Mary-Nene Okon

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR AUNTY NENE 🕊️🤍
Aunty Nene, it is so painful to know that you are no longer with us. 💔
You were such a kind and wonderful person to me. More than twice, you came through for me when I needed help, and I will never forget your kindness and support.
The greatest pain is that I never got the opportunity to tell you how much I loved and appreciated you.
If only I had known I would not have another chance, I would have said it a thousand times:
Aunty Nene, I love you. Thank you for everything. ❤️
May God grant you eternal rest and comfort everyone you left behind.
You will forever remain in my heart. Rest well, Aunty Nene. 🕊️🤍

Nene as I called her was a very intense lover of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I first got to know her in church as a choir member and when she shared her testimony about the battle with cancer. She's fought several battles of life. We became especially close when her junior sister, the police officer had a fatal accident and she called me, we prayed, but eventually God took her.
She's been through several trials of faith. She's definitely the definition of she came, she saw and conquered. Our consolation is that she's in a better place and heaven gained a sweet soul.
Looking back at the last stages of her journey, it would seem that she had a premonition and ran the rave more swiftly and intensely.
I would definitely miss her Sunday pictures in church. She would capture your intense moments worshipping God and send them to you. The Almighty God will always watch over your loved ones and fill the great vacuum that your sudden exit has created. Amen
May her darling soul rest in peace with the Lord. Amen 🙏

Sisto, as I fondly called you… I honestly don’t even know where to start from. There are so many things I want to say, so many memories running through my mind, and yet somehow, words don’t feel enough to describe who you were to me.

You were always there. Always. Even in moments when everyone else seemed to think I was the black sheep, sisto had my back. You had a way of making me feel seen, understood and loved, even when I probably didn’t deserve it. You never judged me or made me feel like I had to be anyone other than myself. You were simply my person.

Your heart was so incredibly big. You were, without a doubt, one of the most selfless people I have ever known. Sometimes, I would even get upset with you because you were *too* selfless. You were always ready to inconvenience yourself just to make someone else’s life a little easier. You gave so freely, loved so deeply, and showed up for people in ways that many may never fully understand.

You were a true lover of God. A worshipper in every sense of the word. Your love for God was not just something you spoke about; it was evident in the way you lived, served and gave of yourself. My own sister Nene Cho. Nene could give everything she had to the work of God without thinking twice. You served with so much love, passion and sincerity, and I know that heaven has gained someone truly special.

God knew I needed a big sister, and He gave me you. He knew I needed someone who would look out for me, someone who would believe in me, someone who would stand by me, and somehow, He chose you to be that person for me.

I wish I could understand why I have to say goodbye to you this soon. I wish I could have one more conversation with you, hear your voice, laugh with you, and call you sisto one more time. There is so much I wish I could say to you, so much I wish we could still do together.

As much as I want you here with me, as much as my heart aches knowing that I can no longer reach you, I find comfort in knowing that you are in a better place. A place where there is no pain, no suffering, and where you can rest in the presence of the God you loved and served so dearly.

Thank you for being my sisto. Thank you for loving me, for defending me, for showing up for me, and for being a safe place for me. Thank you for every sacrifice, every prayer, every word of encouragement, every act of kindness, and every little thing you did that I may never have properly thanked you for.

I will carry you with me in so many ways. In my memories, in the lessons you taught me, in the love you gave me, and in the person I continue to become.

I will miss you more than words can ever explain. I will miss calling you sisto. I will miss your presence. I will miss your heart. I will miss you

Until we meet again, Rest easy sisto. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten. 🤎

An embodiment of natural harmony, she transformed every space she entered, effortlessly turning strangers into family and making everyone feel at home. With innate warmth and balance, she brought people together without force or spectacle, instilling an immediate sense of belonging. Her free spirit was uncontained and bright, choosing open-hearted love over bitterness, even when the world gave her reason to harden. Her grace is a timeless light that will never fade.

I honestly cannot believe I am writing this right now. Madam Mary Nene Okon, you were such a good boss, and I will never forget you.

I wish I had called you and told you all these things before your demise. Thank you for the trust, care, and love you showed me. Thank you for believing in me and for everything you did for me.

I wish I had told you more often how much I loved and appreciated you. I wish I had the opportunity to tell you how much I loved and missed you.

Your kindness and the memories we shared will forever remain in my heart. You were more than just a boss to me, and I will never forget you, Ma.

Go well, Ma, and rest peacefully. Heaven has truly gained an angel. 🕊️🤍

Rest in peace, Madam Mary Nene Okon. You will forever be remembered and deeply missed.

Mrs Faith modebei Idiahi.

Si. Nene
My family will always remember a disciple, lover of the flock of God, one who is uncomfortable with anything not sold out to give God the best in services, church outlook and welfare of others.

Undistracted, reliable and available to spend and be spent for God.

As a human being, I could not totally process your departure from this world.

The memories of your support for us in Newlife parish cannot be erased.

The memories of the conversation on that Saturday evening where we talked about those in heaven wont want to come back to this world, not knowing you were winding up cannot be erased.

The memories of that Sunday morning cannot be erased.

God got you is the comfort we uphold and that you are in the fullness of His mercies, in the bosom of Jesus Christ. Adieu Caring and Dutiful soul.

Tribute to My Mom
I always knew that a day like this would come, but I never imagined it would come this soon. I don't think anyone is ever really prepared to lose someone they love, especially a mother. There are so many thoughts and emotions in my heart right now, and honestly, I don't even know how to put all of them into words.
I've been trying to wrap my head around what really went wrong that day. I've asked myself so many questions. What happened? What went wrong? Was there something we missed? Was there something we could have done differently? I've thought about it over and over again, and till today, I still can't place a finger on what exactly happened.
There are so many questions concerning your death that I may never get answers to. And as difficult as that is for me to accept, I've come to the conclusion that God knows best. I may not understand why it happened the way it did, and I may never understand why you had to leave us when you did, but I want to believe that you are in a much better place than we are right now. I want to believe that you are at peace.
What hurts the most is knowing that you didn't get to enjoy us as much as I would have wanted you to.
I miss those little conversations.
I miss your advice. I miss us talking. I miss the way we could make fun of people together and laugh about things. I miss those ordinary moments that I didn't know would one day become some of the memories I would hold onto so tightly.
Even going to church doesn't feel the same anymore.
I still go to church sometimes and find myself looking around, almost expecting to see you. I remember how you used to walk around the church, take pictures, check that everything was okay, and make sure things were in place. You were always doing something.
And I can still hear you telling me, "Make your priorities straight. Go to church. Don't stay in the house. At least that's one thing you're doing for God. If you're not giving God money to do something, at least give Him your presence."
You taught me how to be responsible. You taught me to take things seriously. You taught me to always try to do better.
You never wanted me to be lazy.
I remember how you would always find something for me to do. Sometimes I would even wonder, "Mommy, why is it always me? Why don't you send someone else? Why do you always have to send me on an errand?"
And you would tell me that it was because you were comfortable asking me to do things, and because you knew I would do them well.
At the time, I probably didn't understand how much those little things were shaping me.
Now I do.
Even when I complained, even when I thought you were disturbing me too much, you were trying to teach me something. You wanted me to become a better woman. You wanted me to be responsible. You wanted me to know how to take care of things and not just sit around waiting for someone else to do them.
I remember you telling me that you didn't hate me, that everything you were doing was because you wanted me to become better. I didn't always understand it then, but I understand it now.
You were trying to prepare me for life.
And now, waking up every day without you makes me realize just how much of my everyday life had you in it.
Sometimes I wake up and for a second, everything feels normal. Then it hits me again.
Mom is gone.
And honestly, God, life is crazy.
It's strange how the world continues moving when your own world feels like it has stopped. People are still going about their lives. Things are still happening. But there is this emptiness that I carry with me.
I miss you in ways I don't even know how to explain.
I miss you in the little things. I miss you in the big things. I miss knowing that I could hear your voice, ask you something, complain to you, laugh with you, or even get annoyed when you were telling me what to do.
I would give anything to experience those little moments again.
I'm just grateful that I got the chance to have you as my mother. I'm grateful for everything you taught me and for the woman you were trying to make me become. I'm grateful for your love and your support, even when I didn't always understand it.
You may not be here to see the woman I eventually become, but I promise I'll carry everything you taught me with me.
I will remember the way you cared about your family and the things that mattered to you.
And I will try my best to become the woman you always wanted me to be.
There are still so many things I wish I could tell you. So many things I wish I could ask you. There are so many moments I wish I could share with you.
But since I can't do that anymore, I'll hold on to the memories.
I'll hold on to the sound of your voice, the things you used to say, the way you used to do things, and all the little moments that I didn't know would one day mean this much to me.
Mom, I miss you.
And I don't think that's something that will ever change.
I just hope that wherever you are, you know how much we love you. I hope you know that we will never forget you. And I hope that somehow, you can see us and know that everything you did for us was not in vain.
I love you, Mom. I miss you more than words can ever explain. And I will carry you with me for the rest of my life. ❤️🕊️... from your mother MAMA like you formally call me. 😊🥲🤭🤭

A Tribute to a Mother to Many

Some people pass through our lives, but some people leave a part of themselves in everyone they meet. You were one of those rare people.

You ain’t just a leader, You were a mother, a counsellor, a listener, and someone who made people feel at home. You had a beautiful way of accommodating everyone, regardless of their mistakes, shortcomings, or moments of negligence. You did not easily give up on people. Instead, you corrected, encouraged, forgave, and made room for everyone.

Your caring nature was something that could not be missed. You treated people with patience and kindness, and you had a way of making even the most difficult moments feel a little easier. To many of us, you were someone we could approach without fear, because we knew there would always be a listening ear and a motherly heart waiting for us.

Losing you has reminded us that the impact of a person is not measured by how long they live, but by how many lives they touch while they are here. And you touched so many lives.

We may no longer have the privilege of seeing your smile, hearing your voice, or receiving your motherly care, but the love and memories you left behind will remain with us.

Thank you for being a mother to many. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, your understanding, and for making people feel accepted.

You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Rest peacefully. Your memory will forever remain a blessing to us.

A Tribute to My Mum

I pay tribute to the most loving and selfless woman I know, my mum. She has always put the needs of others before her own, caring for everyone with a heart full of compassion. Sometimes, I wish she would choose herself first because she gives so much of herself to make sure everyone around her is okay.
I truly admire how caring, brave, and supportive she is. To me, she is my Superwoman. She has sacrificed so much for me, and I pray that one day she will fully enjoy the fruits of all her labour. I believe with all my heart that God has something far greater in store for her.
I sincerely hope that she is resting well now because she carried so many responsibilities and pushed herself beyond her limits for the sake of the people she loved. Her heart is incredibly big, and she deserves to receive all the love, peace, and happiness that this world has to offer.
I will always cherish every moment we spent together. There was never a dull moment whenever she was around. She had a way of filling every room with warmth and laughter, and she always knew exactly what to say whenever I needed advice or encouragement. One of her greatest desires was to see me succeed, and I want her to know that I will. I will keep striving to become the person she believed I could be, and I hope to make her proud every single day.
Thank you, Mum, for every hug that reminded me I was never alone. Thank you for your unconditional love that constantly reassured me that I was deeply loved and always had a place to call home. Thank you for every sacrifice you made, every tear you hid, every prayer you whispered on my behalf, and every lesson you taught me through your words and your actions.
Your love has been my greatest blessing, your strength has been my inspiration, and your faith in me has been one of my greatest sources of courage. No matter where life takes me, I will always carry your love in my heart. I am forever grateful to be your child, and I pray that God rewards you abundantly for every seed of love, kindness, and sacrifice you have sown.
I love you more than words could ever express. You will always be my hero, my greatest blessing, and my forever Superwoman.

With love,
Edima(your lala, your lastborn)

Sisi Nene ,it’s really so sad leaving so soon, knew you at a very short time but your love and cares to people makes me to love and admired you so much,There was know Sundays I don’t admired your outfits,you are such a sweet soul Nene…Continue to rest in perfect peace….we love you but God loves you more.

Dear Mmakamba,

Little me was in church in 2017 when I decided to join the choir department. I didn’t know that joining that department would introduce me to someone who would become one of the most important people in my life.

That was where I met you.

I came to you as a stranger. You didn’t know me. You didn’t know my story, you didn’t know my parents, and you had no idea who this little girl was. Yet somehow, you opened your home and your heart to me.

You took me in and cared for me as though you had given birth to me yourself.

You didn’t just give me a place to stay. You gave me a home.

You introduced me to your daughter, and what started as a simple relationship grew into something so beautiful. We bonded. We became family.

You shared deep conversations with me. You trusted me with things you wouldn’t tell everyone. I can still hear you saying, “Jane doesn’t even know this.”

Those words may have sounded ordinary then, but today, I would give anything to hear you say them one more time.

You were so much more than someone who cared for me. You were one of the reasons I became serious about life.

I watched you.

I watched the way you worked.
I watched the way you carried people.
I watched how you cared for everyone around you and somehow made each person feel like they were your own.

You were strong. You were hardworking. You were independent. You were an Alpha female.

And without even realizing it, I was learning from you.

I remember the day I decided to leave your house.

Honestly, I was too comfortable.

I was enjoying the good life you gave me, and something inside me kept telling me, “Lydia, you need to go out there and hustle. You need to build your own life. You need to work hard.”

I knew you weren’t happy about my decision.

I knew you wanted me to stay.

And a part of me wanted to stay too.

But I left because I wanted to become somebody. I didn’t want to become lazy or dependent. I wanted to go out there, struggle a little, work hard, and one day come back and say,

“Mmakamba, look at me. I made you proud.”

I just never knew that one day, I would achieve some of those things and you wouldn’t be here to see them.

That is the part that breaks me.

Mmakamba, I got a bigger job.

I wish I could tell you.

I wish I could call you and say, “Mummy, guess what? I got the job!”

I was given an employee verification form to fill, and when I looked at that form, I broke down.

I cried.

Not because the form was difficult.

I cried because I immediately thought of you.

I knew you would have helped me fill it.

You would have sat beside me. You would have asked me what each section meant. You would have guided me. You would have probably laughed at me somewhere in between and said, “Ndidi, bring it, let me help you.”

But you weren’t there.

And in that moment, getting the job didn’t feel as joyful as it should have.

Because the person I wanted to celebrate with was no longer here.

Mmakamba, I wish you waited.

I wish you waited to see the woman that little girl you took into your home has become.

I wish you waited for the day I would come to your house and say, “Mummy, see what your baby girl has achieved.”

I wish you waited for more Christmas parties.

More New Year celebrations.

More birthdays.

More gists.

More gossip.

More laughter.

More of you calling me “Ndidi.”

God, I miss hearing that name from you.

There are days I still imagine myself walking into the house and hearing your voice.

And then reality hits me.

You are not there anymore.

If only I knew that the day I left your house would be one of the things I would someday regret.

Maybe I would have stayed a little longer.

Maybe I would have hugged you a little tighter.

Maybe I would have spent more time with you.

Maybe I would have taken more pictures.

Maybe I would have told you more often how much you meant to me.

Maybe I would have said, “Thank you, Mummy.”

But I didn’t know.

None of us knew.

And that is the cruel thing about life.

We always think we have more time.

Sisi Nene, thank you.

Thank you for loving me when you didn’t have to.

Thank you for opening your home to a girl you barely knew.

Thank you for treating me like your own.

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for teaching me by the life you lived.

Thank you for your advice.

Thank you for your care.

Thank you for the gists.

Thank you for the gossip.

Thank you for every laughter.

Thank you for every correction.

Thank you for every time you worried about me.

Thank you for every time you wanted the best for me.

Thank you for being a mother to me.

You didn’t give birth to me, but you mothered me.

And that is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

You helped shape the woman I am today, and I wish you were here to see her.

I wish you could see me now.

I wish you could see how far your Ndidi has come.

I wish you could see the things I am still becoming.

And I wish I could tell you that every achievement of mine will always have a little piece of you in it.

Because you were part of my story.

You will always be part of my story.

I miss you every day.

I miss you in ways I cannot explain.

I miss our conversations.

I miss your presence.

But most of all, I miss being your Ndidi.

Sisi Nene, you were a blessing I didn’t know I would have to live without.

I pray that wherever you are, you know that your baby girl remembers you.

I pray you know that your love did not go to waste.

I pray you know that the little girl you welcomed into your home is still trying to make you proud.

I will keep working hard.

I will keep pushing.

I will keep becoming everything you wanted me to become.

And whenever I achieve something big, I know a part of me will still look around and wish you were there to see it.

Rest, my Mummy.

Rest, Mmakamba.

You loved me like your own, and I will forever be grateful that God allowed our paths to cross.

Till we meet again,

Your baby girl,

Lydia — your Ndidi.