The news of the death of Iffy Morris came as a deep shock to me and all those who knew Iffy. Where did Death come calling from? Just a brief illness and it was all over!
My very fond memories of Iffy, etched in my mind, are from our days in Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls’ School (ACMGS), Elelenwa near PH – a draconian missionary school. People like Iffy who were born actresses added pleasure to an otherwise mundane life. With her performance on stage, Iffy’s popularity soared high and for us who were her juniors (I was a set below), she was larger than life. It was ironical that none of the talented actresses we had in school made a career of it. I cannot think of Iffy in isolation from her classmates. They were a bunch of scatterbrains that gave our missionary teachers hell. The school Principal had had it up to her neck with these smart Alecs and as the school had been sliding down in its performance at West African School Certificate (WASC) exams, she predicted that they would produce the worst result ever! When the WASC results came out, we all held our breath as we hurried to the school assembly. The Principal, Miss Shepherd, stood at the podium grinning from ear to ear and declared that Iffy’s set had produced the best result ever! We stood in amazement listening to the Principal tell us that they had been VERY disciplined, obedient etc. etc., hence their excellent result. All mischief instantly swept under the carpet! They were now the Eminent Set that put the school back on its road to glory. Iffy was one of 22 out of 47 that made Grade 1. It is noteworthy though, that the academic record achieved by these scatterbrains has not been broken.
Iffy, we celebrate you. You were always larger than life to me and the fond memories of you that I have will remain forever. Good bye as you rest in the bosom of the Lord.
May Ikokwu (Mmanuaku)