Congregants singing a Hymn
AMERICA MOURNS OLUFUNKE
…She survived cancer 20years ago
She was my mentor and mother –Gani Obanigba
Yesterday, a Memorial Service of Songs and Celebration of Life was held for Mrs. Olufunke Oyeyemi Olakunri at The Redeemed Church of God (RCCG) City of God at 8614 Manchester Rd, St.Louis , MO 63144, America .
The programme which was organized by Gani Obanigba who was a brother in-law to the deceased was attended by many people from family members to friends and acquaintances.Pastor Niyi Aruwajoye the officiating Pastor implored everyone present to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, he said ” we came with nothing and will surely go empty handed ”, he counseled.Pastor Akin Aruwajoye also added that ”since no one knows when he is going it is better now to repent because we will all die one day”.Pastor Omiye consoled the family and friends and implored everybody to be strong.
The service which started at 2pm did not close until after 5pm as everybody was discussing about how nice the the woman was. A member of the family described how she survived cancer of the breast 20 years ago but fell cheaply and painfully into the hands of suspected herdsmen or killers, no one is safe again, she concluded.
Some songs were rendered as many used handkerchief to clean their misty eyes . Among the songs are On the resurrection morning , Soul and body meet again , No more sorrow, no more weeping , No more pains …. A woman could not sing along as she kept on looking at the pictures in the program and weeping profusely.
Mr.Gani Obanigba who is a brother –inlaw to the late woman described the woman as a nice, humble and a great philanthropist who will not allow anybody to suffer.
According to Gani, ‘’ I called her my mother , mentor and God-sent. She facilitated my coming to America and I shall for ever be grateful to her”., he said .
Pastor Idowu ,described the woman as a rare gift to humanity whose life was brutally cut down. He said ”She used to call me Uncle, Uncle and I too would call her Auntie , Auntie. She was a wonderful individual , woman of accomplishment. She worked hard , blessed people and was a strong pillar of the family”’
When Seun Obanigba held the microphone and was about to speak about her , she broke down as hot tears cascaded on her cheeks, she could not talk.,
Born on June 11, 1961 in Akure to the families of Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti and Frances Oladiwura Fasoranti who were both teachers .
Olufunke attended St. Stephen’s Primary School in Iju -Itaogbolu , Ondo state , She also attended St Louis secondary school , Ondo for her secondary school where she spent two years but due to transfer of her father again she went with him to Olivet Baptist High School , Oyo where she completed her secondary school .She proceeded to Federal School of Arts and Science Ondo for her Advanced level .
She went to Ondo state Polytechnic where she obtained her HND in Accounting in 1983.
After her National Youth Service Corps in Omega Bank now Spring Bank . She later went to Lagos University to read Law, she was a pioneer student at Nigeria Law School, Abuja
Olufunke attended many courses and programes home and abroad inccluding Havard University , USA.
As a seasoned Banker she worked with Citi Express Bank, Great Nigeria Insurance and rose to the positions of Secretary in these companies .
She was generous to a fault,
She married Mr. Idowu Olakunri of the Elerewe Dynasty of Owo on February 15, 1985, and the union was blessed with two daughters ; Oyindamola Weider, Oluwafeyisike Omosehin and grandchildren . Olufunke was survived by her husband, children sister and many family members
May her soul rest in peace.
Those who were present at the event are ; Dr. Layi Olagbegi, Pastor Omiye, Pastor Niyi Aruwajoye, Chief Gboyega Aruwajoye, Dipo Okunrinboye,Mr and Mrs Kofo Osun, and many others ,
However the remains of the Lawyer cum Banker will be buried today at Akure .
