The families of Awolesi of Ikorodu and Wemimo of Ijebu-Ife in Ogun State, on Friday, July 12, 2019, held a befitting burial ceremony for one of their members, Elder (Mrs.) Ebunola Vivian Awolesi, who died at the age of 66. The deceased, who died in New Jersey, United States of America (USA), on June 4, 2019, was the wife of the late Joseph Oladapo Awolesi, the younger brother of Late M. A. Awolesi, the former Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government.
It was indeed a celebration of a life well life spent as family members, friends, colleagues and sympathizers from far and near turned out enmasse, despite the heavy down pour of that day, to pay their last respect to late Vivian, who was described by many as an exemplary philanthropist and a committed mother.
The funeral programme commenced around 5p.m on Thursday, July 11, 2019, with service of songs at her residence, located on House 18, LSDPC Estate, Ikorodu, along Sagamu Road, beside FERMA Office, Sabo, Ikorodu. At the brief event, which was anchored by Pastors and choir group from the Living Faith Church (a.k.a Winners Chapel International), several family members, friends and church members gave heartwarming testimonies about how the deceased spent her life in the service of God and humanity.
They described late Vivian as a persistent philanthropist, who believed in giving even when it was not convenient for her, and added that this trait endeared her to many people. She also had many adopted children from the church.
The event also featured prayers for the deceased, her children and family members by the officiating Pastors. The burial ceremony climaxed in the morning on Friday, July 12, with a brief Lying-in-state at her residence, after which a burial service was held at the Living Faith Church along Sagamu road, Ikorodu by 11a.m.
In his sermon at the church service, Pastor Atolade Oluwafemi described late Vivian as a good and devout Christian, who genuinely served God and humanity all through her life. He stated that the testimonies by the people during the service of songs at her residence about her philanthropic and selfless service to God and fellow human beings were confirmation that late Vivian lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Pastor Oluwafemi told the gathering that life is short and would end when no one expects; hence, he urged people to maximize it by engaging in good deeds and serving God wholeheartedly always.
He also urged the children of the deceased, family members and others to take a cue from her and live a life that would be worthy of emulation for others. After the sermon, there was a prayer session for the children of the deceased and the reading of her biography by her son, Kehinde Awolesi.
The interment later followed at Omitoro, along Ijede road, Ikorodu, where the remains of late Vivian was committed to mother earth in the presence of her children, family members, guests and sympathisers, who all bade her farewell. The event was brought to a memorable close with a reception party at the Sky Club House, also at Omitoro, where guests were entertained by the deceased’s children and family members with sumptuous meals and assorted drinks while music was supplied by the Adonai Gospel band.
Elder (Mrs.) Ebunola Vivian Awolesi was survived by her children, Adegbenga, Taiwo, Kehinde and Sarah as well as her only sister, Mrs. Omolara Bello, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, sons-in-law, daughter-in law and grandchildren.
In a brief and separate interviews with Oriwu Sun, Kehinde Awolesi and Taiwo Adesina Stephen (nee Awolesi) described the death of their mother as painful and unexpected. They described her as a loving, committed and caring mother, who sacrificed so much for her children and was always ready to help others. They confessed that she would be missed greatly by them and others for her kindness, caring nature and life changing advice.
Mr. Babafemi Sikiru Awolesi, a brother-in-law to the deceased, while speaking with our reporters, also stated that Elder Vivian’s death was painful because it came at a time when no one expected it. He described her as a nice, loving and caring person, who served God, her family and other people with commitment and sincerity. Mr. Awolesi said late Vivian would be remembered for her goodness, and prayed that God should grant her eternal rest and be with her children, home and abroad.