Described as an enterprising and a devoted Christian that was a practical example of a virtuous woman, the Late Mama Kebi Imoni Timiyan (Nee Wuruzuwei Otobo), who passed away at the age of 83 years to eternal rest, was given a befitting burial in Kokodiagbene community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Friday, April 26, 2024.

The remains of the late mother of seven children, 37 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren was conveyed from the Ame Specialist Hospital morgue in Warri to Kokdiagbene by family members and other sympathisers for a Christian funeral service and a social wake-keep ceremony.

The body of late Mama Kebi was first received for lying-in-state at the Timiyan family compound before the final funeral rites scheduled in the community's playground later in the day.

According to her biography, the late Mama Kebi was born on the 15th of March 1941 into the family of Mr and Mrs Wuruzuwei Otobo of Agbo Quarter in Kunukunuma Town, Gbaramatu Kingdom.

During her time, education was unpopular for girls. But while she was not enrolled into the formal education, nonetheless education was through the home and family guidance before the four walls of western education.

Mama was very smart, intelligent and resourceful, characteristics that made it possible for her to be able to start up a trade and become a renowned business woman who traded well within her locality for many years. Due to her love for trading as an entrepreneur, she would layer join the sales of recharge cards for mobile phone users within her native Kokodiagbene community, a business she engaged in untill her glorious home call on Tuesday, March 2, 2024.

Mama was happily married to Mr. Francis Imoni Timiyan until the cold hands of death took him away in the mid-sixties. This was a turning point in her life and marriage as the reality of life took Mama to all nooks and cranny in search of good businesses to enable her cater for the family as she took up the dual role of the father and the mother in the house.

Mama had three sons and four daughters, and she was also blessed with 37 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Mama was also a devoted Christian who worshipped with the Temple of Salvation Zion Ministry in Kokodiagbene. She never stops attending church services and other programs. Mama was decorated in the church due to her active participation and performance at church events.

As a devoted Christian she brought up her children in the way of the Lord. She was an example of the virtuous woman according to Proverbs 31:10-31 who taught everyone around her gpod morals. Like an eagle, she was a strong woman, a goal-getter who fought tirelessly to protect her children from the danger of the times; a support system to her children and family. 

Also, she is known as a woman every child would always pray to have as a mother as demonstrated in her motherly role. She took care of other children like her own without discrimination. She was a mother to all, loving, caring, kind hearted, truthful and peaceful.

Mama was also a very sociable and strict woman who does not accept 'No' for an answer; a disciplinarian, but yet full of smiles and showcasing a good relationship with all.

Mama as a good dancer could sing our native Ijoh songs, Christian songs and even secular music to the admiration of her children, neighbours and grand children; as well as to her daughters in-laws and all. She believed in being one's brother/sister's keeper, always sharing the little she has with others.

Mama believes so much that God sees and know every content of our heart, so she usually advises everyone around her to serve God with a clean and clear heart for God’s reward. Till her death, Opunene, as she was fondly called by the grandchildren, was a very popular woman, sociable with leadership lifestyle in the community. She is often time consulted for traditional knowledge and historical facts of the town.

We shall miss her by her passing to the great home call into the life beyond. May her gentle soul rest in peace, Amen. Adieu Mama.

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