Late Mrs Udenma Janet Okoronkwo was born in the good family of Late Madam Oyirinnaya Okoronkwo and Late Mr. Okoronkwo Aguru of Amaebe Ezialayi, Alayi in Bende LGA of Abia state.
She got married at early age to Late Mazi Okoronkwo Ukoh of Ndi Okorie, Amaeke Alayi. Due to marrying a man same name as her dad, she had no reason to change her name that’s why she was constantly referred to as `onye nna ya muru lukwara`(born and married by father)
She lost her husband at early age with four boys and a girl. She has been the one and only person in the life of her kids making sure that they don’t lack anything. Mum had a hard time juggling the demands of raising us, but she never complained at her unenviable task, nor did she ever turn anyone away – be it family, friends or local faces, wanting to stop by the house for a quick chat. She was well known as a woman of resolute principle who taught strong values and the importance of family unity, faith, hard work, kindness, tolerance, generosity, forgiveness and love to her children. She was a strong woman, gentle but direct and had an amazing sense of humour. Everybody who knew our mum knew she was the mom everybody wanted, “She always took everybody in with open arms and does not like trouble but don’t trouble her. She loved everybody equally, no matter what.” She stayed in the village until all her children left the village and she travelled to Togo were some of us her children are based. Mama was there for many years and decided that she want to stay closer home which we all agreed and she came back staying with her daughter in Bende.
Nne Aka (Aka’s Mum) as many people in the village calls her so much like education and want her children to read and write even though she did not have the opportunity to attend . She admires people reading Bible and will sometimes pick one and tell one of us to read it for her. She always say “I didn’t break a chalk all of you must break chalk (I didn’t go to school all of you will go to school at least Igboji secondary school) her words to us break all the chalks and I’ll replace it (Go to school and learn I’m ready to foot the bill). She always makes sure that her children go to school with school fees the first day of new session. Mama was full of joy and always eager to help out, no matter what the problem was.
Mum, is the one who feels happy when and relaxed when her children, grandchildren, family members or friends are around her.
She once said “If there’s reincarnation, I’ll come back as a pastor and a teacher and serve God without fear”. The things of God were so dear to her even when she was in Togo, she never miss Sunday service. She was a full member of Christ Ascension Church Lome-Togo and also in Bende where she worships until her departure. Mama advised us that the only way to happy life is to be closer to God and have faith in Him.
Having said that, Jemimah as her elder brother Late Mazi Kalu Okoronkwo calls her once told us that her younger sister (our mum) is a hard working lady who never cares how far a farm may be but always ready to make sure her children have everything they need. Late Udenma Janet Okoronkwo was reputed to be one of the greatest farmers who always store yam in the ban whatever the season may be. No matter what situation she finds herself, mum always took pride in her appearance. She wakes up early in the morning while others are still asleep to have shower and dress up. “God is holy be holy and God is clean/neat therefore be clean/neat” those are her words. She never leaves the house without taking the time to make herself presentable, but her presentation was my gorgeous.
Mama was 83 when she passed away unexpectedly on Thursday 2nd June 2016 in Ihenzu, Isukwuato . It’s hard to say goodbye. We wish that we had more time and perhaps that during the time we had we had spent more of it together. We wish that so much of her life had not been lost to illness, that things could have been different for her, and for us. While we know that she is at peace and that her struggles are at an end, there is pain and sadness. But even though she is gone, she has left the legacy of her love and perseverance.
