MASS FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF MRS GRACE UDEZUE OSILI

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VIGIL MASS 14 MARCH 2010

OPENING PRAYER Almighty God, our father, we firmly believe that your son died and rose to life. We pray for your servant Grace U. Osili who died in Christ. Raise her at the last day to share the glory of the risen Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit One God forever and ever .Amen. FIRST READING A reading from the book of Wisdom (3:19) Brethren souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God no torment shall ever touch them. In the eye of the unwise, they did appear to die, their leaving us, like annihilation, but they are in peace. If they experienced punishment as men see it, their hope was rich with immorality; slight, was their affliction, great will their blessings be. God was out them to test and proved them worthy to be with him. He has tested them like gold in a furnace, and accepted them as a holocaust. When the time comes for his visitation they will shine out, as sparks run through the stubble, so will they. They shall rule over people and Lord will be their king forever. Those who trust in him will understand the truth; those who are faithful will live with him in love for grace and mercy await those He has chosen. v. This is the word of the Lord. R. Thanks be To God

REPONSORIAL PSALM 42:2, 3:5, R.V3 RESPONSE: My soul is thirsting for God the God of my life. 1. Like the deer that yearns for running stream so my soul is yearning for you my God ( R ) 2. My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life: when can I enter and see the face of God (R) 3. These things will I remember as I pour out my soul: how I would lead the rejoicing crowd into the house of God, amid cries of gladness and thanksgiving, the throng wild with joy (R )
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SECOND READING A reading from the 2nd letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 5:1-6) We have an everlasting home in heaven. We know that when the earthly tent in which we dwell is destroyed; we have a dwelling provided for us by God, a dwelling the heavens not made by hands but to last forever, therefore we continue to be confident. We know that while we dwell in the body we are away from the Lord. We walk by faith not by sight. I repeat we are full of confidence and would much rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. This being so, we make it our goal to please him whether we are at home in the body or away from it for we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done while in the body whether good or bad. V. This is the word of the Lord R. Thanks be to God.

ACCLAMATION I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. Whoever believes in me will never die. ALLELUIA.

GOSPEL: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (14:1-6) Jesus said to his disciples; Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me. There are many rooms in my fathers house. If there were not I would have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you and after I have gone and prepared you a place. I shall return to take you with me, so that where I am you may be too. You know the way to the place where I am going. Thomas said, Lord, we do not know the place where you are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the father except through me. V: This is the gospel of the Lord. R: Praise be to You Lord Jesus Christ.

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PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL Let us pray with faith and confidence call on our God and Father, who lives forever and who can do all things, as he raised his Son Jesus Christ from the dead, so may he give peace and salvation to both the living and the dead. 1. For Grace U. Osili that she may share the light of Christs resurrection into new life, happiness and peace. 2. For those to the whom this world is the be-all and end-all; that they may come to believe the good news of salvation, favour in your presence for the salvation of Grace U. Osili your daughter and all who have died in Christ, who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFT Lord, receive the gifts we offer for the salvation of your servant Grace U. Osili. May Christ be merciful in judging her for she believed in Christ as her Lord and saviour. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Lord God, your Son Jesus Christ gave us the sacrament of His body and blood to guide us on our pilgrim way to your kingdom. May our sister and mother Grace U. Osili who shared in the Eucharist come to the banquet of life Christ has prepared for us. Through the same Christ our Lord.

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FUNERAL DAY THURSDAY, 15th April, 2010

Priest: The Lord be with you All: And also with you.

Priest: Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comforts, who comforts us all in our afflictions. All: Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pr: The Lord be with you Resp: And also with you. PRIEST: Let us pray Lord, in your mercy listen to our prayers for our Sister, Osili Grace and grant her eternal rest Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

RITE AT THE CHURCH DOOR Priest: The Lord be with you Resp: And also with you Priest: I bless the body of Grace Udezue Osili with Holy Water which recalls her Baptism of which Saint Paul writes: all of us who were baptized into death. By Baptism into his death we were buried together with him, that just as Christ was raised from the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with him by likeness to his death, so shall we be united with him by likeness to his resurrection. LET US PRAY Lord, we humbly ask your mercy for the soul of Grace Osili. Forgive the sins she committed through human frailty. Free her from the bonds of death and admit her into everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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Requiem Mass V. R. The Lord be with you And also with you

The Priest sprinkles the body with Holy Water I bless the body of Grace with the Holy Water that recalls her Baptism of which Saint Paul writes: All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death. By being baptized into His death, we are buried together with Him, so that just as Christ was raised from dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with Him by likeness to his death, so shall we be united with Him by likeness of His resurrection. LET US PRAY Lord, we humbly ask your mercy. Accept the soul of your servant, Grace. Forgive the sins, she committed through human frailty. Free her from the bonds of death and admit her into everlasting life through Christ our Lord. Amen. Opening Hymn: 2. All Things Bright & Beautiful (Hymn # 27) Refrain: All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful: the Lord God made them all. 1. Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, God made their glowing colors, and made their tiny wings. (Refrain) The purple-headed mountains, the river running by, the sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky. (Refrain) The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun, the ripe fruits in the garden: God made them every one. (Refrain)
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2.

3.

4.

God gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell how great is God Almighty, who has made all things well. (Refrain)

Welcome and introduction of the mass by Priest Penitential rite Opening prayer: Lord you gave Grace U. Osili your servant the privilege of a holy service in this world. May she rejoice forever in the glory of our Kingdom. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen. First reading Book of Wisdom 3: 1-9 Raphael Osili But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt-offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 26: Verses 1, 4 & 7 Resp: The Lord is my light and my help whom shall I fear?

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Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering (Resp) I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites;(Resp) I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD, (Resp) Proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. (Resp)

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 Philomina Osili Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God. Acclamation: Our home is in heaven, it is from there that the saviour we are waiting for will come, Our Lord Jesus Christ

Gospel A Reading from the Holy Gospels according to John (12:23-28) Then Jesus said Now the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Those who love their life destroy it, and those who despise their life in this world keep it for everlasting life. Whoever wants to serve me, let him follow me and wherever I am, there shall be my servant also, if anyone serves me, the Father will honour him. Now my soul is in distress. Shall I say Father, save me from this hour? But it was for this hour. Father, glorify your name! A voice came from heaven.I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again. V. R. This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise be to you Lord Jesus Christ
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Homily

Prayer of the faithful Let us pray with faith and confidence to our God who lives forever and who can do all things. As he raised his son Jesus Christ from the dead, so may he give peace and salvation to both the living and the dead. Resp: God receive the soul of our daughter Grace Osili. Forgive her all her sins. 1. For Grace that she may share the light of Christs resurrection, come into new life of happiness and peace. (Resp) 2. For those whom this world is the be-all and end-all, that they may come to believe the good news of salvation, renew their lives, and have faith in Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the life. (Resp) 3. For those suffering on account of bereavement, that the generosity of their fellow Christians may give them encouragement and help them to receive their anxiety. (Resp) 4. For all who are gathered here to pray for Grace that we may live, act and speak in full realization that one day we shall be called upon to answer for our thoughts, word and actions. (Resp) 5. For the sick and suffering that Jesus Christ who show mercy to the infirm, and the troubled may show them his bounteous mercy bestow upon them every heavenly blessing and restore to them lasting health of mind and body. (Resp) . LET US PRAY O Lord, may these humble petitions find favour in your presence for the salvation of Grace your daughter and all who have died in Christ who is Lord forever and ever PRAYER OVER THE GIFT Lord, receive the gifts we offer for the salvation of your servant Grace U. Osili. May Christ be merciful in judging her for she believed in Christ as her Lord and saviour. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Offertory hymn

Amazing Grace

(Hymn # 40)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.

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I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. Eucharistic Prayer

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Lord, now that you have given us the sacrament of your redemption, we entreat your mercy for your daughter Grace admit her now to see you face to face in heaven. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen
TRIBUTE TO OUR MOTHER BY RAPHAEL OSILI

Abide with me (Hymn # 9) Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me. I need Thy presence every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
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I triumph still, if Thou abide with me. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. Blessing of the Coffin Blessed Assurance (Hymn # 84) Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Eucharistic Prayer III The Lord's Prayer Holy Communion ('Ave Maria' throughout) Be thou my vision (Hymn #74)

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best Thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
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Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one. Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight; Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight; Thou my souls Shelter, Thou my high Tower: Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power. Riches I heed not, nor mans empty praise, Thou mine Inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art. High King of Heaven, my victory won, May I reach Heavens joys, O bright Heavens Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Our Sister has fallen asleep in the peace of Christ, we commissar with faith and hope in everlasting life, to the loving mercy of our Father and assist her with our prayers. In baptism she was made by adoption the child of God. At the Lords table she was sustained and fed. May she now be welcomed at the table of Gods children in heaven and share in eternal life with all the saints. May we who now mourn our sisters departure, be one day united with her. May we go forward together on that day to meet Christ when our life appears in glory. Amen. V. R. V. R. V. R. V. R. Saints of God Come to her aid Come to meet her, angels of the Lord Receive her soul, angels and present her to God the Most High. May Christ who called you take you to himself, may angels lead you to Abrahams bosom. Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High. Give her eternal rest O Lord, and may your light shine on her forever. Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High.

CELEBRANT Father, into your hands we commend our sister and your servant Grace Udezue Osili. We are confident that with all who have died in Christ, she will be raised to life on the last day and live forever with Christ. We thank you for all the blessings you gave her in this life. Show your fatherly care for all of us and the fellowship which care for all of us and the fellowship which is ours with the saints in Jesus Christ. Lord hear our prayer, welcome your servant Osili Samuel to paradise and help us to comfort each other with the assurance of our faith in Christ, to be with you and with our sister forever, through Christ our Lord.
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Amen. BLESSING OF THE GRAVE O God, through whose mercy the souls of the faithful are at rest, bless this grave, we beg you and send your holy Angel to guard it continually. Free from all bonds of sins the soul of your servant Grace U. Osili whose body is to be buried here, so that she may find joy in your company with all the Saints forever and ever, through Christ our Lord. Amen. It has pleased Almighty God to call our mother, Grandmother and sister Grace U. Osili from this life to Himself. According, we commit her body to the earth whence it came. Since Christ, the first fruit of the dead has risen again and will refashion our frail body in the pattern of His glorious risen body; we commend our sister and mother to the Lord. May He keep her in His peace and bring her body to life again on the last day. (The body is now lowered in to the grave) v. Lord have mercy R. Lord have mercy V. Christ have mercy R. Christ have mercy V. Lord have mercy R. Lord have mercy V. Christ have mercy CELEBRANT Let us pray for our mother Grace U. Osili to our Lord Jesus Christ, who said; I am the resurrection and life. The man who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and every living person who puts his faith in Me will never suffer eternal death.

V. Lord, you wept at the death of Lazarus your friend, comfort us in sorrow. We ask this in faith. R. Lord, hear our prayer V. You raised the dead to life, give your servant Grace U. Osili our sister and mother eternal life. We ask this in faith. R. Lord, hear our prayer V. You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring your servant Grace U .Osili to the joys of heaven. We ask this in faith. R. Lord, hear our prayer
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V. Our sister Grace U. Osili was washed clean in baptism and anointed with the oil of salvation; give her fellowship with all your Saints. We ask this in faith. R. Lord, hear our prayer V. She was nourished with your body and blood; grant her a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom. We ask this in faith. R. Lord, hear our prayer V. comfort us in our sorrow at the death of our sister and mother Grace U. Osili Let our faith be our consolation and eternal life our hope. We ask this in faith. R. Lord, hear our prayer LET US PRAY Show your mercy Lord to your departed servant. Since she strove to do your will, let her not be punished for any wrong-doing. And as he united in true faith with all your faithful people, let him now by your loving goodness be united with the angelic throng. Through Christ our Lord. Amen V. Eternal rest grant to her O Lord. R. And let perpetual light shine upon her. V. May she rest in peace. R. Amen PRAYER FOR THE MOURNERS Grant O God, that as we lament the departure of this your servant Grace U Osili that we may always remember that we are most certainly to follow her. Give us grace to prepare for that last hour by a good life, that we may not be surprise by a sudden and un-provided death, but be ever watchful that when you call, we may enter into eternal glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. FOR THE DECEASED May Mary the most merciful Virgin mother of God, kindest comforter of those who mourn, commend to her Son the soul of her servant Grace U. Osili who has departed this life, that through Her maternal intercession, She may quickly reach her longed for home in the heavenly father land and live forever and ever, Amen.

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TRIBUTES TO THE LIFE OF MRS GRACE UDEZUE OSILI

1939- 2010 Wife, Mother, Mothe-Inlaw, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Auntie, Friend, Iyum Jesus
BIOGRAPHY The Late Mrs Grace Udezue Osili was born on 3 March 1939 to the family of Amakom in Aba Village, Nsugbe. She was the eldest daughter of the Amakom family. She grew up in Nsugbe surrounded by so many challenges from all quarters. Now, as the oldest child, she had to help support her family. This meant her having to work extra hard at whatever she could do, in order to support her family. Over a period, her grace, beauty, musicality and shining character soon captured the attention of Police Inspector Christopher Osili of Offianta Village. Soon, after a brief courtship, they got married and their marriage lasted for well over 50years producing 10 children and over 19 Grandchildren. During her life, she willingly accompanied and supported her husband and her young family in every Police posting they were sent to and always made the best of every situation whilst raising her children in the fear of the Lord.

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She returned to Nsugbe during the Biafran war and things were very difficult and with little help coming from Amakom family, she became entrepreneurial. At the end of the War, more of her entrepreneurial ship became apparent and would, with her sons, Nwufo and Ike, on foot, travel to Onitsha with a load of vegetables to sell and with the funds she received she would invest in buying another product to sell and feed the family. And at the same time raise and look after her young family as her husband was away all the time. Furthermore after the end of the war and with the financial situation being dire, she and her husband, with the help of a friend, travelled to Lagos where they lived for the next 40 years. Here, she was very entrepreneurial and help support her husband to provide for her family yet she also found time to help a lot of people by being a support to them and helping them as much as she could. She became involved in music and would teach and train the village dancing group in Lagos and was involved and instrumental in the wide accolades that the group received wherever they danced. She was also involved in helping the Nsugbe Women Association Lagos to become an effective voice in women affairs of the village. She has always been a devout Christian; she became heavily involved in serving in the Roman Catholic Church. She devoted herself to the Church and persuaded her husband to renew their marriage vows in the Church. She was very active Church Warden and she was focused on the Lord, a focus she never lost. She was very involved with all aspects of the church and was an active member of the Christian Mother Association and in recognition of her sterling work, she was made a life member of the Catholic Church. After all the children have finished schooling, she and her husband made the decision to return to the village to enjoy the rest of their years together. Even in the village she was very active and involved in the church and always desiring that. Her love and care for her grand children both in Nigeria and United Kingdom made her dear to the grandchildren.

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TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER BY IKECHUKWU OSILI It is with deep reflection that I ponder and ponder why you left us at this hour that we need you. During my last visit to London precisely from 6th January to 18th January, I met you on arrival on the 6th. It was a joyful and sad moment as you reflect what has befallen us (death of Nwufo). I could not hold my tears and you continue to cry and sober all through my stay in London, even as I took you to the hospital for further treatment. We discussed at length way forward and then I was assured that you are gradually passing through this tragic incident that befallen us. So I was shocked on daily briefing from Ngozi that your condition was deteriorating and finally youre passing on. I am still in a reflecting mood about your life with us. I still remember in my early days, I was having troubles with my studies that many has given up hopes on me but you never weaved in believing in me that I will get through my troubles. You stood by me through thick and thin, always played the 'buffer' between me and my Dad, who became increasingly strict the older I got. I still remembered what you told me at our house then in Aba, that I will be a surveyor because you love for the profession which I know came from the surveyors office in front of our house then in Aba. That happened, with your prayers, I was offered a scholarship to read surveying. When all these happened, I said oh Our Lord has answered my Dear mothers prayer. I owe my current status to you and will ever remain indebted to you. I will miss your advice and your words of support. I still remember your humours jokes even at your sick bed about each one of us. That has been one of the many driving love that binds you with all your children. Pity, at this high tech age, we did not capture some of it. I cry and sober but other the hand I cannot question Our Lord in calling you at this time in our family life. I know that Our Lord Jesus is currently hosting you in His place that we are joyful and grateful for the life you lived. May your soul rest in peace in Jesus name. God bless your soul.

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TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER BY NGOZI OSILI It is with heavy heart that I am writing this tribute. Mama, it has been a great pleasure and privilege to have you as my mother. As a mother you possessed all the attributes a good mother should have. I am very proud of your achievement through out our family good and bad times. You showed a lot of courage and resilience in your faith in God during your illness. You have also showed tremendous dignity even in the face of adversity. I very much admired your faith in God in every thing you did. I will always cherish the bond we had during your stay with me both at home and in the hospital. Your great sense of humour and constructive criticism even on your sick bed was remarkable. You made most of the nurses and doctors laugh and they grew fond of you. You became well known as a model patient to majority of the nurses and doctors. They even started calling you their mother which is not common in the English culture. This goes to show how well you were liked by all who were privileged to meet you. I must use this opportunity to thank you for laying a good strong foundation during my upbringing which shaped me into who and what I am today. I must not forget your word of wisdom, sense of humour, cooking, singing and peace loving skills. If I have a choice, I would love to be your daughter again in the next world.

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TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED MOTHER BY MRS IFEOMA EZEUDU Life is full of beginnings but here is a beginning that carries our thought back beyond all years, all dates of history, all imaginable period of times I spend with my beloved mother Mrs. Grace Osili. I cannot grasp the thought that my sweet mother has gone but I can only find security and comfort in God. Mum you made a marvellous impact on earth. You stood firmly on the surer word of God amidst all odds, you shows us how to stand tall which gives us an inner energy after the death of my dearest father. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us that there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. The fall of man introduces humanity to tears, this is what I experiences (tears) when I heard of your passing on to glory. Though it was, and is still painful to lose you Mama, my consolation is the fact that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. In that morning when our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ shall return to takes us home, it will be a morning of joy because I will meet you again to part no more. You have left but your legacy and motherly love still rings in my heart. Beloved mother I cannot easily forget your sufferings and especially during the war in order to ensure better life for your children. You were one in a million mother; so loving and caring. Mum if there will be life after death, Ifeoma will love to be your daughter. Well the past must go as it is. I cannot change it, I cant question or demure, my only duty is simple to obey because my God knows the best for all of us. I want to thank you for the love you showered on me and all your children which has transformed us to what we are today. Who is going to give me that patience listening ear, with accommodating life principles? Who will be there to call me Ifeo-oma again? Mum I will always remember the goodtime we share together. I have lost a rare gem. Indeed a strong and neat mother has gone. Mama, may the Lord who knew your beginning and end crown you with eternal life, even as you sleep with Him. Goodbye beloved mother.

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TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER BY RAPHAEL OSILI JEWEL IN GODS CELESTIAL CROWN The death of a Mother is the first sorrow we must bear without her. All Life on this planet is born through God and women and I thank God for giving me this great and extraordinary woman as my mother. My dear Mother, at this moment, on this day, millions of sons are burying their mothers across the world. Of those millions I am a fortunate son. Whatever misfortunes and hardships made rocky the path we had to travel I am blessed because I had your burning love, your shining example, your fearless step, your sense of humour, passion and energy, your ability to endure personal pain, your beauty and sartorial elegance. You are a jewel in Gods celestial crown and you reflected Gods glittering light as only a southern diamond can. I am a fortunate son. I am one of few who can look back upon almost 45 years of life with a mother still strong, bounding with energy, with passion and love till the very end. But there is a God in heaven who loves you so much that he wanted you with him right now. So whilst I, your children and grandchildren may cry, we do not cry alone God himself shares our sorrow. Yet, what would life be without death? Death is the essential condition of life though we do not seek death. Mama, you will be missed so much but you already knew that, which is why, all your life, you made sure we knew that Jesus is the Only way and we should depend on him for all our needs and walk with integrity always. We will be OK because you have lovingly taught us well and you are still with us, and in us. I am blessed that I was able to be with you before your passing on and let you know that I love you Mum and I am glad that you blessed me and also hear you say the words "I love you too, Olise". Today, we eat daily from Lord Jesus the Tree of Life, God our father planted, we seek shelter from the storm under the leafy canopy God nurtured. God gave us this tree, this Jesus, an evergreen, an oak, a bountiful fruit tree and its roots run deep; and no wind can fell it, because the soil in which it has grown, though bloodied with the cycle of life, provides everlasting healing and sustenance for us all. So it is with you my darling mother we have only to walk as you did. Secure in the knowledge that this road of Jesus is the only road to freedom, the path of the Lord, a journey that makes death a wonderful fulfilment of a beautiful life. I am not sad because I know where you are, in Heaven itself, rejoicing and looking forward to meeting us all when it becomes our turn, if the Lord tarries his coming. Olisa Osili Son Page 20 of 24

TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER BY UCHENNA OSILI

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TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER BY OBIAGELI VICTORIA OSILI HEART OF GOLD Mama I believed you were coming out victorious from the hospital but no you didnt. This makes me feel so terribly sad. Now I can no longer hear your voice, your jokes, and your advice. This is very painful. Mama you are a very strong woman, you have a heart of gold. You lost five of your children, your brothers and some of your sisters but you persevered on. You fought a battle and succeeded. Mama I will really miss you, which words cannot express. Mama you have been a great mother to me. When I was troubled you were in the trouble with me, when I was grieving you grieved and comforted me as well your love for me was so great. You always have something to say in whatever situation, which at times people do not understand and take it to extremes. This is your personality characteristics but I personally understand that you always meant well. Your heart was very pure which makes you worry a lot about other people rather than yourself. All your children have a special place in your heart and you can tell what each of us is capable of doing. Knowing this you give us advice and you become very sad if we ignore them. Even if this happens you still open your arms and receive us back. You dislike treachery, pride, uncleanness and lies. The common saying of Papa was that IFE DI MA never comes to an end. While yours is do not envy or compare anybody as everybody is unique these sayings have been part of me which makes us get along greatly with each other. The couple of months we spent with each other will forever be memorable for me, I am always happy to see you like wise you. Even on your sick bed you consoled me about Nwufos death, you joked about Ngozi, nurses as well so I was confident you were coming out victorious. Anyway who am I to question God Almighty he knows best. Mama there is definitely no one that can fill this vacuum. I am very fortunate to be your daughter and your legacy will live on forever. Mama I will say once again you fought a good fight, Mama take care for now until we meet again. May your soul rest in peace in Jesus name. God bless your soul. OBIAGELI VICTORIA OSILI - Daughter TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER IN-LAW BY CHITO OSILI Death is an inevitable end that must come when it will. Had death been human, we would have pleaded on your behalf. Had money been enough to buy death Oh we would have spared any expense to keep you alive. Mama, how would I have know that you would not return home alive. Oh I remember still your words to me on the phone the day you called me shortly before your departure to United Kingdom in pains and tears. Nne Uzochukwu as you fondly called me Page 22 of 24

take care of the house and always carry the children along referring to Nkirus children. I feel so much pain and I cant eat . I immediately alerted my husband and Ifeoma and prompted attention given you to you. That was last wish and I will stop at nothing to grant you that. If there is life after death, then you will be with Sam. Tell him that me and my children miss him Tell him thank you on our behalf for the hospitality during our last visit to the UK. In my next world he will still be my friend. Your memories will forever be in our hearts. Fare thee well Chito Osili daughter In-law GREAT MOTHER IN LAW You are so so special. You made me feel loved and accepted. You looked after me and talked to me about many things. You taught me so much that I will never forget. I remember your laughter and the way you patiently taught me how to cook Nigerian food. I miss you so much. You were the best mother-in-law I could ever wish for and I am glad that we spent time together. I know you are in heaven now so I will learn from your example to live a life full of joy and peace. Rest in peace, my lovely mother-in- law until we meet to part no more. Jo Osili - Daughter-in law TRIBUTE TO MY GRAND MOTHER Thank God for such a wonderful grandma. We enjoyed our stay with you during our visits to home during celebrations. In our last visit to London, we were with you with y Uncles kids. We loved the time we spent with you. Thank you and We Pray that Jesus will be with you. Somutochukwu on behalf of Ike Osili kids TRIBUTE TO Grandma Thank you for your tireless efforts in taking care of all of our needs, both here and in Nigeria, always putting our needs before your own. For taking time to care about the little things (our pet goat) and for the delicious food. We loved spending time with you; you will always be in our thoughts. Your loving Grand children..Chanttle on behalf of my brothers and sisters - United Kingdom. MY LOVELY GRANDMOTHER You were the best ever grandmother any grand daughter could wish for. I remember you always dancing and singing to me and with me. You were always smiling and hugging me tightly. I love you grandmother. I am glad you are in heaven rejoicing and although I am sad but I am still glad I have you as my grandma. Page 23 of 24

You have not died. You are alive in my heart forever. I love you grandma so much. Chigozie Osili Grand Daughter

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