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Words cannot express my mind when I received the sad news of your death. I am still in shock and I cannot come to terms with this development. Echoes of your soft voice over the phone on April 7, 2017 while I was on a visit to Nonny’s house still linger in my memory. Your sharp and lucid memory, your unselfish concern for the welfare of my family and your motherly advice while we discussed on phone that day are all memories that will remain evergreen in my mind.

Aunty, you touched the lives of many people in a positive way. Your listening ears, your humility, your eagerness to solve people’s problems and your motherly advice stand you out as a role model. I will miss you.

I take solace in the fact that there is a time for everything and that we shall all die.

Aunty, you distinguished yourself while alive and God blessed you with many children,  and grand children.

I pray that God will give us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

I also pray that God will grant your soul eternal rest in His bosom.

May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

May God be with you till we meet to part no more.

Barr (Mrs) Obianuju Emeto. (Nee Mesiobi)

 Court of Appeal, Benin,  Nigeria.

I was in deep sleep when my phone rang. On the other end of the line someone was crying and screaming. She blurted, “Ify anwugo!” I was startled! I thought I was dreaming. A very bad dream indeed.

When someone you have known for nearly all your life – from the 1960s as students at ACMGS ELELENWA – passes at a relatively young age, you feel very sad indeed. Your mind wanders and questions are asked. But as we ask those questions, it is good to know that God understands our pain and the reason for what He has done; taking away our dear Sister to a peaceful, happy place with no sickness or pain.

I was fortunate to have spent an afternoon with Ify and her family in December 2016. It was a very happy time. We spent hours catching up and talking about what was trending in US politics, and President-elect Trump.

The Ify I knew was a beautiful, vivacious, lovely Lady. And o, those sexy eyes of hers that one could not help but take notice of. She was very calm and easy going. Her death is so painful. She was an extraordinarily caring mother and wife. And she returned to the USA precisely for this reason.

We are all devastated and sad. We shall miss her!  Ebby and the Okeke and Morris families, God is with you and the family. He will heal your pain.

May God Grant Mrs Ifeyinwa Susanna Morris Eternal rest. 

DR TIMIEBI KORIPAMO-AGARY, OON

I received the news of the demise of Ifeyinwa Morris early morning on Thursday, 17th May 2017 with a great shock as I had known that she was sick. My first thought went to Ebele as these two sisters were like twins.

I have known these two sisters for decades as well grew up in Enugu and Port Harcourt where they attended the Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls School. Iffy later went to school in America, married and had her children. Years later, she came back to Nigeria for a 2 year period and worked at the Industrial Arbitration Panel as an Arbitrator.

She was a beautiful, elegant, ever smiling and affable lady. I believe that her ever smiling and happy nature showed her great faith in God. Iffy was an indomitable prayer warrior who actually lived her life as a true Christian, grandmother, mother, wife and sister. Iffy lived a fulfilled life.

One of my fondest memories of her was on the day her eldest son Uche got married. She was so happy. Her family meant so much to her and she was interested in the ……..of their lives.

A wonderful and loyal friend!, this beautiful, elegant lady, mother of many children and grandchildren whose beauty of face form mirrored the beauty of her soul has left us.

We will miss her but she has gone to be with her Maker whom she served so diligently while here on earth and she is at peace.

Adieu Iffy, we will remember your beautiful smiling face and generosity.

LADY     

AMBASSADOR LADY WADIBIA-ANYANWU                             

The Facebook posting got me totally confused and quite distraught. Your beautiful face with its inimitable smile beamed out from the page with a focus that got me worried. Why the posting? Iffy, the hard reality dawned on me that you had changed residence and gone to be with God in heaven. Almost unbelievable but true!

To write a classical tribute commensurate with what you meant to me, I will need both time and space……..a very long time and thousands of lines, for, we go back a long way. We have become sisters, not just friends. Everything about you is beautiful. Every memory about you brings tear-generating laughter and joy and I will cling to those memories forever. As far back as during our secondary school days in our prestigious Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls’ School, Elelenwa, Port- Harcourt, carefree days punctuated with our youthful escapades, mischiefs, and of course, academic prowess, you were one of the bright bulbs that lit the scene and brightened our paths. You were so beautiful and gifted that you had to be cast as ‘Alice’ in our regional award-winning play ‘ Alice in Wonderland’, and you acted out that part with untold excellence and talent. With heart-rending nostalgia and fondness, I remember our holidays spent together in Enugu, as we would all be driven back from school by your father’s driver, Enyinnaya, teaching us the latest tunes in the pop scene in town. I have never forgotten the words of ‘Listen to the Ocean’ to this day. I would usually spend a full week, enjoying being spoilt by your amazing mother, before I proceeded to St. Mark’s College. Awka, where my parents were posted at the time. I remember our so called pre- WAEC Revision holiday when we convinced your parents that Awka would provide a better cadre for studies. I believe we opened our books only twice during the ten days you stayed with us. For the rest of the time, it was serious nattering about everything and nothing, unbeknownst to my parents of course who believed some two Einsteins were busy in their room rummaging through textbooks. Of course, these leisure times did not stop us from making our grade 1s like the majority of our classmates. Our Class cohort, 5Y,was spécial because of the likes of you. We were a gathering of trouble- making, nickname -peddling but brilliant urchins whom the school authorities hated to love. You chose Cisco Kid as your nickname. Where that came from, I do not know, neither do I know how or why I chose mine, Salamanco Amigo, or others chose theirs such as Tanquidodo Wasaka, Arizona Ranger, the Red -haired Chicago Sal, Bem etc etc. Oh! for our cheery laughter together once again! It is true that we might have gone our different ways in the course of our physical journeys through life, as dictated by our marriages, further education and careers. But we were never away from each other’s radars. You were just a phone call away, and I am thankful that God afforded me the opportunity to spend time with you in your home in Houston three years ago.

Ifeyinwa, you live in our hearts: you live in the heart of the love of your life, Patty, in the hearts of your amazing children and their lovely families, in the hearts of your wonderful siblings and relatives, in the hearts of all your friends.

I can hear you borrowing the words of Henry Scott Holland and saying to us;
“….I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That we still are.
…….

All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before;
Only better, infinitely happier
And forever we will all be together with Christ.”
Good night, Cisco Kid, good night Ify Nwa Mama.
An angel has returned to heaven.

Much love.

 Nwadia de Souza ( nee Okediadi)

Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Ho dear! I guess I have to say goodbye to someone who is more than a friend because we have been friends and close since we were ten years old. From WTC elementary school in Enugu to Elelenwa and to America and to everywhere we have remained close sisters not just friends. Your biological siblings are equally close to me and my siblings. How do I say good bye to you Iffy. You were loving and loyal to your family and friends and most of all to your God your creator. I guess knowing how you loved God and served Him it makes it easier to bear your leaving us because we know you are up there with Him. Iffy I will miss your big smile when you call me EnuEnu, your sense of humor and love and trust that you have for each one of us. It is true you have left this world but we take courage in that fact that we shall see you again and that you will be guiding and protecting us from above . Rest in peace my sweet sister you were an angle on earth while you were here

EnuEnu your sister

Enuma Okoro

It is with hearts laden with pain and grief that we the Morris family of Umuasele village in Onitsha who I am representing with my sister – Mrs Ifeoma Onubogu, stand to express in this tribute the demise of our wife, mother and sister-in-law, Mrs Ifeyinwa Suzanna Morris, who was married to our elder brother Diokpa Patrick Afam Morris.

The news of her demise on the 17th of May was a great shock to family members in Nigeria having not heard that she was sick.  she’s been a strong woman who rarely falls sick and never gives in to sickness nor weakness of the body. This very brief illness that has made her yield to eternal call at this time, not to be seen or heard anymore by the family must have been great and overwhelming to bear. We cannot question God whose will it is to make the choices of His eternal call. The Holy Book says we should give Him thanks in everything. God, we thank you for this jewel of inestimable value you brought into the life of our elder brother Pat.

Aunty Iffy as younger members of the family fondly call her was special and irreplaceable in our lives. It is a struggle capturing the beautiful attributes of this wonderful woman in just a few minutes of tribute I am privileged to give, for she was indeed a great asset to the family and, also in the life of our brother.

She came to us as a beautiful, bright, colorful, vibrant and very hard-working lady with a captivating smile, retaining these traits while with us, becoming a caring sister-in-law; devoted wife and very protective mother. She believed in herself and took her time, forming her own thoughts and opinions about people and things around her. These pleasant qualities remained sustained throughout her marriage to our brother Pat whom she loved dearly and which also blessed the Morris family with lovely, well-groomed children. The mother quality in her saw her working so hard with her husband, parenting and educating these lovely children both in Nigeria and overseas to be whom they individually are today. To God’s glory, these children with the exception of the youngest are now successfully established and happily married with their own families.

Auntie Iffy was a devoted Christian, who took the things of God seriously from the light she received and always ensured entire household got involved in the worship and service of the Lord wherever the family sojourned. She was a woman who did not give in easily to any weakness of the flesh, and had no idle time in her life. Her life was for her God and her family.

She was a devoted wife who stood by her husband in good times and not so good times. She supported our brother Pat and his family immensely, standing by him as a pillar to rest his shoulders in his period of health challenge till her demise.

Aunty IFFY was a nice and a kind-hearted wife and sister-in-law as well. She was a wife that encouraged the husband in meeting family responsibilities and we, the husband’ s siblings in one way or the other experienced her love and benefited from her being part of us. This ugly pangs of death that has overwhelmed us at this time has in deed created a gap too wide to fill and has left a crack and yearning holes that may not be easily cemented in the Morris family

Aunty Ify, we thank God for the beautiful quality life time spent with our family and all of us. We will miss you so much. Yes, you have said your good bye, yes you will not be seen again, but know that you will be seen in the hearts of those you have loved and touched their lives. We pray that our loving and merciful Father grants you the grace to be seen in His heavenly kingdom when Christ comes again. May the good Lord console all of us especially, the husband – Pat, the children, the Morris/Okwulinye family, the Okeke family and all those who have had any good relationship with her.

Adieu!

Mrs Florence Nwamaka Abaribe (Nee Morris)

For the Morris Family

I am writing this tribute of Ify nwannem with a heart full of grief. Three of us-Ify nwannem, Eby nwannem and myself grew up as children at the famous 18 Grant Street, Uwani, Enugu in the fifties. As soon as I came to live with Ify and Eby in 1957, we all clicked. We added nwannem to our names. It was Ify nwannem, Eby nwannem, and JJ nwannem. As children, we never had sibling rivalries. We were so close that we dipped our hands into one bowl of soup when we ate garri. Rice was always in a large tray. We sat on the floor and ate delicious meals. Ify and I never complained even when Ebby who was the youngest decided that the meats in our foods would be shared by her. Although there were always three pieces of meat, Eby shredded them with her teeth and hands. By the time the sharing was completed, Ebby had eaten half of the meats. Ify will always say, “Ebby atachakwana anu ayi ooh.” I simply agreed with her. Ebby continued this meat sharing assignment throughout our primary and secondary school years. Probably, that was why, Ebby was smarter than us.

Ify nwannem was a great listener. She was very fond of giving people names. She named Ebby “mama talk talk” because she was very talkative as a child. Mine was “JJ nwa Okoroafor” because I beat up all the bullies in Enugu because I came from Nnewi to Enugu with tons of energy to fight. Our big Aunty Carol Iwuchukwu still call me JJ nwa Okoroafor. I was the breakfast cook for only three of us. Whenever I cooked, there must be sardines in the food – because money was at our disposal. One morning, the big chef decided to try a new recipe and made akamu mixed with sardines. Ify looked at the new great recipe and said “JJ nwannem, ina esikwa ntufuru.” What “ntufuru’ meant, we did not know. Your guess is as good as mine. However, we ate the akamu/sardine breakfast. But that chef’s special meal was never prepared again. After some years, Princess Ilom Orizu, now Mrs. Ilom Agunwa and the late Chike Ozua came to live with us. One day, Ilom and Patrick started a fight. We separated them. Ify asked them why they were fighting. Ilom who was very fluent in English language presented her case in English. At that time, Ilom did not speak or understand Igbo language. Then, Ify turned to Chike to state his own case. Chike could hardly speak English at the time, but, had to speak English so that Ilom could understand him. Chike started by saying “imagine the likeness” and could not say much. Ify quickly added “between Chike and Ilom.” It was so funny that five of us added “imaging the likeness between Chike and Ilom” to our names.

Ify nwannem was an epitome of beauty. She did not speak much, but, when she talks, her few words spoke volume. Ify nwannem was very caring and loving to her husband, Pat, children, grandchildren, and all. Ify was quiet and some people felt that she was very proud, but, her quietness was her strong hold. Ify will never be pressured to change her views on certain issues. She was the peace maker of the family, a prayer warrior, and she will always say “ leave everything in God’s hand.” I love you my dear sister, but God loves you more. I will miss the  stories, and laughter that we shared. I will also miss your monthly texts “happy new month.”  Full of tears as I end this tribute. You are now heaven’s gain and our loss. Rest in Perfect Peace

From: JJ, JJ nwa Okoroafor, and imagine the likeness between Chike and Ilom.

(Josephine Onyemelukwe)

Yesterday we read yet again one of the many precautionary and uplifting messages you routinely sent us. Your life has truly been full of giving and sacrifices- if you were not blessing, you were encouraging, nurturing or supporting us in one way or the other. Today, it is with great grief that we are having to lose you this way. We are however, glad that you are going back into the safe hands of our Lord Jesus Christ – to a place of eternal joy and peace where you will neither experience sickness nor the pains that besieged the human flesh. May the joy that you know now continue to soothe you as you rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord!

Adieu Aunt.

From David, Nkechi Moghalu and family

The unimaginable has happened! An unannounced rain has poured! An unripe bread-fruit has prematurely fallen! Death has snatched away our beloved Mrs. Ifeyinwa Morris, the beautiful wife of Onitsha people and the princess (Ada) from Mbanagu-Otolo,Nnewi. I asked, why and what happened? But knowing you, you will tell me not to worry for your creator knows what happened.

My sweet sister, the woman of dignity, a rare and special sister/wife/mother/grandmother. A woman of exceptional beauty! You are people’s friend, very peaceful, humble and graceful Angel.

The light you ignited in me is inextinguishable. I will always remember life with you at 18 Grant street Uwani, Enugu. The lessons you taught me→ truthfulness and honesty, love for one another, hard work, humility, charity for the poor and needy, love for our family but most

importantly, godliness and faithfulness in our Almighty God. I count you twice whenever I count my blessings.

You had a good relationship with your God and you served him well. Your dedication to your family, especially your husband- Uncle Pat, did not go unnoticed. You lived an exemplary life.

Your Godly values of kindness, hospitality, and numerous good deeds were open for all to see.

Therefore, there is no doubt in our minds that you must be resting in the bosom of our creator now. THIS IS OUR CONSOLATION. We love you sweet sister but God loves you more. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Phoebe Uju Emechebe

My darling aunt, I never thought that I will be sitting here writing a tribute to you at such a young age.  But what gives me great comfort is remembering that you lived your life focusing on GOD and I know that he has you in his embrace. I have an assurance that you are in the arms of the FATHER and have no pain or suffering.

My wonderful aunt, I recall memories of visiting your house as a child and the love you always showered on me. I remember summer vacation in Abuja and you calling us “Shrimps”.  You are such a kind, loving individual who opened up your heart and home to everyone.

My loving aunt, you will be missed; there is a gap of in my heart and in the family that will never be filled. I will miss our phone calls, where you chastise me for not calling frequently but then you tell me how much you love me and are proud of me. I will miss your gentleness, perseverance, dedication and love for GOD.

Rest in peace, my darling aunt.

 Chinenye