This is written and presented at her funeral service today 23rd May, 2024 by me, her first son, Rev. John O. Odum:
PREAMBLE:
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity (Psalm 39:5).
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven, A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted (Eccl. 3:1-2).
My mother gathered us after 99 years to bid us bye bye.
BIRTH:
We don't know her actual birth date. But she belonged to a recognized age grade in Igbere land of Abia State Nigeria. Late Madam Jemaiamah Uñanya Onwubiko Odum as a member of the Uche Ebiri Age Grade of Igbere in Bende Local Government Area, of Abia State Nigeria, her age grade declared her age as 99 years, probably she was born in the year 1925 to the family of Mazi Nmagu Iroñwua of Ndi-Ukonu kindred, Ndieke, Amankalu Igbere. She was a prominent figure known for her wisdom and leadership qualities.
EARLY LIFE:
She lived strictly on the then moral ethics. With so many things considered as societal taboos. She made sure that she prepared her food and ate with her family members on or before 6.00 pm daily.
She lived through significant events in Nigerian history such as colonialism, independence, and Nigerian/Biafran civil war.
Late Jemaiamah gained a unique perspective on challenges facing her country. Despite adversity throughout her life she remained resilient and optimistic.
EDUCATION:
Due to the traditional beliefs then, that female education was unnecessary, Late Madam Jemaiamah Uñanya Onwubiko Odum did not have access to formal Western education.
However she possessed extensive knowledge on farming techniques and agricultural products which allowed her for successful farming, using sustainable methods learned from her parents. She, through quick learning skills, attended meetings and seminars where she gained valuable insights that helped her to improve her lifestyle, agro-business, and her personal / environmental cleanliness. She will always tell you the exact time in the 24 hours in the day without the help of a wrist watch.
MARRIAGE:
It was assumed that she married at the age of 25, due to pressure mounted on her by her parents who were eager for her to marry; Late Jemaiamah married Late Mazi Onwubiko Odum of Umuobasi Amankalu Igbere as his third wife. The union produced eight children, but only two survived to attend her funeral service today.
Late Jemaiamah's marriage story was not uncommon in her community where women were not allowed the access to format Western Education, rather pressured into marriage.
However despite these challenges she remained committed in providing necessities for her family, even after her husband's death.
CHRISTIAN LIFE:
In the early days of 1985, her first son Rev.John O. Odum, took it as a challenge and as first assignment, to lead his mother towards salvation. It became my first priority. So Late Jemiamah gave her life to Christ, dedicating herself wholeheartedly with a relentless zeal of attending weekly church activities, but with the exception of any night program.
She became actively involved in Evangelism and outreach programs, while displaying kindness and compassion, treating everyone with respect even during her final days. She remained steadfast, trusting God's plans, and inspiring those around her.
HER POLICY:
- She doesn't bath hot water even in harmattan period.
- She doesn't go behind schedule in any activity or program. She would make sure she was counted first or second before any other person.
- She doesn't eat hot food for any reason, no matter what?
- She doesn't eat when it is above 7.00 pm daily.
- She doesn't stay awake for any reason when it is above 7.00 pm.
- She doesn't stay in a dirty environment. Neatness is her watch-word.
HER AWARDS:
- She gained many awards such as, Assemblies of God, Aba District Women Ministries Golden Mother 2022.
- First position in every Sunday School on-time campaign.
- First position in Sunday School attendance in every Enlargement, and Loyalty Campaigns.
- First to pay burial fund yearly.
HER DEATH:
After her full participation in the October Sunday School, Enlargement Campaign 2023, she discovered a dementia symptoms right in the church during the last communion service in the month of November 2023. The sickness lasted only two months and she kicked the bucket. Her death was in the early hours of First February 2024.
She was surrounded by her family members as caregivers: Rev. and Mrs. John O. Odum, and others. She left behind memories, created gratitude, inspired kindness and compassion, ensured a never forgotten vacuum.
LEFT TO MOURN HER:
- Her first son Rev. John O. Odum
- Her last born Charles Onwukwe Odum
- Numerous grand children.
Adieu Mama! Adieu Golden mother! Adieu virtuous woman! Rest in peace till we meet to part no more. Good night.
[My Golden Mother]