so that we may see further, cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly, draw us closer to Himself and to you, beloved mum, who we believe have gone to be with Him. Keep watching over us and never cease smiling down on us. Keep resting, till we meet on the resurrection morning. Good night mummy.
Engr. Uzo Chambers Mbachu (Son-in-law)

TRIBUTE TO LADY KATE OKAFOR
Friends, loved ones and family -
It is an honour and privilege to pay tribute today to a very special person. Lady Kate Okafor was remarkable in some many ways. She lived her life to the full and touched so many people during her time here with us. We all have a medley of memories that we will always carry with us - memories that defined Lady Kate Okafor; memories that we will always hold dear.
Allow me to share some of the special memories that I have of mummy - memories that personify her and her life well lived.
As I look through the medley of her life I see the many valued and meaningful roles that mummy played.  First and foremost I see mummy, the family woman. She loved her family unequivocally and selflessly. She was a devoted grandmother / wife / daughter / mother / Aunt / Sister/mother-In-Law. She is special, and one in a million mother-in-law, I call her mummy and that is whom she is to me. She is a woman of high esteem, always there to support. Her advice, words of wisdom and her pragmatism and diplomacy in handling issues will fondly be remembered always. Her words simplifies the heart and gives you hope because they are deeply rooted and founded in the word of God. She took all of these roles to heart and she strove to honour, support, guide and most importantly,  love her family. She was at her happiest when she was surrounded by her family - even during those inevitable tough times that life has a way of throwing at you. Her devotion to her family was the foundation of her actions - the anchor that defined and shaped her life.
As the medley turns, I see mummy  - the friend. She was a good friend to so many! She could be counted on and depended on always. Whether you needed sound counsel, an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on; companionable silence; a praying partner - she was your woman. Ready, steadfast, willing and assertive. I know that many will miss the friendship that mummy brought into their lives.
The medley turns again and I see mummy - a woman defiant and the champion of others. She lived a principled life underpinned by a strong sense of right and wrong. Mummy was never a woman to step back from a challenge; to let something wrong stand unchallenged. Mummy cared enough to act - to take a stand. Mummy continued to touch many others and as we look through the memories of her life, we see mummy as a respected colleague. She shared her expertise with all her colleagues, she worked hard and consistently and she remained a student of life. She never stopped learning. She never sat back and became complacent. She led by example and she mentored many under her care. Mummy was a role model and an inspiration to so many.
It is impossible to pay tribute to mummy without  recognizing the important role that spirituality played in her life. As we have travelled today through some of the wonderful memories in mummy's life - we come to realize that her quiet faith guided her actions, words and deeds. She is a woman so devoted to God and to the work of the ministry. She is truly the word of God personified. Her humanitarian and charitable work can never go unnoticed as many can testify to it. She strove always to be the best she could be - family woman, colleague, friend and champion to others.
It is very hard to say goodbye and we don't want to, but we need to remember that she touched so many people's lives, so positively. She leaves an amazing legacy behind. Mummy left the world a better place than when she found it and for that we always be grateful.  Mummy, we miss you - but we remember you fondly - always!
Emeka Emelife
Son-In-Law

TRIBUTE TO A RARE GEM (MUMMY OWERRI)
I sat on my bed, hunched over my laptop. Drops of tears fell on the keypad. I struggle to type, my fingers hitting the soft keyboard as my vision becomes blurry and the letters become boxes of black and white. Why is the world so mysterious as to end a life so vibrant in such a way?
Woe to that beast that stole your life from me. This beast that ate up my dear second mother should be tamed by the Almighty God before it finishes the people of the world.
 My heart aches, I turn around in circles, sharp pain dashing through my bleeding heart. No one knows my pain; no one can feel what I feel, and no one can miss you like I do. You were known by all in different ways. I miss you in unique ways.  Of time lost, of time gained, of time spent, of moments with you, I am glad our path crossed.
Flashes of the time I spent with her come flooding back. Her pictures are of a charming young woman, but her postures are about her passion for education and travelling.The virtues of faithfulness, endurance, hard work, humility, kindness, honesty and contentment characterized her life.She was a religious, active, calm woman, an adviser, a problem solver, who derived joy in making people happy, she was a woman to behold; a successful innovator and pace setter. She was a confidant to the extent that everybody’s secrets told to her ended with her. She was selfless, loved imparting knowledge, and being charming. She was dedicated to great causes and was a focused individual. There was no dull moment when one was with her.
I looked back to messages I should have sent to her. Things I should have said to her. The future memories I should have enjoyed with her in the different travels we had planned to go on together. It hurts me to know that I never knew her beyond those wonderful years we have been together.
I wish my creative mind could recreate moments before she passed on but my creative juice seem to be dry and my thoughts are scattered. She was a brave mother and she was physically strong and never relented in her prayers and praying for others. I knew she fought hard for her life to be with loved ones, even a little longer.  I wonder what she thought about those passing moments. I wish she didn’t feel any pain. I know she passed quietly in peace as I know she now rests in His Bosom. I wish I was there with her. I wish the news of her passing was a bad dream that will pass but it is real. She is gone, ohhhhh!!!!! It is so hard to say GOOD BYE.
Rest dear Mummy Owerri as you are fondly called by my children, till we meet again, never to part no more.

Farewell my second mother

PATRICIA ISOKEN NWABUNKA