The body of the first female professor from the Southeast region Professor Mrs. Juliet Okonkwo who passed away in June this year has been successfully laid to rest in her country home ovollo Mbaukwu, Awka South Council Area of Anambra state amidst a long weekend of celebration for a life well spent in the company numerous family members and friends from different parts of the world.
In his homily Reverend Christian Okafor who represented the Archbishop, Province of the Niger, and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Revd. Dr. Alexander Ibezim extolled the virtuous nature of the late professor who he described as social and accessible, not regarding all her achievements in the academy. Stressing the numerous contributions of Professor Okonkwo to the church, Reverend Okafor noted, that her children have continued to toe the line of support for the church effortlessly despite living far away from home, which is a testament that they have imbibed that attribute of their late matriarch.
Pointing out that Mama lived a good life and was well taken care of by her children, he thanked her children for their efforts and prayed to God to console them and grant the family indestructible unity. Praying for the peaceful repose of Professor Okonkwo’s soul Reverend Christian Okafor was joined by Reverend Canon D.C Ezeobi of the St.Lawrence Anglican church ovollo Mbaukwu amongst numerous other Clergymen who prayed that God in his mercies grants her eternal rest.
In his remarks, Obiora Okonkwo, son of late professor Okonkwo described her burial as a celebration of a life well spent, and this is because of the enigmatic achievements of their late mother. He noted that his late mother, the first indigenous female professor of English and English literature was a firm believer and preacher of hard work which is one of the core attributes she consciously instilled in her children amongst several others. promising to fulfill their late parent’s exemplary legacies together with his siblings, he thanked all who came to pay their last respect to his late mother and prayed God to grant them journey mercies to their various destinations.
Also in her remarks, Ijeoma Eruchalu, daughter of late professor Okonkwo thanked God for the righteous and impactful life of their late mother, whom she asserted used her achievements to preach women emancipation and equality regardless of family commitments. She further noted that she and her siblings emulated focus alongside faith in God from their late mother which now helps shape their daily lives.
Some dignitaries who graced the funeral include his Royal Majesty Igwe P. N Anugwu Ezeukwu Mbaukwu, Justice Nkemdilim Amelia Izuako, Silas Okeke, Josiah Ozue PG Mbaukwu amongst several others.
