Deaconess (DR.) MRS.
PATIENCE EHISIENMEN IYAMU
(OVBIE - EDOKPOLO)
1959 - 2024.
TRIBUTE TO MY LOVING, KIND-HEARTED WIFE AND CONFIDANT
It all started in the year 1978 when I met you as a young beautiful lady. We courted for a short while and eventually got married. Along the journey of life, we were blessed with wonderful children. Though as life entails, there were ups and downs; during the downs, you stood firmly by me. You used the words as used by Ruth to Naomi (Ruth 1: 16b-17a) “for whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God. Where thou diest, I will die, and there will I be buried”. These, you exemplified.
My kind, loving wife, though I teach giving and kindness, you made me demonstrate them. You are the Dorcas of our time as testified by those who came across you during your journey of life. Though Dorcas was raised from the dead by Apostle Peter for her good works (Acts 9: 39-41), you (my wife) were taken straight to the bosom of the Lord for your good works.
Tribute from Nosa
To my late irreplaceable mum, I will be selfish here calling you my mum when I know you were a mother to all. You were an angel full of a giving heart, and you sacrificed your social life to design a successful path for me. Mum always stated that before she leaves this earth, she will ensure she guides my siblings and I to a path that we will never fear any tribulations, and she did it. Mum always emphasized in her statement that any illness or struggles towards her children have all been taken away by arrangement between herself and God.
She raised me up to be relentless, pushed me to drive, and pursue my dreams and life goals. I used to think the push and chastisement were excessive, but today, I understand you were that Angel that saw above us all. I watched how you struggled to make ends meet, have sleepless nights, and travel thousands of miles to ensure you give us a standard life. You deprived yourself to ensure we are alright, and you did everything within your means to shield and protect the family. You continued to struggle until you were certain that all your heart desires had been actualized and we were all placed in a comfortable umbrella.
Tribute from Ewaen
Nothing prepares one for the intense feeling of grief, sadness and shock when you lose a loved one. One who was truly treasured by many. Mama Nosa, my mother, my friend, our umbrella. You stepped down so that my siblings and I could step up. You always wanted the best for your children and covered up a lot for us. Distance was no barrier to your love for my family and I in Birmingham because you greatly supported us, gave food stuff to anyone who was coming to the UK. You always said that “if it can get to UK, it can get to Birmingham”. Your grandchildren (Gregory, Casey and Jasmine) miss you so much and thank you for being the best grandmother ever!
Mama, your death is so surreal, and the accompanied feeling of emptiness is inexplicable. I am still hoping that maybe it is just a dream. Maybe, you will still call me every evening like you used to, just maybe.
Tribute from Roncy
TRIBUTE TO RARE GEM, A FEARLESS WARRIOR, AN ENDLESS FIGHTER.
Words cannot express in full details the definition of your love, care, fearless, endless, love for me and my family. You are real a rare Gem, a mother, friend, sister, mentor, advocate, solicitor.
What words will I use to describe you, oh what a beautiful soul.
Oh mother, you are a problem solver, no matter the situation of the country, you never let it affect people around you. You loved to see people happy and cheerful around you. Oh! It was never a dull moment with you.
When your grandchildren come around, you make them feel as if there is no other grandmother in the world. Even people you are not related to called you “GRANDMA”.
Tribute from Hope Oludayo "Small Mama Nosa"
Mummy, I thought long and hard and could not find the right words to describe your kindness, friendliness, gentleness, selflessness, humility, boldness, sternness, and unbiasedness, the list is endless. There are people with some of these attributes, but few with this combination. Mummy, you loved and cared for us while going out daily to ensure our immediate needs were met and securing a better future for us and all around you. Your kindness knew no boundaries. It was immeasurable. You wanted everyone to succeed. No one was permitted to fail under your watch. I remember Cotonou journeys; those memories will remain with me forever.
TRIBUTE TO MY BLACK DIAMOND MOTHER (LAST BORN)
Your greatest prayer, “Ni sue ivbi mwensee Eke n’onan mi muran” (Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven), came true. You walked beside us, held our hands with love, and embodied the meaning of love for all your children. God answered your prayers, Mama, but you remained humble.
I confess, your kindness made me a bit dependent. You provided for me, my children, friends, and extended family. Your generosity knew no bounds. Your kitchen was my personal supermarket, stocked with everything I needed. Even abroad, I never lacked for food. Your hospitality extended not just to me, but to my friends who’d find themselves cooking and eating in your kitchen while I was at school. What a kind heart God blessed you with! You instilled that giving spirit in your children, too.
