"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." — Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandma, great-grandma, aunt and great-aunt, Mrs Motolani Rachel Awolesi (JPx).
Mrs Motolani Rachel Awolesi (née Asunle) was born into the loving family of Raliatu Anike and Aminu Alabi Lawal in Lagos Mainland, Nigeria. The youngest of ten siblings, her early years were filled with the joy and strength of her large, loving family. She attended Ago-Ijaye Methodist School in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, from 1944 to 1950 and furthered her education at Sagamu Girls' School, where her passion for learning and self-improvement blossomed. Motolani initially pursued her dream of becoming an educator, attending the Teacher’s Training College in Sagamu from 1953 to 1955, before expanding her ambitions into transportation and traffic management.
Motolani's thirst for knowledge and ambition led her across the seas to East London College, UK, where she studied Traffic Management and Transportation from 1961 to 1964. Her excellence in this field earned her the prestigious titles of Graduate of the Institute of Industrial Traffic Administration and, later, Fellow of the Institute of Industrial Traffic Administration and Transportation.
She married her lifelong companion, Chief Abayomi Awolesi (RIP), whom she fondly referred to as ‘MK’. They met in the 1950s while she was teaching at Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu, where he was the headmaster. Their wedding took place at the Methodist Church, Tinubu, Lagos, on 6 June 1956. Together, they built a beautiful family, welcoming five children: Iyabo Bisiriyu, Funlola Akindejoye (RIP), Toyin Olubi, Kunle Awolesi, and Tayo Oyinlola. Motolani was the heart of her family, a source of unwavering love, guidance, and inspiration. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply.
Motolani had a distinguished career, beginning at the London County Council, later the Greater London Council, where she worked from 1964 to 1969. Upon her return to Nigeria, she served with the Lagos City Council from 1970 to 1998, rising from a Traffic/Testing Officer to the esteemed position of Chief/Testing Officer. Her professionalism and dedication left an indelible mark on her colleagues and the institutions she served.
In addition to her career, she pursued a variety of passions. A lifelong learner, she studied Information Technology, earning qualifications and certifications up until last year (2023). About the late eighties, she deepened her faith and relationship with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, becoming an ardent student of the Bible. She was a devoted member of the Celestial Church of Christ, The Women’s Council, and Shaddaiville Ministries, where her faith and leadership shone brightly. Furthermore, she completed the Jerusalem Pilgrimage three times, the most recent at the tender age of 82, adding the post-nominal titles JP three times.
Motolani’s interests were as diverse as her talents—she found joy in photography, knitting, dancing, singing, cooking, reading, and sewing. She had a brilliant mind for computing and a love for watching her favourite TV shows, including EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Tinsel. Her laughter, beautiful smile, and zest for life were contagious, whether she was out shopping or enjoying a family gathering. She frequently enjoyed popping to the shops (e.g. taking the train to Peckham) well into her 80s, camel riding in Jerusalem, and attending family functions. She loved to dance and beautifully sang church hymns every day.
Though our hearts ache with her passing, we celebrate the remarkable life she lived—a life marked by love, resilience, wisdom, and service. Motolani touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and unyielding spirit. She leaves behind a profound legacy of love and wisdom that spans multiple generations.
May she rest in perfect peace, forever in our hearts.
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