Omoyeni Emily Awelewa

Omoyeni Emily Awelewa, affectionately called "mama" or "mama Awelewa", was born on February 15, 1937, in Ijebu-ode, Ogun State, Nigeria to the family of Moses and Janet Ibidun Adesina. She married Joseph Olanrewaju Awelewa - fondly known as baba or baba Awelewa on May 10, 1955, and they are blessed with five children.
She dedicated her life to Jehovah and symbolized that dedication by water baptism on July 17, 1954. Mama was a devoted and faithful servant of her God, Jehovah. Her zeal for Jehovah's service moved her to spend several periods during her lifetime to preach the good news of God's Kingdom both in her home country, Nigeria and in the United States. She preached God's Word to everyone she met, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers who attended to her in the last few years of her life.
Having a limited secular education due to the common misconception in her early years that educating women was not a priority, she took advantage of the educational class at the local kingdom hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. As a result, she became fluent in reading and writing her native tongue, Yoruba. To further her desire to thrive spiritually, she took extra efforts to learn English enough to speak the West African pidgin language fluently. She inculcated in all her children the value of the most important education - divine education. With Jehovah's help and assistance from friends in the congregation, mama raised her children in the truth, and instilled a deep love of God. Her fine example in applying 1 Peter 3:1-7 led to her unbelieving husband getting baptized 21 years later, on July 12, 1975. She passed on this spiritual heritage to her children, grandchildren, and in-laws.
Mama was known for her warm and endearing smiles with which she greeted everyone. She was a mild-tempered Christian woman who would avoid conflict at all costs. However, one thing she would not compromise, was her desire to follow Jehovah's standards and principles.
Mama was also known for her sumptuous meals, if you had the privilege of experiencing her hospitality, you will no doubt know that she was an excellent cook. Also, not to be overlooked was her generous spirit. She welcomed extended family members who came to live in the home she shared with her husband and children, and she treated all of them with kindness, dignity, and love.
She endured to the very end of her life. As her health challenges became more and more difficult and you'd ask "mama, Bawo ni?", she would always respond "Ko bad!" (Not bad!) You would almost laugh because of how she would say it and for the fact that you cannot reconcile that response to her health condition. Mama's expression of "Ko bad!" will be missed. One of mama's favorite Scriptures is Rev. 21:4-5 where God promises a future where there will be no more death, mourning, outcry, and pain. Mama looks forward to sharing this future with all of us.
Apart from her husband of 67 years, mama is survived by her children: Tunde Awelewa (Irene), Bolanle Awelewa, Folake Abioro (Ayinde), Jide Awelewa (Charmelle), and Ladi Awelewa (Tope); her sister, Mrs. Shola Samson; sister-in-law, Mrs. Adunni Babade. She will be missed by her 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, other family members, and many others who benefited from her strong faith, love, kindness, courage, and devotion to Jehovah God. We are convinced that we shall see mama again in God's new world where death will be no more.