Tonyemieba Essa-Ogorry (Nee Amachree) Pst Tee

My beautiful sister! God bless you. In the next world you will still be my Mother, sister & friend..We all Miss you. Mummy, Auntie Nimi, Derek, Enefaa,Tonye,John, Nimi, Ala & Kamari (Orikamari) that is the name YOU called her. Meaning: God is expanding me..Who Will cover me when am in Trouble? Or Who Will Pray for me when I am ill? Who Will Pray for Our House??? You are truly a JEWEL. Your words are : You must make it to heaven no matter what.. Now I know and I believe you are with our Almighty Father (Jesus Christ). God bless you and keep you more Closer to him in Jesus name.Amen. WE ALL MISS YOU. LOVE ALWAYS... YOUR BROTHER, Alapudiea

Tribute to my beautiful Great Niece I am still trying to process the passing of this virtuous woman (My young niece). About one week prior to receiving a heart-breaking text message from her younger sister Nimi about her passing, I had spoken to Tonye on the phone while she was in Lagos. Her voice was resonant with a firm assurance that God was in control and that she will make it. I had no iota of doubt in my mind that a miracle had been performed in her life given the stage of her ailment. This was the reason the text message announcing her passing, was like a phantasma or a hideous dream to me. I feel like I am still dreaming, and the nightmare will soon be over. But this is a painful reality! As I seek to find peace in this searing loss, I feel waves of grief over Tonye’s life cut short. I recall in 1978, my second year in the University, I was staying in their family home in Ikoyi doing my vacation job. I remember one of her favorite songs then: “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yeah, yeah, we wept and we remembered Zion” Whenever the song played, Nimi, her younger sister over dramatized the affect with her lady-like moves, while Tonye meditatingly tapped her fingers as if she was gathering momentum to preach a melodious sermon from a flowering tree outside the window. It appeared as if she knew from the outset of her calling to be a pastor. I recall when I took Tonye and Nimi to Falomo shopping center and pose the question to them: “what will I buy for you?” Nimi went for the big stuff, while Tonye conservatively went for the budget. Tonye had the unperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. She approached life with perseverance, calm wisdom and quiet speech. Her outward appearance always reflected the beauty of character that all who knew her saw clearly. “The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4) was her best jewelry and make-up she could possibly wear. Her appearance was modest in every way. Her love for her immediate and extended family was the core of who she was. She gave much and asked for little in return. At a time when many of us were busy with our life’s schedules, Tonye pondered and thoughtfully established the first extended family WHATSAPP forum. Tonye had no need for airs and graces, what you saw is what you get, and what you got was a big warm smile, genuine and full of love. Tonye was never judgmental and loved people for what they were. Tonye leaves behind a lasting legacy of a close-knit, caring extended family and we owe it to her to carry on supporting one another, so that our memory of her will not fade, but grow and fonder as time goes by. Our sorrow will not give way to despair knowing that we will meet her again come resurrection in an environment where pain and death will be no more. (Rev. 21:4) “And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things have passed away” Adieu my beloved virtuous niece! Vin Chijioke Egbuchulam

Tonye you are so missed because you left too early to be with the Lord. May you continue to rest in peace in the Lords bossom .May the good Lord fill the void created by your absence.

Sleep on in the Lord Sister Tonye. Abiye

Tonye, was a very thoughtful and caring cousin. I miss her. My wife also does. We were talking about her a few days ago when I was in Melbourne. May you continue to remain in the bosom of the Lord and that is our consolation.

Best friend and sister ever. We were naked with each other and not ashamed. We had a privilege that few people have in life to be completely free with another person. To be able to speak and act without worrying about the consequences because you have become well attuned to each other. She was the better part of me. Enefaa, that mantra you mentioned in your remembrance, that was our mantra; "No one is worth going to hell for." It's taken us through many a challenge in life. Indeed Best friend and sister ever!

Tonye, Wow! One year already. You were a super woman of faith and lover of God. Beautiful woman of Grace. We miss your broad shoulders with which you brought our family together with love, we celebrate you today as always knowing that you're in a better place. We look heavenward from where we draw inspiration and strength to keep us all together in faith till we meet to part no More. We loved you, but God loves you more. Forever in our hearts. _Chii

Tonye will not be forgotten. She was a gentle giant. Her calm disposition was a stabiliser and calmed many waters. She continued to trudge on despite all the challenges knowing that Jehovah was leading her through. She was a good friend to an encourager. We met in FGGC Abuloma & remained friends in the same university and through life. We were bed mates in year one of uni. We were in the same fellowship. We remained family friends and in touch until health challenges kept her frequently in Lagos