Olufunmilayo Adebimpe Fawole (nee Adesanya)
Obituary
The late Stella Olufunmilayo Ibiwunmi Adebimpe Akanke Fawole was born
on November 26th 1939, to Chief and Mrs. Daniel Idowu Adesanya. She attended Agege District Central Primary School, then graduated to Ideal Girls High school in Lagos. She grew up in Obalende for a short while and soon returned to Agege.
Stella travelled to the United Kingdom in the 60s to study nursing in York, West
Yorkshire. She also did administrative courses, which included shorthand, commerce, accounting. She got married to the late Mr. Joseph Olawale Fawole, her childhood sweetheart, on December 3, 1961. All the Fawoles and Adesanyas went to the same church (St. Saviour’s African Church in Agege) and primary school in Lagos, so Stella and Joseph knew each other from their childhoods. They were blessed with six
children - two girls and four boys: Oluseyi, Adedeji, Ololade, Modupe, Rotimi and Olufunmilayo. Upon their return to Nigeria, they initially settled in Ibadan, then moved to Owo and then Oyo. They eventually returned to Ibadan, where most of the children grew up. After a brief nursing career, she spent several years as a stay-
at-home mum looking after her growing family, interspersed with several business ventures as the children got older.
Stella was kind-hearted and generous; the little she had, she gave. She was also God-fearing and took her relationship with God seriously. In 1978, whilst in Nigeria, she had a devastating accident involving a gas leak which left her with burns on 90% of her body. She was told she would not live beyond 39. However, by the grace of God, she survived and lived to see her 85th birthday in 2024.
In 1989, Joseph and Stella moved to the US to join two of their children and settled there for the rest of their lives. She became an adopted mother, counselor and mentor to many men and women, young and old (seasoned). She started experiencing a gradual loss of her eyesight in 2008 to becoming legally blind in 2018.
Over the years, God blessed them even further with 1 son-in-law, 4 daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Stella always said that her greatest achievement was raising her six children and operating in the spiritual gifts that the Lord bestowed on her. Her legacy and spirit live on!
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Today, we celebrate the life of a woman who was a mother to us all.
Mum America loved everyone equally. She lived a life deeply rooted in faith, prayer, and love. Her words were always seasoned with grace, bringing comfort to our hearts. She didn’t just speak about God—she lived His love through her actions.
My late father, Agbola Okunrinboye, was so fond of her that whenever he had the slightest misunderstanding with her sister (his wife, who is also late), he would run to Mum America for comfort and advice.
Mum, you were our savior in many ways. Whenever you came visiting, it was always a time of joy and laughter. Distance never stopped you from communicating with us or showing us love.
You came, you lived, and you conquered.
We love you deeply, and we will miss you always.
Rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord you served so faithfully.
The Okunrinboyes
a virtuous woman, a pillar of strength, and a vessel of God’s love.
Your kindness touched many,
your prayers still shield us,
and your legacy of faith continues to inspire.
Though you are gone from our sight,
you will never be gone from our hearts.
We cherish your memory and give thanks for the gift of your life.
Sleep on, dear Mother.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of your Creator.
FROM ; CCC AKOWO PARISH
AKOWO. APETE.
IBADAN. NIGERIA.
A woman of grace, strength, and unwavering faith in God.
Your life was a testimony of love, kindness, and selfless service to everyone around you.
You touched lives with your smile, lifted hearts with your words,
and left a legacy that time cannot erase.
Though you are no longer here in person,
your light continues to shine in our hearts,
your prayers still speak over us,
and your love remains our comfort.
Rest on, beloved.
Till we meet again in the presence of our Lord. 💐
From: Fawole’s Family, Ibadan – Nigeria
Today, we celebrate the life of a woman who was more than an aunt to us—she was a second mother and a constant source of light in our lives.
Mum America as we fondly call her was the true definition of a Godly woman. She lived a life deeply rooted in faith, prayer, and love. Her words were always seasoned with grace, and comfort to us. She not only spoke of God—she lived Him through her actions.
She was beautiful—inside and out. Her beauty wasn’t just in her smile or her elegance, but in her heart. She had the rare gift of making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. To me, she wasn’t just family; she was our safe place. She treated us like her own children, with warmth, patience, and unconditional love. We(Bola, kikelomo and Jide) can't forget those times we came to Ibadan for holidays, how we wish it never stopped.
Losing her leaves a void words cannot fill, but we find comfort in knowing she lived a life that mattered—a life that honoured God and touched many.
Mum, thank you for everything. We love you deeply, and we will miss you always. Rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord you served so faithfully.
You were always there praying for me and my family. I miss your laughter, sense of humor. Your memory was unbelievable even in old age. You never forgot our birthdays.
You were so generous, loving, and above all God fearing.
You treated me like your own daughter. I missed calling you almost everyday. You were a mother to many not just your biological children. I’m thankful to your children for letting us share the love of their mom with them.
You were indeed a mother. Mama rere, sun re until we meet to part no more. Rest on mom. I’m comforted because you are resting at the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From: The Shepherd, The Parochial Executives, The Patron & Patroness, The entire parishioners of CCC Eleyele Ayegbami Cathedral, Eleyele regional headquarters; Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.
Sleep well my beautiful aunty, greet my father and my uncle, journey well till we meet again.
Yours truly,
Ezekiel Fawole
To a family friend, MC Olufunmilayo Fawole, it's so hard to believed that you are gone. You are a virtuous woman indeed, your love for God, and you had a unique way of making everyone feel special, your unwavering optimism kind heart and your ability to listen without judgement.
We will always remember you for your willingness to help anyone in need, integrity, gentleness and your honesty remain undoubted.
She was a true friend to the IWOLODE'S family and we will deeply miss her presence in our lives. The void Left by her passing is immense, but we find solace in the countless memories we shared. We are grateful for the time we had with her and the positive impact she had on our family. She will forever remain in our hearts. The Celestial Church of Christ, Eleyele Regional Headquarters Eleyele, Ibadan, Nigeria which she was a strong founding member will always remember the legacy you left behind as virtuous woman.
Thank God you know your God and you served HIM wholeheartedly. I pray that God will take care of the family you left behind in Jesus mighty name.
Please tell Daddy Olawale Fawole we love and miss him dearly. May his soul rest in peace. Mama, we love and will miss you too.
See you on resurrection morning. Good night.
Abiyamo totoo, sun reoo
"Iwolode's Family. Nigeria"
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