My Auntie Yemisi as we fondly called her was the most dynamic, vibrant, vivacious woman I have ever known. The youngest surviving daughter of Mama Gate, she worked hard to stand out and make her presence known amongst her big sisters. Despite being the baby of the bunch by quite a sizeable gap, she had confidence and a strength of character that was palpable.
When I was a child, I remember her as a beautiful young woman, soft-spoken yet with an air of authority that commanded attention. Beautiful, diligent, and not afraid of hard graft, she prospered immensely and set up all her children to be the best versions of themselves. We lived in the UK, and she would come visit my Mum (her sister) whenever she was on her maternity leave (and with six babies over many years, this was quite often!) But motherhood didn’t slow her down; quite the opposite, as she also used her time in London to expand her business and procure items to trade upon her return to Nigeria.
Auntie Yemisi was always thinking of ways to better herself. She was a formidable, self-made businesswoman; a powerhouse pioneer, a force of nature that could not be ignored. When she walked into a room, people paid attention. When she spoke, people listened. And if she was displeased with you, she let you know it. Her direct, straight-talking approach meant you knew where you stood with her, and she would not tolerate mediocrity.
Despite her innate strength, she was also extremely tender, loving and caring to her children, me and my siblings, and her other nieces and nephews. She had the most welcoming heart and defaulted to Mother mode with me and my siblings when our Mum, her sister, passed away 3 years ago. She created a Family What's App group to ensure we all remain in touch with one another no matter where in the world we may be. In addition to her own six children, she has been instrumental in welcoming other little ones into her home to raise as her own, as it gave her such joy to nurture those in need.
My Auntie Yemisi had a sense of style and fashion that was unmatched. Whenever she went to outings and events, she was always the most elegantly dressed woman in the room, perfection from head to toe every time. She set the standard in presentability, and I always used to take extra care with my outfits whenever visiting her as I knew she would let me know if she thought I was not looking my best!
It seems unreal to be speaking of my Auntie Yemisi in the past tense. I still remember the last message she sent on the extended family What's App group, asking after our well-being and reminding us to look after one another and check in with one another. I did not know that that would be the last communication I would receive from her.
I mourn the loss of my beloved Auntie Yemisi very deeply. Her departure was so sudden, too quick for me to come to terms with and even begin to comprehend. Her absence has left a gaping chasm in the lives of all of us that knew and loved her. Yet we know that God directs all things and has determined that it is time to call my Auntie home.
Auntie Yemisi, we love and miss you so much, but we submit to the will of the Almighty and accept that you are now a resident of heaven, reunited with your sisters, parents and beloved husband. May God grant you eternal rest. Thank you for being such a wonderful leader by example to all of us. You will never be forgotten.
To my beloved cousins: Tokunbo, Gbenga, Busola, Niyi, Bimbo & Wale, I extend my arms around you and offer you comfort as you grieve this tangible loss.
Adieu, darling Auntie Yemisi. Rest on until we meet to part no more.
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