The Best Mom in the World

Mommy, this isn’t quite like writing one of those heartfelt messages every year you loved receiving in the birthday & Mother’s Day cards I gave you. It’s also not quite like the random lovey dovey WhatsApp messages I’d send when I wanted you to know how grateful I was for you. For all the times we chatted and for how easy it was to tell you absolutely everything on my mind and heart, I struggle with what to say here. Partly because I’m so heart broken, partly because it seems so…final. And let’s be real, there isn’t a time you’d depart that would be ideal or where I’d be ready to let you go.

There isn’t a single sacrifice you made over the years that went unnoticed. There isn’t a single success I have that isn’t due to the prayers you so graciously and frequently rendered over me. I am the woman I am today because of you - either from observing you, listening to your guidance, or simply basking in the love you showered over me. I show up in this world the way I do because you not only built my confidence from a young age, you gave me the tools, strength and love to walk confidently in my own light. Thank you.

Mommy, you fulfilled your role as a Mother so well, that I know better than to look for you in others. As an adult, you were my first call every morning, the person I called during work breaks, and whenever I had any gist. You knew and kept all my secrets, you never held back from telling me about myself, correcting me when I was wrong and cheering me along in everything I did. If I had a problem with someone, you had a problem with them; if someone did wrong by me, they made it onto your list and boy was it hard to get off that list LOL. I had the immense blessing of feeling your love everyday for 39 years - knowing no matter how cold or difficult the world was, you were always a place of warmth and solace. In my times of doubt, worry & despair, all I needed to hear was your voice and I’d be ok. Thank you.

I’m so afraid of the road ahead, Mommy - the reality of life without you here to guide me, talk me through things, lend a listening ear, spoil me with your cooking, greet me with the biggest smile and hug when I come home, randomly start singing made up songs while dancing, and everything else you so effortlessly did is quite daunting. I’ll hold close the lessons you taught me, the wisdom you shared and the reminder to always put my trust and faith in God. I just know you’ve made friends with all the angels already and God is smiling so big to have one of His favorites back with him.

Knowing your spirit lives on in the lives you impacted brings me joy. You lived well and did well, Mommy. I’m incredibly proud to be your daughter. Thank you for leaving a legacy that allows me to walk with my head held high. I take comfort in knowing that while I will miss you, I do not yearn for lacking anything from you as a Mother.

Rest well, my Supergirl. Please rest well.

From the bottom of my heart with all my love,

Dunni, your Duduke

News of your passage came to me as a shock. Egbon mi, your passage at this time wasn’t something we all expected. May your beautiful soul rest peacefully with Almighty God, and May His guides abide with your family both home and abroad. 

ADIEU ! My dear sister !!

When I was a child, my mom used to send my brother and me to Jersey to visit my Auntie Yomi and Uncle Ayo. Those visits to Jersey played pivotal roles in my life, introducing me to life on the East Coast. I loved it so much, I moved here! I will never forget when we practically destroyed Auntie Yomi’s kitchen while she was at work. My brother, Niyi, and I (mainly me) made a huge pot of stew with a world of ingredients, just wasting food and making a mess. When Auntie Yomi got home, it was like she didn’t even have the energy to fuss. I think I cleaned up really well lol. I also faintly remember getting food poisoning at a barbecue on one of my trips and my Auntie Yomi took such great care of me like I was one of her own. So many memories that are so faint now, but my spirit always loved her. She was that cool aunt. She made me feel so comfortable and loved. I was able to talk to her about things that I was battling at such a young age and she was just always so kind. I needed that more than she’ll ever know. I’ll love you forever, Auntie Yomi. May your sweet soul rest in perfect peace. 🤍🕊️

Love Lamide

YOMI - Sister Beloved!

When Yomi's son, Tomiwa, and my daughter, LaRetha, united in holy matrimony, they set in motion an expanded circle of love between the Powell and Odumosu families.  However, it was the joy we shared as grandmothers to Simi and Ayo that strengthened our bond of friendship and love.

Several years before the pandemic, Yomi and I attended the Annual Christian Education Conference of the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc.  in Nashville, TN. What a wonderful time we had!  We attended classes that informed and encouraged our commitment to Christian Education.  We listened to dynamic preaching and joyful singing that lifted our hearts in praise.  Most of all, it was the one-on- one conversations we had about our hopes and dreams for our children and grandchildren and our gratitude to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for his merciful kindness bestowed upon our families.

Although I am saddened by Yomi's transition, I have many memories that I will treasure and keep close in my heart.  Every time I wear traditional Nigerian clothing, she will be near. Yomi was forever buying fabric for me when she traveled back home and gifting it to me. Yomi was such a generous soul who always gave from the heart.  So, whenever I wear traditional Nigerian clothing, I will think of Yomi and smile.  There is no guarantee that there will be no tears.

Love Endures forever.                                                                                                                                                                                         Janet W. Powell

Mom, your impact on people was wide and vast. Many people will tell of what you did for them, how you displayed your personality, the effects you had on them and I thank them all for their heart felt messages. Your memory shines bright!

There’s so much to say, to write when I think of you. Beyond being my mother you were my first friend. At this moment that is what resonates the most. You were always encouraging and ever understanding. 

 I thank God for your life, your legacy, and all the memories you gave me and your grandchildren. 

I love you. I miss you.

Love Always, Your Son

Tomiwa Odumosu 

I keep avoiding writing the words to tribute my beloved mom. Because even the thought of writing words that honors my mom makes it more real that she’s no longer here. My mom loved me in a way that was indescribable. Frankly, no one was a bigger fan and supporter of me than my mom!

Whenever I told her that I was going for a new opportunity whether it be a job, a passionate endeavor, or an impromptu move to France…her response “You go son!” She loved me and my siblings unconditionally. Her smile brightened the room and her heart was immeasurable!

Over the course of my life, I have seen my mom use that same heart to serve in countless communities! Whether it was from her time organizing all of the free summer camps in Trenton to make sure kids had a safe place to play and eat. Or her faithful years covering the member that attend our home church, Divine Intervention Ministries of God as the first lady. Or her passionate years of service and labor for her beloved Abeokuta Girls Grammar School as the founder and first president of the USA chapter of AGGSOGA alumni. And that’s not all! Her service continued when she spent the latter years of her life in Delaware. She founded Nigerian Community Association of Delaware Valley (NCAD) to unite Nigerians in the first state. So many friendships, bonds, and loving memories have been created as a result of her loving heart. And these are just titles and positions she held. But we all know that her personal impact could not be bound by a title. She didn’t love people due to her being a President, Founder or First Lady. She loved people because that was the essence of her being. She was a carer, a nurturer, and a protecter. She was a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 2 but spiritually, she mothered and grandmothered countless others.

How blessed and fortunate I was to experience 32 years on this place we call earth with her. I couldn’t ask for a better mom if I tried. I’m so grateful. Grateful for the years she invested in my education. Grateful for the discipline and correction she gave me. Grateful wisdom and honor she imparted on me. Grateful for the culture and personality she instilled in me. My mother was a gem. Her impact cannot be quantified on this earth. But fortunately, God has rewarded her with eternal life in heaven. I thank God that she was a believer to the very end! We will celebrate her like the saint that she is 🙌🏾

I love you so much mom!

Until we meet again 😇🕊️

Sincerely,

Gbeminiyi