Farewell To my dear Mother, Mrs. Elfrida Ogorji Odionu

         My mother, Madam Elfrida Ogoji Odionu was indeed a very special woman. Our father departed this earth at a very early age, living my mother widowed with eight children to raise, each of who brought both joy and tears to her.  We made her proud with our successes and in several instances of adverse circumstances, mama was the one person any of us can count on to remain by our side and she loved all of us unconditionally.  Everyone loved my Mother!  She carried a special charm and friendly personality that so easily endeared her to those who were fortunate enough to come in contact with her.  In all, my mother lived a good life, traveled all over the world including spending several years in Britain, and the United States.  She was a wonderful mother and a very fine lady! The very best!  Her passage is indeed a celebration. 

         One of the several fun memories of my mother was when my son, Christian Jr. was born in the United States.  My mother was there with us and cuddled him with love when he was delivered.  As a grand ma, she was so happy and was the one that raised Christian, always changing his diapers, mixing baby’s food and cooking for him, taking him for routine doctor’s visit while we were at work, or in school busy studying. Mama bonded well with Christian, and her grand daughter Janelle both of whom have now grown, and have become fond of grand ma, as they fondly called her. 

          My mother was a philanthropist and her love knows no bounds. She went out of her way to help others and it is more far reaching than her family. Looking back, several people were trained by my mother and many more benefited by her kindness. Her reputation as a good woman and her god-giving talent as a seamstress enabled her to establish and run a thriving Tailoring and Catering School at Onitsha, Anambra State where she trained scores of men and women in the art of sewing, women’s fashion and design, catering and confectionaries.  Though her life on earth is over, the end is contingent on how we respond to the Word of Life as stated in John 11:25-26: "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?":

          I will always remember our mother as a kind and caring, quick witted and God-fearing woman.   Mama, you were a great Mother! You were always warm and affectionate towards us, and you were always concerned about other’s well being.  As fine a person that ever lived, you were always full of life, bestowing upon all of us, your children, the many blessings and values in just knowing you, in being around you, in talking with you, crying with you, ripping on you, laughing with you, and in your sharing your life with us. Your loss hurts like no other, and we’ll all miss you greatly, Mom!

Your Loving Son,

Dr. Chris Okey Odionu

Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, and

Associate Professor of Information Technology, School of Engineering and Technology

Alabama A&M University, USA