My Dear Motunrayo,

I shouldn't be writing a tribute to you it should be the other way round but who are we to question the Lord God whose name is Jehovah. We accept His decision with stoic hearts.

'Tuns' you were:

Rounded - after playing soccer with the boys, you took over the kitchen and made their meals as early as 12-13 years of age.

A cultured blossoming young lady, down to earth with 'no airs' and a wonderful hostess.

Witty and pleasantly mischievous especially as you grew up with boys.

Bestowed with an exceptional inner strength which glowed through your intelligent eyes and more recently epitomized in your determination to overcome the situation that has brought us to this day.

Yet of a good nature with no bitterness at the current situation.

Soft spoken, caring, peaceful and nurturing - Mayomide and Monjola will miss the quiet times you spent together.

I can go on and on describing the Motunrayo we miss.

We miss you loads, but we will eventually find solace in the memories we have of you which we hold so dearly.

Sleep on my 'daughter' till we meet to part no more.

Good Night Dear.

Dearest Motunrayo, you are with God now and I hope that you rest well. I'm so grateful to have known you. I miss you.

I was doing the washing up last night and thought of you Motunrayo. I felt a pang of grief and was then surprised when a huge smile crossed my face. A smile as I remembered the calm, peace, grace that was you Motunrayo. I thank God for your beautiful life.

I am honoured to have been your godmother though I think you taught me more about faith than I could ever teach you.

We will miss you but we know that you have gone to be with the Lord. Rest in peace my love.

Dear Motunrayo i love you and I miss you. I had the privilege of being your friend in boarding for a year. I’m going to miss the way you laughed and made me laugh. And all the running around laughing at break time and being in choir and the production together. I will miss us talking together during online school trying to figure out what Ms Smyth was talking about in Spanish. A lot of my good memories at Holyport are with you and I’m so sorry we couldn’t make anymore. Once again i love you and I pray that we can meet each other again later. Love Jaden

Dear Motunrayo, I remember you with that beautiful smile which always seemed to adorn your lovely face.
Thank God for the mark you made and the lives you touched. As heaven welcomes a worthy, special angel with much rejoicing, we pray for God to comfort your loving family in a way only he can.
Rest in eternal peace dear.❤️

I cried, i still cried today although dear Motunrayo i could not make you stay. A good heart stop beating, but i know God only takes the best. So rest in peace my lovely smiling Motunrayo, Rest in  eternal peace.

My heart Feld condolences to Andera.Tunde, her brothers, Grandparents and family. Love you all!.
From us all in Germany.

Those we love don't go away they walk beside us every day My darling niece Motunrayo you will remain in our hearts forever.
 

My dear Motunrayo

I am so sad you are no longer with us, but glad you are at peace with the Lord and in no more pain. God knows best. Heaven has gained an Angel. I will always remember your sweet smile.

Forever in our hearts,

Andrea

Dear, dear Motunrayo,
I feel a deep sense of loss at your passing.
Not because I don't know that you are in a better place, but because I feel cheated at not getting to know more of you.
What an amazing, unusual child you were. Gifted in all her ways. I remember you were amongst the children at Grange School specially selected to study with the Artist in Residence. Your art works were proudly displayed in the school.
I remember the delicious " sausage pockets" you used to bake and send to me in lovely biscuit tins and I never returned the tins.
I remember how organised and hardworking you were.
I remember how loving and caring you are and how you used to pamper Monjola.
I was in denial for a couple of days, but reality set in and I miss you. It hurts.
I can't believe I will never hear that joyful,carefree laughter! I always felt it was a phone call away.
I can't tease you anymore about when you'll send me my portion of your dimples.
Motunrayo! You stared at death and satan and laughed in their face!
Your courage, grit and determination is something I can never forget. When your mum told me that like Paul, you said dead or alive you win,I was speechless because one would never have expected thoughts like that from a teenager, but then you are not just any teenager, you are Motunrayo!
I feel privileged to have known you.
I thank God for the time and space spent with you.
I know you have joined the cloud of witnesses in heaven, cheering us on.
You have earned your stripes; soldier of The Most High.
Rest well beloved Motunrayo, no more pain, no more loss.
My love always,
Felicia Sonubi

Dear Motunrayo rest in peace. Though I never met you but I know the love your father had for you.

It is painful to lose one so young and promising but I believe that no leaf can fall from a tree without the Master God knowing about it. In everything we give thanks.

May God console your parents and the brothers left behind.

Adeleke Agbola

Motunrayo I miss you.
Each morning when I wake up I tell my mum that I wish it was a dream.
You are my big sister and role model.
One of the main reasons I started baking was you.
You inspire me all the time with your amazing can do attitude and amazing work ethic.
I pray that you are playing soccer with the angels right now and kicking their butts!

I love you and I miss you.

Motunrayo you were more like a sister than a friend to me. I got to spend time with you before you left for South Africa and now I appreciate that time we had more than ever. You were constantly cheerful and playful even on the toughest days. Conversations and time spent with you always brightened my days. I won’t lie, I was devastated when my parents told me. We had discussed plans for your 16th before covid hit and I thought we’d be able to celebrate later. The memories of swimming lessons and sleepovers are what comfort me. The fact that you’re at peace comforts me. Playing jackpot and donkey with the boys won’t be the same without my partner. You always knew how to calm them down when they got too excited.
I’m happy that I got to meet and know you and I’m thankful for many things. I’m thankful that I got to see your smile, hear your laugh, taste your AMAZING apple pie and experience your kindness. My sweet, funny, talented, energetic sister. I wish we had more time. I love and I miss you ❤️

My alarm still rings every morning at 6:45 with my message prayer for Motunrayo , My prayers however now focus on your beloved mother father and brothers for you have ascended on to glory.

For the last one year and a half since I first met you I witnessed before my eyes someone that had a courage and strength for one so young there was purpose in your eyes and conviction in your resolve

My cousin your beloved mother and father had given birth to a phenomenal young woman who has impacted many lives than most would do in their long lifetime.
Your life your smile your resolve and your name will live on for generations and many will speak of your strength and your courage.

It is well it is well beloved Motunrayo. Rest on in Glory

It was an honour and a privilege to serve in prayer for you all be it from afar and to be present for those few moments I came to see you and be present at your transition into glory rest on beloved

Pastor Michael Dacosta (Cousin to Andrea )

Motunrayo❤️our Darling Besto,

Wow!!!! We had plans for your 17th birthday, but God knows best. He is the Best of Planners.

16 years on this earth and you achieved a lot more than some people will ever achieve in a lifetime. Your strength, courage and faith I must say are commendable and worthy of emulation. May The Almighty grant you eternal peace. To say we’ll miss you is an understatement. We are most grateful for all the sweet memories we have of you and we thank The Almighty for your life.

I pray The Almighty will grant your Mum, Dad and brothers strength to deal with this huge irreplaceable loss. May He also comfort and strengthen your whole family especially your grandparents. 

Love you Motun! Rest in peace dear! God bless your soul❤️!

Auntie Ebun

Darling Motunrayo,
My heart breaks as I remember the times you spent with us during sleepovers, playdates and outings. I always marvelled at how mature, courteous and cheerful you were, always a pleasure to have around. I thank God for those beautiful memories which will remain etched in my heart forever.

Seeing you just a few weeks ago, exuding such strength and undiluted faith, its hard to believe you’ve gone to be with the Lord but as we know, the Lord calls the best first!
Rest on in peace darling. We will miss you xx

Aunty Segs

Dear Sweet Motunrayo in all things we know God is faithful. Your Mum shared of your triumphs, strength and faith that has been such an inspiration to me and many others. Thank you for teaching me your recipe for the hot tuna baguette! I didn't realise you were such a renowned chef!
Thanking God for you Motunrayo, Sleep well Dear One

Aunty Fehintola

Dear Motunrayo, I have met you a few times, the most memorable for me was when we attended the concert at Muson Centre. I remember your warmth and your smiling face.

You were much younger at the time and I was a stranger to you and your siblings, you were specially friendly and affectionate.

Your time on earth though short has made great impact on several lives. Your Mum speaks of your love and unshakeable faith in the Lord. We love you, however, the Lord has called you to Glory. Rest on in the bossom of the Lord.

We pray the Lord strengthen your family and love one's to accept this great loss. The Lord grant you eternal rest.

I met Motunrayo a few times and in different settings. However, one thing that was consistent was her cheerful disposition, infectious warmth and enthusiasm. I thought this was really beautiful, especially for a teenager. She gave off the aura of a well loved and carefully nurtured young lady- confident, respectful and just lovely. I found her positive outlook and strong faith very touching. Though her departure was just too soon, God knows best. Praying that the Holy Spirit will comfort, heal and support her parents and siblings. May the beautiful memories of times shared with Motunrayo imbue them with fortitude to carry on, until the Lord's appearing. By God's grace, we will see her again on the resurrection morning. Until then, good night, dear Motunrayo. Sleep tight in the bosom of the Almighty God.

Motun was not only my best-friend or my childhood friend but a sister to both Zahra and I. Motun filled everywhere with love, laughter and a big smile and touched everyone’s lives with love. I am happy we had good times and a lot of happy memories. She had a huge impact on my life. I am so going to miss your smiley face Motun my dear friend/sister.

RIP MOTS ❤️❤️ Love you loads.

Dear Motun, I never met you but I knew you from your Mom's love for you. I knew you from the testimonies she shared of your faith and your strength even in the face of a grave test. You've gone home ahead of us all but your life has continued to teach us much. Good night Motun. See you when the morning breaks eternal

Our sweet, vibrant and graceful cousin Montunrayo. You were a true Earth angel emitting God’s light with just a simple smile. Clearing away the darkness and any fear anyone around you may have felt. A real warrior with real strength, a leader who paved the way for others on their journey of faith. Your life was a beautiful and loving testimony. You have now taken your torch and that infectious smile to light up the Kingdom of Heaven. Take care until we see you again. Love always ❤️✨

Dear Motunrayo, mummy’s munchkin, when I need to find strength and courage I will think of you. When I need to learn how to support and be supported I will think of you. When I need to be less demanding and be gently grateful I will think of you. My little muse became a confident young woman with a huge heart who will continue to inspire me and all who knew you. This is how I will always remember you : forever brave blossoming and beautiful. Rest in peace little gentle Motunrayo xx

Sometimes we realise that we have been simply privileged . . .I was privileged to have known you. A beautiful little girl who became a strong, faith-filled young lady. Bearing it all without complaint, I was more worried than you seemed to be. Even at our last meeting, you were reading then you had some of the supper I had prepared. You were so graceful, appreciating me with those amazing eyes. Have I learnt something? You bet. Faith, determination and purpose. Your life has been an inspiration. Sleep on dearest Motunrayo, sleep on.

Dear Motunrayo, a lovable student. I received with great shock of your passing. Upon hearing of it, I looked at your last History project still hung in my classroom and said, 'a damsel has gone home to be with the Lord'. I will continue to remember you with your beautiful work on the Causes of World War II. Rest on, Adieu!!!

Dear Motunrayo,

I am so grateful for all the moments we were able to share together. We were practically family. I remember your laugh and smile and your quirky comments about everything. To know you was to know light. You were so strong through this entire journey and I will miss you so much.

Rest well angel; you will forever and ever be in our hearts xx

"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, HE is God.
It is HE who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are his people and the sheep of His pastures" Psalm 100 1-3

My darling Motunrayo.
You served the Lord each day with gladness. You praised, you smiled and you lived a grateful life.
Despite the tough days and seasons, you remained one of his sheep. 

He that made you, has decided to call you home. You blessed so many people with your life and we learnt from you in so many ways.

You were truly an angel. 

You fought a good fight but your father wanted you back. I know you are rejoicing in his presence now.

We will miss you my dearest. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen

Motunrayo, the first time I knew of you, your grand-mom, Sis Samuda, had shared that you were in the hospital and asked us to pray for you. In our many communications following, you were most often the topic of conversation. She would share enthusiastically that you were so strong, brave and courageous; you were always singing and encouraging everyone around you. You always let your beautiful smile light up the room, even in the midst of it all. And you were that ray of sunshine that we all came to love. Thank the Lord for the gift you were to each of us and we thank Him for the life you lived. As you've stepped on from this life into glory, we miss you but take hope in knowing one day we will see you again. Walk on with Jesus, sweet sunshine.

M-moment we came to know you & will never forget you.

O-over and over you showed us your.                strength.

T-transformed life with your patience and endurance.

U- u were a gift from God to us near and far.

N- never afraid to show your love and kindness to others.

R- rest in the arms of your Saviour, Lord and King.

A- all will miss your loving smile.

Y- you are an overcomer, now you get to wear your crown of life.

O-over there with the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on and until that glorious day. (Hebrew 12:1)

You are truly missed.
Ann-Marie & Family

My darling Motunrayo
May your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace.
You were a lovely, peaceful and ever smiling girl.
We love you so much.We didn't want you to leave
but God loves you more.
You will be missed .

Dear Motunrayo,
Your positivity, smiles, and joyful presence will always be remembered and cherished by everyone who knew you. It’s heartbreaking to see you go but I know you’re in a better place. We will all miss you so much xx

Grandma Samuda
My sweet rose. You have left the cocoon and became a beautiful butterfly. I can see your beautiful smile as you flew away from us to become that shining star which you have always been. My love for you will never fade. I was blessed to spend so much time with you. We baked cakes, we broke the rules when mum wasn't around by making fried dumplings because you loved them. I remember when You called me from the hospital and said you can't wait to come home to tell me about Jesus who visited you.
Those times are precious I will never forget them. You made me the best smoothies and toasted sandwiches. In the last two weeks you kept apologizing to me for being grumpy etc which I didn't even notice, and you would say Oh I thought I was. Oh Munchkins so many good memories on this journey. We are now more than conquerors babes
love you forever Munchkins.

To My little Cusin Motunraya, All I can say is that god took you for a reason. The leader you are and the people’s life’s you touched,he has chosen you for a great purpose in life to flourish other peoples life with strength, wisdom and “courage”you will live on in each and everyone’s life. until we meet again my beautiful princess. we will all ways remember you in our memories.

Darling Motunrayo, may your sweet, gentle soul rest in perfect peace. You were a beautiful, gentle, kind, cheerful, God fearing and strong young lady. I remember your determination, during all those swimming competitions, to do your team proud. You never complained, you just got on with it and were a fantastic team player. You have touched so many lives in the last couple of years and strengthened our faith by your own faith and trust in God. Rest well dear Motunrayo. Rest well.

Rest In Peace Motunrayo, you may not be here with us anymore but your love, laughter and kindness will live on through those of us you touched. We love you so much and miss you dearly❤️❤️

Sweet angel of God you have joined the band of angels around God's throne we miss you but we know God only picked the best Rose from His garden you are one of them I know you are resting in peace and may God's perpetual light shine on you we will know you better by and by

My beautiful baby girl. I treasure you, you are like a beautiful pearl untarnished by this cruel world. We share so much wonderful times together they are priceless.
You are a princess and you are right at home now with the King in the Royal Palace of heaven. Only special people go there. That's why you are there and I will see you there soon and we will never separate again. Love you so much Munchkins my special girl.
Grandma Samuda

Rest in perfect peace Motunrayo. You will be missed forever by everyone.

I love you Motunrayo.
You're in God's hands now, cuddle tight, and rest easy.
Until we meet again.

Dear Motunrayo

When we came to visit recently you were sitting and enjoying watching Jurassic Park. It was so lovely to see you. It never crossed my mind you would be leaving us.
Motunrayo you will always be on my mind and heart, for you are such a beautiful and lovely young lady. You have achieved so much in your life. And you are such an inspiration.
I will always treasure the times we spent together since you were a little baby.
I will miss your beautiful smile. Goodbye sweetheart. Together with other Angels, Watch over us till we meet again.

Sweet, Sweet Young Angel. You came to earth for a short time but you have accomplished your earthly assignment. How we wish your stay was longer but that’s not God’s plan. Sweet Angel, we will meet you in the morning by the bright riverside. When all sorrows have drifted away. Rest in peace Angel of the Lord.

Heaven gained a beautiful soul. Rest in our lord sweetie
You will be always be missed ❤️

My darling sunshine. Always calm and smiling. I’m still in shock and while I have so many questions, I know we can’t question God. Ka bi o osi.
I am comforted by your faith and love for God and life. You were such a fighter. I remember the early morning swim drills (you never complained, unlike the boys ), your athletics, apple pies, sweet smile and encouraging laugh. You will surely be missed my dear.
We love you so much, but God loves you more. Rest in peace Motunrayo, you’re home now.

My darling Motunrayo, you will always be missed sweetheart, just knowing you died in the lord gives me so much Joy. You light up anywhere you are with your beautiful lovely smile. God will surely comfort the family in Jesus Christ mighty name amen. Rest on my beautiful daughter. Lots of love
Auntie Obi Alabi

Motunrayo hearing the news of your demise came as a great shock to me as i remember you posting and instagram photo with the caption "recovered", seeing you back in school and just being happy you were healed.

we don’t have all that many memories to share but i can never forget the English lessons we attended at mrs disu’s in Adeniyi jones.

and also how we had to spend all our free time; breaks, after schools and weekends for artists in residence. one thing i can especially remembered is borrowing your idea for the pig shaped piggy bank which still sits in my living room.

you fought tirelessly and relentlessly but The Almighty decided to call you home. you would forever remain in our hearts. i will continue to pray for your brothers, your parents and your family that God would comfort them, still believing you are watching over them from above.

rest easy sweet motun.

Dear Motunrayo
Some come into this world to live as giants and you are one of them.
You hit the ball right out of the park with your swing, taking your knocks with a smile, Grace and giant levels of maturity some will never show.
I salute the courage you had and your infectiously cheeky grin
God bless you and your family always
Thank you for the privilege of knowing you and allowing me to teach you

Our love always
Adetoun Disu

My sweet Motunrayo, I'm in utter shock! I remember you from Coperate kids Academy , little 4year old girl in my Reception class at Grange to a beautiful cultured young lady. Always smiling and extremely polite, not sure if I have ever seen or heard you involved in any misdemeanour. You were indeed an angel. I thank God for having given me the privilege to know you and I am strengthened by your testimony. I know heaven will welcome you with open arms.
I pray God Almighty will comfort your parents, brothers and loved ones.
Sleep in his bosom till we meet to part no more.

Darling Motunrayo

Memories of you will remain in my mind, I remember you as the cute little girl at Grange School Ikeja and during my visits to your family house at Adeniyi Jones… a brave lady you became and there are many lessons to learn from you. You were surrounded by love and prayers but you came for a purpose and came for a season… May the good Lord give you eternal rest… The almighty will continue to protect and bless your parents and your siblings …Rest in perfect peace

Motunrayo,

Though I never met you I feel blessed to have been part of your journey. Testimonies of your faith challenged me and taught me many lessons. Cancer didn’t defeat you, you chose to go home albeit early. You are and will forever remain a Winner.
Sleep on beloved.

My darling Motunrayo
I have no doubt that you were a special Angel here on earth and now you have gone to heaven to meet other Angels and watch over those that you loved and cherished. Motunrayo you were able to fit in so much in your short but sweet life from your culinary skills to your athleticism, you were a bundle of talent.
Im privileged to have met you and will always remember your dimpled smile.
Sleep well my love xxx
Aunty Lola

I am Motunrayo's aunty (Andrea's sister)

Debbie Appiah-Agyemang


I wrote this poem last year for Motunrayo and she loved it.

Motunrayo she is a beautiful child,
May she have beautiful dreams and keep her radiant smile.
She is very strong willed and believes in God,
He is her Saviour he is her Rod
May he fill her anew on a daily basis, with healing and love and full of his graces.
❤️
By DAA
31/10/2020

Motunrayo is truly free and at peace in the Lord as she was a Christian. She will be forever missed until we meet again.

Love you Motunrayo from aunty Debbie

My darling sweet love
We started this journey 3 years ago and I can’t quite believe I am writing this today. I really can’t. I thank God for the time we had to spend with you, it was precious. Oh boy this is hard. You smiled throughout all this. Your faith never ever wavered.
I have learnt a lot from your 16 year old wise self. You became the Bible that I would read.
People who had never met you were touched by your faith, your courage, your integrity, your love….
Ahhhh sweet love. Who will I share my popcorn evenings with, watching Crazy Rich Asians for the 100th time ☺️

But I have accepted, and I will try not to remember you with sadness or tears but I will remember you with joy and laughter.
I know it’s a win, win baby. 
I was and will always be your Godmother
Aunty Audrey