1
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. “Yes, “saith the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
Revelation 14 : 13
2
BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE
Mrs. Caroline May Akuoko (Nee Enchill) AGE - 67 Venue: St. John Methodist Church, Tantra Hill (New Achimota) 12th March, 2016 Time: 7:00 am 3
OFFICIATING MINISTERS Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Asante Antwi Rt. Rev. Nicholas Asane Very Rev. John K. Appiah–Acheampong Very Rev. John Hammond Very Rev. Andrew Mbeah – Baiden Very Rev. Dr. Maxwell Aryee Very Rev Appaw Gyekye Rev. Charles K. Gyasi Rev. Mrs. Betty F. Baidoo Rev. Rev. Osei Asibey Rev. Isaac Kwofie
IN ATTENDANCE
1. Church Choir 2. Singing Band
ORGANISTS
4
Past Presiding Bishop Supt. Minister – Mamprobi Circuit Supt. Minister – New Achimota Circuit Supt. Minister – Madina Circuit Supt. Minister – Nsukwao Circuit Minister – New Achimota Circuit Minister – St Peter, New Achimota Minister – New Achimota Circuit Minister – New Achimota Circuit Minister – Grace Methodist Church Minister – Ebenezer Methodist Church (Mamfam, Apam)
Bro. Maxwell Brace Bro. Andrew Mbeah-Baiden (Jnr.) Bro. C.K. Bedi
ORDER OF SERVICE PART I – PRE-BURIAL SERVICE (7:00 am) 1. Opening Sentences / Scripture Reading 2. Hymn - MHB 428 3. Prayer 4. Hymn - MHB 515 5. Filing Past 6. Tributes - 7. Filing Past - MHB 99, 478, 321, 679, 602, 511, 501, 608, 76 8. Closure of Casket
PART II – BURIAL SERVICE (9:00am) 1. Call to Worship 2. Announcement of Purposes 3. Hymn - MHB 427 4. Prayer 5. Hymn - MHB 528 6. Biography & Tributes 7. Hymn - MHB 503 8. Scripture (i) 1st Lesson: Psalm 90:1-12 (ii) 2nd Lesson: 1 Thess. 4:13-18 9. Hymn - M.H.B 235 10. Sermon 11. Affirmation of Faith 12. Offertory
5
PART III – THANKSGIVING 1. Anthem by the Choir 2. Prayer 3. Commendation / The Lord’s Prayer 4. Hymn - MHB 818 5. Notices & Presentation 6. Hymn - MHB 831 7. Closing Prayer & Benediction 8. Dead March in Saul 9. Recessional Hymn - MHB 651
PART IV – AT THE GRAVE SIDE (Apam- 11:30 am)
6
1. Hymn - 2. Committal & Prayer 3. Vote of Thanks 4. Hymn - 5. Benediction
MHB 975 CAN 324
BIOGRAPHY On May 12, 1949, Mr Samuel Enchill and Madam Sophia Sackey, all of blessed memory, had their second of six children, and first daugther, Mrs Caroline May Aba Quianowa Akuoko nee Enchill at Koforidua. Aba Quianowa started her education at the Catholic Elementary School in Koforidua. She stood out amongst her peers as very neat and welldressed; an attribute which would remain throughout her life. While in elementary school Aba lost her father, Mr Samuel Enchill; this consequently put her education on hold. Along with her younger sister, Aba moved from Korofidua to live with her maternal uncles, the Sackeys, in Takoradi for a period of time. They will soon rejoin their mother and siblings at Koforidua, where Aba would further her education as an elementary school teacher. Her teaching career began at Larteh and then later at Koforidua Oyoko where she met her sweetheart and soon to be husband, Mr Stephen Akuoko. After their traditional marriage in 1971, Aba would soon move to the United Kingdom to join Mr. Stephen Akuoko that same year. Their marriage was formalized under the laws of the UK in West Hampstead. She pursued higher education at the Manchester Polytechnic (now Manchester Metropolitan University), where she studied design and dress-making. They welcomed their first child in 1973 and moved back to Ghana in 1974. Aba moved with her husband and family wherever he was posted by his employer, ECG. This relocation all over Ghana stirred up her love for travelling and driving. Our daughter, sister, mother and grandmother was very hardworking and industrious; she set up a successful business wherever the family moved. This often meant closing down a successful business at one location and opening up another just after settling in another area. While in Koforidua, where she had her second and third children, Mrs. Akuoko mass-produced children’s clothing for a number of commercial stores 7
including GNTC and Kingsway. In Tamale, where she had her last child, she took on the role as first secretary of the corporate of the Confectioners’ Association. At Ho, she was well-known for her catering services at the STC yard that remained open around the clock to service the needs of travelers. After being posted all over Ghana, the family eventually settled in Accra where she established numerous businesses ranging from importation of goods to her most recent and ongoing water bottling venture (Noel Agua). Mrs Akuoko was steadfast and committed in her responsibilities as a Christian and always encouraged her children to do the same. She served wholeheartedly in many capacities at church. She was a member of the Women’s fellowship as well as an active member of the St. Johns Methodist Church Choir, Accra. At St. John’s Methodist she served as secretary to the choir, and jointly served with her husband, as the patrons for the St Johns Methodist Youth Choir. Mrs. Caroline May Aba Quianowa Akuoko nee Enchill’s commitment to the Benyiwa Twidan family extended way beyond regular membership. She was very committed to family success and went out of her way to help many in the community. At a recent family meeting, when one of her older uncles was asked about his dues, his response was “Aba will come and pay” only to be told a few minutes later that Aba had joined our ancestors. She left behind a husband, four children and six grandchildren. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace with the Almighty.
8
TRIBUTE FROM HUSBAND ING. STEPHEN AKUOKO (FGhIE) Now the labourer’s task is o’er, Now the battle day is past, Now upon the fartherest shore, Lands the voyager at last, Father in thy gracious keeping, Leave we now thy servant sleeping. MHB 976 Caroline my love, I first met Caro while I was with a group of friends out for a Saturday afternoon relaxation break at the Koforidua Catering Rest House. The group consisted of three boys and one girl, Emelia Bamfo, the fiancée of one of the boys. Emelia suggested that she invite her friend, Caroline, along to join us. We agreed and drove to her house to look for her. Caroline was too busy to join us at that time, but suggested a late afternoon outing to which the group reluctantly agreed at my insistence. All of us lived in Accra and had gone to Koforidua to enable Emelia visit her mother. We did not originally intend to stay long in Koforidua, however something clicked when our eyes met at this first meeting with Caroline and that made me forget the group’s original plan to return to Accra before nightfall, since I was a newly licensed driver and found the Aburi and Mamfe hills daunting and treacherous. Caution was thrown to the wind for another chance encounter with this beautiful, slim, flower later in the afternoon. On account of the short time we spent at Koforidua, I had to give Caroline my telephone number at the Electricity Corporation Makola Regional Office where I worked. When we first met, Caroline was a pupil teacher at Oyoko/ Koforidua. In spite of the distance between us, the attraction was mutual and kept growing with frequent telephone calls during the week and alternate visits to Accra and Koforidua at the weekends. Our friendship blossomed into such a warm relationship that when in 1971 I had to travel to the United Kingdom for a two year professional engineering training, on a British Council scholarship, we decided to quickly perform the customary marriage before I left so that Caroline could follow up three months later. We could not accept the other option of staying apart for the entire two year period. Our marriage was later endorsed with a formal registration at the London, West Hampstead Council Office. Whilst in the United Kingdom, Caro decided to discard teaching and learn dressmaking. She believed that it will give her the flexibility to choose her own work schedule around bringing up our kids in future. She therefore enrolled at the Manchester Polytechnic for Design and Dressmaking. Subsequently, she purchased her own set of 9
industrial sewing machines with which she later established a dressmaking business complete with apprentices and workers in Accra and Koforidua. She made and supplied children’s clothing, etc to shops like Glamour, GNTC, UTC, Kingsway and some other local shops in Accra and Koforidua (1975 – 1980). On our transfer to Tamale from 1980 – 1985, it became difficult to keep supplying her customers in the south because of the long distance but typical of her hardworking nature, she switched businesses and went into bakery, in line with her own mother’s lifelong profession of being a baker at Srodae, Koforidua. She eventually became the Secretary to the Tamale Confectioners Association until we left on transfer to Ho (Volta Region) in 1985. Here again, she set up a restaurant at the State Transport terminal at the Civic Center, in the center of Ho, which catered to travellers almost twenty four (24) hours each day non-stop. She once again had to change her business to retailing when she could not immediately find a suitable spot for a restaurant in Accra upon our being transferred once again in 1988. She had two shops, one at Mallam Atta Market and the other in the former Lenards Shoes building, behind UTC and opposite the Rawlings Park. Her last business venture was the establishment of a water sachet business, Noel Agua, in Community 12, Tema. In fact as recently as Friday, 5th February, she bought a second motor tricycle to improve her sachet water distribution in and around Tema and Ashaiman townships. She was indeed a hardworking woman and did a lot to support the family financially and run our home very efficiently and lovingly as a mother to all who were not even her children.
10
Caroline had a very strong Christian commitment. She had our first three children all baptized in the Koforidua Catholic Church, which she attended then. She however joined me to worship at the Methodist Church from Tamale onwards. She joined the Ho Methodist Church Choir when we got transferred to Ho in 1985 and remained in the choir for the rest of her life. Caroline’s meticulous and hardworking lifestyle endeared her to my late uncle, Nana Afrifa, as he noticed her supervision skills of materials and workers for our house at Kronum / Kumasi. My Uncle remarked, this is a lady he will always honour with his presence anytime there is a function, wedding or funeral at her hometown. She en-
couraged me to relate to her own family at Apam like my own. She was indeed a unifier, a good mediator, counselor and benevolent to all and sundry. She could very, very quickly read the body language of others and respond with appropriate loving understanding. She had a soft spot for the underprivileged. Caroline was generous to a fault at times. She was a great cook and enjoyed entertaining, especially in our youthful days. Just over one year and a half ago, you had a heart problem for which you were hospitalized at 37 Military Hospital, not long after that you had another episode for which you were hospitalized at the Cardio Center in Korle Bu. God spared her life and we were able to continue further treatment at her own daughter’s hospital in Chicago, USA. I now realize that God spared you one more year for us to enjoy life together before taking you away. On the night of Sunday, 7th February, when we went to bed you were alright with just a little cough. I woke up at dawn to find you uncomfortable and that made me call your local Doctor who suggested that we meet him at the Korle Bu emergency unit for quick check up after which he will move you over to the Cardio Unit if necessary. You washed down and dressed and we quickly left home for Korle Bu as advised. Little did I know that I was giving you my last words of encouragement. Whilst still close to Korle Bu, you quietly laid your head back on the head rest as if you were resting, whilst I rushed to get the Doctors to you only for them to pronounce you dead in the car. It’s with a deep sense of emptiness and loss that I recall some of the things we have done together in the past forty five (45) years of married life and now your last moments on the earth. Over four decades of life shared together is not easy to forget. We had our moments of tension and learned to resolve and cope with each other under the loving hand of the God we entrusted our lives to. Caroline, now I don’t know how to cope without you. There is a big and painful hole in my heart, it is so painful, it is numbing. I cannot forget your mortal body beside me in the front seat as I drove again to the mortuary. Who will welcome me home from my outings and tell me all that happened in my absence?
11
Who will encourage me to undertake the various projects we did together? Who will remind me of dates and commitments to family, friends and others for me to honour? Looking back, I count myself blessed to have married early in life to a biblically virtuous lady like you. God bless you and keep you secure till we meet again at his feet. I miss you dearly Caro. Nanti yie!!
12
TRIBUTE BY CHILDREN Maa, Mum, Mama, oooh! Why is she not responding to our cries? It all seems like a very bad dream but despite all our wishes and hopes we cannot seem to end it. Our hearts are broken, alas it is real our Mum is gone to be with the Lord! Who is going to call and say “where are you?” “Can we talk?” “Oh I have forgotten why I called” Oh Lord it is so unreal how can we ever get over this pain, how do we stop missing you? We count ourselves blessed to have had you as a mother. Your unique blend of strength, discipline, gentleness, compassion, love and drive is sorely missed. Oh how we used to tease you about your drive and knack for business. You taught us not to be limited by anything or anyone but encouraged us to do the best we could. “Me di3, I am an action person oo” you would say. You were the Proverbs 31 woman, despite all the moves to different cities that came with Dad’s job, you did not sit at home idle. You told us about your early experiences as an elementary school teacher. We witnessed your various business endeavours: restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, imports and exports and your latest and ongoing water distribution. You did not grumble each time we moved and you had to start all over again and we learnt persistence and resilience by observing you. That was just you, our mother, you did not see limitations you only saw possibilities. We will carry on the dreams and plans. Maa, none of your dreams will be relinquished. You did not hide the fact that you loved your children and you encouraged that same love amongst us. Our earliest memories are filled with how much fun we had as a family; simple things such as baking together, sitting outside at night swapping stories, travelling, singing and our movie nights. You made time for each of us. We will always remember you checking on us at night when we were kids, you would hold our feet and pray for us. You always said “no friend would love you more than your family, stay together, love each other no matter what”. You were the centre of the family and the one who reminded us about important occasions, you would call and say today is Joe’s birthday call him or today is Nana Aba’s birthday etc. How can we bake without missing you or thinking about you? Who do we call to cross check a recipe? How can we double check our locked doors at night without thinking of you? How can we hear the choir sing without crying Maa? 13
Maa, we learnt a lot from you. You gave and provided as much as you could to the less fortunate. You were a mother to many; indeed many of our friends saw you as a second mother. You devoted a significant part of your life to serving our Lord and encouraged us to do the same. You were our friend, greatest advocate and defender. We grew up to realize that not many people had the opportunities you provided for us. Your prayers and contributions towards every stage of our lives cannot be over emphasised. Your daily advice mostly from your life experience and scripture has been crucial to our development and growth. We were really blessed to have you as our mum. Maa, we would have loved to have had you here on earth for a longer time. All the plans we had made hmmmm. Maa, our greatest comfort is that you are with your creator, the one who created your innermost being, who knit you together in your mother’s womb. You were fearfully and wonderfully made and the work of God in your life was remarkable. We were blessed that God gifted you to us for a time. Though we pray the Lord wipes away our tears and takes away our pain we would never forget you. We will always love you. We will make sure that your grandchildren both born and unborn will know what a great woman you were. That you loved them so much. That they should love the Lord with all their heart as their Grandma did. That you had to go and rest with the Lord and we will meet again. Maa we love you. Mama we will miss you. Maa God be with you. Obaatanpa nyame mfa wo sie yie 14
TRIBUTE BY DAUGHTER & SONS IN-LAW Maa you took us in as if we were your biological children and treated us as such. Your popular refrain was “we are one family”. Your children are a reflection of you. Their drive, determination and love for God will forever remind us of you. Your grandchildren; they represent you well and they were all nurtured in various ways by your motherly touch and classy demeanor. Maa your legacy will remain with our families for generations to come. We will not let your memories fade…no! And…although we mourn today because we miss you so much, we will stand tall tomorrow, our heads held high and forever celebrate the seeds of togetherness and love that you gifted us. You influenced our lives in ways too numerous to relate. Your advice, your thoughtfulness, your political persuasion, your stories from Tamale, Ho and Koforidua are memories that would stay with us throughout our lives. As fate would have it Maa you did not live very long to share some more happy times with us. What a world! But such is life. As Shakespeare warned us “the world is a stage….” Each one of us has come to play his or her part and go away. Maa you played your part! As Paul strongly expounds in 1 Corinthians 15 v 12-20 about the resurrection and life after death we know that although you are not physically present you abide with our maker. Maa no eulogy can do justice to your true monument, rather it will be found in the mark of your personality that will rest heavily upon us in our fears and hopes. Da yie Maa
15
TRIBUTE BY GRANDCHILDREN Grandma, on behalf of all your grandchildren, I want to let you know that we love you very much. I didn’t get to see you as often as our cousins in Ghana, but anytime you came around, you made us feel very special. You and grandpa always filled our piggy jars with money on our birthdays and you also tried to teach us to speak Twi. I enjoyed coming into your room early in the morning to play with my toys. Sometimes I could tell you were really tired and wanted to sleep, but you never sent us away. You always brought us nice gifts from Ghana. The last time you were in Chicago with us, you stayed home with me to cheer me up when I was sick and made me a nice meal. I don’t quite remember, but Papa tells me that when we were babies you used to sing us a special song whenever you wanted us to eat our food. Jo jo, jo ma Ally. Jo jo, jo ma Nathan... Grandma you helped to take care of all your grandchildren and we loved spending time with you. Thank you for giving us baths, changing our diapers and most of all loving us and believing in us. We know you are with Jesus in heaven, where there is no pain, suffering or dying, but we miss you so very much and wish you were still here with us. Love you always, 16
From Allison, Nathan, Nana Aba, Minshe, Sophie and Nii
17
18
TRIBUTE BY ST. JOHNS
METHODIST JNR CHURCH CHOIR It was with great sadness that the Junior Choir heard of the passing of one its Patrons. Mrs. Akuoko was a cheerful person and a patroness of the Junior Choir. She always had our interest at heart and bought one of our first uniforms. Whenever she travelled outside the country she brought back candy for us. In 2012, when we discussed with her and her husband that we wanted to stage a classical concert, being a lover of classical music, especially Handel’s Messiah, she readily purchased Haydn’s Creation, Handel’s Messiah and Coronation Anthems handbooks enabling us to enhance our knowledge in classical pieces. Like the hymnist said in MHB 914 God be with you till we meet again. Mama Caro da yie.
19
TRIBUTE FROM THE RIDGE CHAPTER OF THE FULL GOSPEL BUSINESSMEN’S FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL
If there is one virtue we have learnt from your life and times, it is bravery in times of distress and great danger; bravery damning all the odds; bravery to the point of death, veritable bravery. You were bravery personified.
“When peace like a river attendeth my soul, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my Lord, thou hast thought me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Hmmm, death has stolen from us our precious jewel, which we can never replace. Our umbrella has been blown away by a mighty wind, leaving us in the rain.Job 14:13 – 15 As one of the earliest members of the Ridge Chapter, you supported your husband to champion the cause of the Fellowship. As a LIFE member of the Fellowship, you also played useful roles although at the background when the family hosted members to Saturday prayer meetings in your home at Tantra Hills. How can we forget the usual sponsorships that you and Daddy made each time that we had an Outreach programme? You were also very particular about the Prayer and Counselling Team of the Fellowship. Life like mist, appears for just a day, then disappears tomorrow. All that we are can quickly fade away, replaced with tears of sorrow. If a man should die, can he live again? Hear the promise God has made. He will call, the dead will answer; they shall live at his command. For he will have a longing for the work of his own hand. So have faith Daddy and do not wonder, for our God can make us stand and we shall live forever as the work of his hand.
20
MRS. COMFORT POKU OWUSU To my lovely “Akumaa”
I can shed tears that you are gone or I can smile because you lived. I can close my eyes and pray that you will come back, or I can open my eyes and see all that you have left behind. I can turn my back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or I can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. I will choose the later and be happy for tomorrow because you were a part of my yesterday. I keep thinking you are just a phone call away. I will miss your infectious smile and giggles. Indeed, the world is a stage on which every actor plays their part and exits to be seen no more. You played your part as a beautiful hard working woman, a supportive wife, a good mother and a doting grandmother. Akumaa! You are gone but not forgotten. We will cherish our fond memories of you forever and you will live on, where it matters most, our hearts. Rest in perfect peace. Nante yie, Akumaa Dofo. Yesu nfa wo nsie.
MARTIN ASAMOAH-MANU
Jesus said “I am the resurrection and life, he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live” John 11:25 AUNTY CARO, as she was affectionately called by many, was called by me (Martin Asamoah-manu) as “ye yere broni”. You became a member of “our” family when our “abusuapayin” Kwabena Akuoko married you in the year 1970. Since then you have endeared yourself to us. Aunty Caro, your love and tender care coupled with good moral training and your pleasant smiling disposition made your home very welcoming to all of us (nuclear and external). We shall miss you very dearly. The “vacuum“your “departure” has created…… Please say “Hello” to Sister Judith Hamah, Prof. Ebenezer Asibey-Berko, Dr. Isaac Allotey, Dr. Sam Adjei, Brother Kwaku Asare, Sister Sarah Oppong and a host of brothers and sisters who have gone ahead of you. With our brother Kwabena Akuoko, your children and grandchildren we sing for you MHP 524 verse 1 “In heavenly love abiding...” Sister Caro, we believe that you lived your life in Christ while on earth and so we have no doubt you enjoy the reward of eternity in Abraham’s bosom. Sister Aba, we shall meet in due course on the other side of the heavenly shore. 21
TRIBUTE BY FRIENDS SUSIAN ASHKAR It is with a heavy heart that I pay this tribute. The devastating news of your sudden death came to me only hours after you had called me. Little did I know that it would be the last time I would be talking with you. Oh Caro, I had known…. I would have told you thank you for being here in times of trouble. Thank you for your listening ear and good advice. Thank you for all the special times we have shared for the past 30 plus years. Your life was so gentle. A good wife, mother, grandmother and friend. While I cannot believe you are truly gone, in my shock and heartache, I am comforted and consoled by the rich memories we have shared. Who am I to challenge the authority of the almighty? Ps 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”. I will surely miss you. May the good Lord collect all the tears shed in your honor, may these tears become a gushing prayer fountain and may this prayer fountain purify your soul as you meet your creator. We will certainly meet again in that joyful place. Where tears have no place. You will never be forgotten my dear friend. Until we meet again in the bosom of our Lord, fare thee well my dear Caro. Ohemaa Caro - Rest in perfect peace.
MRS STELLA APPENTENG AND CHILDREN “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom” Ps 90:12 I can proudly and thankfully say we enjoyed a deep friendship over 30 years. Not only was Caroline a friend indeed, she extended her love to the whole family. Friendship that stood the test of time. Stayed fresh and was beautiful! Always ready with a smile. That is what we remember. Your bright genuine smile. Your great advice. Your genuine care for your friends. Your care and complete support at crucial times when we were overwhelmed. Caro- you will be sorely missed. The family who know you as a second mum will feel a great loss. The Lord is lucky to have such a beautiful angel there with him and Sammy- your great buddy- will have his friend. Damirifa du3 my dear friend. Rest in perfect peace. 22
MRS. GLADYS KWAYIE Now the labourer’s task is o’er. Now, the battle-day is past...” - MHB 976 Out of the blue on the morning of February 8, 2016, around 8am my husband received a telephone call from Kwabena announcing the sad news that Aba had passed away. In a mood of disbelief my husband shouted back at Kwabena for a repeat of the message to make sure he heard it correctly. Replying Kwabena in a choked melancholy voice only said: I am at this moment speaking from Korle-Bu Mortuary. That then said it all; the unexpected had happened, Aba had in reality passed away. It was a big shock because we had talked on the phone quite recently and she had indicated that she would sooner or later come over for a visit. Writing a tribute for you, Aba, in the circumstances of your sudden death is a very difficult and emotional task as you were another important woman in our lives. We met way back in 1969 when we were the “girl-friends” to our husbands, two young engineers of Valco and ECG who were and are still very good friends. You were a teacher at Oyoko, Koforidua whist I was working at the then Accra Kingsway Post Office. We shared many happy moments together with these young men and their friends, attending several social and other events at weekends. We later met in London and I invited you to move over to my flat when Kwabena who had completed an ECG Training Programme in the UK was returning home and you had to stay for a while in the UK. The reunion further deepened our relationship, making us know our families back in Ghana more intimately. Back home with the support of our husbands and their friends, our relationship continued to blossom even as you were away with Kwabena on his numerous transfers outside Accra and Tema. Back from the transfers to Accra we both opened shops next to each other in the same premises in the centre of Accra. Aba, you were a good companion, and, in addition to your husband and children, I can say you are leaving behind numerous loving relatives and friends. The wellbeing of your husband and children were your passion and delight as I often noted and did not hesitate to admirably point out to you, though you often shied away from it. Your departure is certainly heartbreaking for us and the nuclear family members. In Revelation 21: 4 we read: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pains, for the former things have passed away”. May you, Aba, one day experience these merciful works of love from your Maker; and may they also help to bring strength to you Kwabena, Nana, Kwaku, Afua and Maame, and all friends and relatives. Rest in Peace Aba
23
VERY REV. MBEAH-BAIDEN AND FAMILY “Now praise we great and famous men...” - MHB 896 vrs 1-3) Genesis 27:2 states that Isaac in his old age told Esau, “I am old; I do not know the day of my death”. Indeed, no one knows the day of his or her death. The shocking news of the demise of Mrs. Caroline Akuoko (affectionately called by my family and I as Mama Caro) was broken to us on Monday, 8th February, 2016 at about 10:00am, whilst Osofomaame was about to reload her phone with credit to enable her to call Maa Caro, for she had not spoken to her for sometime after the Christmas holidays. To our surprise and rather coincidentally, Christian came out from his room with his phone, saying that Paa Kwesi just called him from Accra to break a sad news. Apparently, Paa Kwesi had tried to reach me and Osofomaame but was not successful, that was why he called Christian. The sad news was that Maa Caro was dead. With hasty curiosity, I exclaimed, What? Unbelievable! Maa Caro is dead? For what reason? For a moment we were all dumb founded, it suddenly dawn on us that a mighty pillar had fallen. Osofomaame then broke into tears uncontrollably, while I also sobbed gently. A mother, an aunt and a big sister is gone, a fact we are still finding difficult to accept. We wondered why it happened this way; we went deep down into ourselves to seek explanation only to conclude that may be, just may be the owner of her soul says it is time for her to come home; and if that is so who are we to question God? In the year 2006, January 19th to be precise, it was Monday, when I first met Daddy Akuoko as the steward of St. John Methodist Church, Tantra Hill. After telling him of my background and that my wife comes from Apam, he laughed and also told me his wife Mama Caro was also from Apam. (Mama Caro had then travelled abroad). On her return to Ghana, she visited us at the mission house with Dada Akuoko to know more about the Osofomaame who comes from Apam. To our surprise, we found out that they were all from Mamfam Nsuekyir (a suburb of Apam) and their family houses were very close to each other. Osofomaame and the siblings used to buy fried plantain and beans from a woman called Nyanyewah in Maa Caro’s family house when they were kids. Maa Caro, from that day on took Osofo Maame as her younger sister and got her involved in everything concerning the Akuoko family. Maa Caro, we the Mbeah-Baiden family have decided to celebrate your worth today, instead of mourning you. Mama Caro would do anything for you, especially when she returns from her travels abroad; and also during Christmas and other special occasions, every member of the family would get his or her parcel. When it became necessary for us to move out of Accra to Koforidua, due to transfer, the family was 24
contemplating on looking for an accommodation to house Paa Kwesi and Nana Eyiah who were still worshipping at St. John due to Paa Kwesi’s employment and Nana Eyiah’s schooling. Little did we know that the Akuoko family had already decided to handle that challenge by offering them accommodation. As we bid Maa Caro farewell today, our children are still living in the house. Mama Caro your home was always open to us both at Tantrah Hill here in Accra and at Apam. She ensured that the needed logistics and food were always sent ahead of us before we got to Apam, with people standing by to serve us (with the usual Apaa mbor na ngo froyee). She really cared about us and her warm smile always made us feel welcomed. There are some adjectives that we think best describe this woman we were so priviledge to know. She was frank, disciplined, very neat, gentle, welcoming, loving, giving, caring, open, faithful, mothering, supportive, thoughtful, true, kind, compassionate, genuine, gracious, dependable, encourager, warmly generous, real and a personal favorite to all who were close to her. There is one more adjective with which we could describe Maa Caro (especially within the last two years of her life) that is the word “brave”. She was brave even in the face of sickness. We remember when we visited her at Korle-Bu she was full of confidence that with God in her vessel, she would get out of the sickness. Mama Caro as we remember your legacy, may God’s comfort abound to replace our sadness with gratitude. May the good Lord bless you and keep you in His bosom till we meet again. Mama, Me nye Ebusua no nyinaa ka dε Onyame mfa wo kra nsei. Rest in perfect peace and rise in glory on the resurrection day. Amen
25
COLONEL TAKYI & MRS K.A. TAKYI AND FAMILY The passing away of Auntie Caro has suddenly become a memory and that memory has become a treasure, a treasure we will always cherish. We did not believe it, when Kwabena (Mr Stephen Akuoko) called to inform us of your passing. How? When? The beautiful, gentle and always smiling Auntie Caro has gone to be with the Lord. What a terrible loss. We have been family friends with the Akuoko family for over thirty (30) years. Our bond of friendship is so tight that we have become like one family. For all these years we could always count on the resourcefulness, kindness and God-fearing attributes of Auntie Caro. Auntie Caro was a perfect lady, unassuming and respected individual. She was a worthy sister, a wise counselor and a very humble lady. We witnessed the unflinching resolve with which she started several new projects and her relentless motivation to pursue everything she started until it resulted in success. We wish Auntie Caro had stayed a little longer, but, God knows BEST. GOD’s ways are not our ways. We believe God has taken her to a better place. We salute you and we would miss you, Auntie Caro. God keep you till we meet again.
26
ST. JOHN METHODIST CHURCH-TANTRA HILL, NEW ACHIMOTA But as for me I know that my Redeemer liveth, and at last He will stand up upon the earth: and after my skin, even this body , is destroyed, then without my flesh shall I see God. Job 19:25-26 (ASV) The late Mrs. Caroline Akuoko joined the church with the husband in the year 1989. Sister Caro as we affectionately called her belonged to the late A.A. Danfo class at C.F.C. (Dome estates). She however joined Brother Coleman’s class when her family moved from Dome to Tantra Hills.Because of her love for music, Sis. Caro joined the church choir and therefore became an active member in singing and worshiping the Lord. As a caring mother, she showed love and affection not only to her biological children but to all. This ultimately led to her being appointed as a Patron of the Junior Choir. As a Patron of the Junior Choir, she contributed in diverse ways not only for the physical wellbeing of its members but also in the development of their relationship with God. Sis. Caro was an active member of Bro. Coleman’s class; she attended, participated and contributed during bible studies and discussions. She was a humble, affable and friendly woman whose smiles were always infectious. She always believed in her Lord Jesus Christ and practically demonstrated her Christian faith which manifested in her gesture of kindness by way of extending help to many needy people in the house of the Lord. Our beloved Sister was always prepared to offer a hand of help to everyone; a typical instance is when she employed some women in her shop not for the purpose of business or profit but just to keep them busy and going. Sis. Caro was selfless, generous and kind in all aspects of her life. May God grant her the best place in heaven where eternal peace reigns supreme. Sis. Caro, Rest in Perfect Peace.
27
TRIBUTE BY WORKERS OF NOEL AGUA To many she was an icon, to others she was an inspiration, to the employees, she was our mother and mentor. It was with great shock that we learnt of the demise of our Boss, Madam, Maa, Mrs. Caroline Akuoko. We have cried and cried and cried and cried but crying hasn’t brought our beloved Madam back. We had made production plans that was going to expand the sachet water business greatly. As part of the plan you had gone ahead and bought an additional motor tricycle for distributing the water to our retailers. Everybody was motivated to begin a new phase of higher productivity in the business, only for this terrible and indescribably sad incident to happen. Maa your sudden departure has taken every one of us by surprise and has really saddened us. Madam was a very kind person who always advised and supported us in every way imaginable. She touched so many lives and that is a blessing that must not be taken lightly. She always found a way of showing us that she cared about our wellbeing. She was always in the midst of everything and that gave us the strength and motivation with which we did our work. Oh Maa now that you are gone, who is going to call me to ask if I have reached the workplace and what is going on there? Who is going to advise us on how to live our lives? Who are we going to confide in when we face difficulties? Maa, what should I tell the employees waiting to hear the instructions you have for them? We miss you so much and wish you were still here with us. We wish that God had spared you a few more years. Joseph, Evans, David, Idrissu, Robert, Richard, Gifty, Helena and I, Mary, your trusted supervisor and manger will never let go of your dreams and aspirations concerning the running of the business that you shared with us. We will ensure that it grows from strength to strength until it becomes a very big company in honour of you. You fell asleep without saying goodbye but memories of you will never die. God keep you till we meet again. Maa Caro Oyame mfa wo nsie yie, k) pim s3 y3 b3 hyia mu bio. 28
HYMNS MHB427 Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still, my heart and tongue employ. Of His deliverance I will boast, till all that are distressed From my example comfort take, and charm their griefs to rest O magnify the Lord with me, with me exalt His name; When in distress to Him I called, He to my rescue came. The hosts of God encamp around, the dwellings of the just; Deliverance He affords to all, who on His succor trust. O make but trial of His love, experience will decide How blest are they, and only they, who in His truth confide. Fear him, ye saints, and you will then, have nothing else to fear; Make you his service your delight, your wants shall be his care. MHB528 In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear. And safe in such confiding, for nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid, But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed? Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back. My Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack. His wisdom ever waking, His sight is never dim. He knows the way He’s taking, and I will walk with Him Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen. Brightskieswillsoonbeo’erme,wheredarkestcloudshavebeen.
My hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free. My Savior has my treasure, and He will walk with me MHB 503 1.God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm. 2. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill He treasures up His bright designs And works His sov’reign will. 3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head. 4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face. 5. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flow’r. 6. Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain. 29
MHB 235 I know that my Redeemer lives What joy the blest assurances gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead; His lives, my everlasting Head. He lives, to bless me with His love; He lives, to plead for me above; He lives, my hungry soul to feed; He lives, to help in time of need. He lives, and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death; He lives, my mansion to prepare; He lives, to lead me safely there He lives, all glory to His name; He lives, my Saviour, still the same; What joy the blest assurance gives, I know that my Redeemer lives! MHB818 Happy the souls to Jesus joined, And saved by grace alone, Walking in all His ways they find Their heaven on earth begun. The Church triumphant in Thy love, Their mighty joys we know; They sing the Lamb in hymns above, And we in hymns below. Thee in Thy glorious realm they praise, And bow before Thy throne, We in the kingdom of Thy grace: The kingdoms are but one. The holy to the holiest leads, 30
From thence our spirits rise, And he that in Thy statutes treads Shall meet Thee in the skies. MHB831 Give me the wings of faith to rise Within the veil, and see The saints above, how great their joys, How bright their glories be. Once they were mourning here below, And wet their couch with tears: They wrestled hard, as we do now, With sins, and doubts, and fears. I ask them whence their victory came: They, with united breath, Ascribe their conquest to the Lamb, Their triumph to His death. They marked the footsteps that He trod, His zeal inspired their breast; And following their incarnate God, Possess the promised rest. Our glorious Leader claims our praise For His own pattern given; While the long cloud of witnesses Show the same path to heaven.
MHB651 1 Hark! hark, my soul! angelic songs are swelling O’er earth’s green fields and ocean’s wave-beat shore; How sweet the truth those blessed strains are telling Of that new life when sin shall be no more! Refrain: Angels of Jesus, angels of light, Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the night! 2 Onward we go, for still we hear them singing, ‘Come, weary souls, for Jesus bids you come;’ And through the dark, its echoes sweetly ringing, The music of the Gospel leads us home. [Refrain] 3 Far, far away, like bells at evening pealing, The voice of Jesus sounds o’er land and sea, And laden souls, by thousands, meekly stealing, Kind Shepherd, turn their weary steps to thee. [Refrain] 4 Rest comes at length, though life be long and dreary, The day must dawn, and darksome night be past; Faith’s journeys end in welcome to the weary, And heaven, the heart’s true home, will come at last. [Refrain] 5 Angels, sing on, your faithful watches keeping, Sing us sweet fragments of the songs above, Till morning’s joy shall end the night of weeping, And life’s long shadows break in cloudless love. [Refrain] MHB 975 When the day of toil is done, when the race of life is run, Father, grant thy wearied one rest for evermore. When the strife of sin is stilled, when the foe within is killed,
be thy gracious word fulfilled: peace for evermore. When the darkness melts away at the breaking of the day, bid us hail the cheering ray: light for evermore. When the heart by sorrow tried, feels at length its throbs subside, bring us, where all tears are dried, joy for evermore. When for vanished days we yearn, days that never can return, teach us in thy love to learn love for evermore. When the breath of life is flown, when the grace must claim its own, Lord of life, be ours thy crown, life for evermore. CAN 324 Da yie, dofo fonafo We dwuma abo adze Ahomgyepa, siar mbordo Nadew mapa nye wodze Refrain Da yie, da yie Nyame mfa wonsie Adzesaa ahye, da yie Nyinsu bosam kwantunyi Hom fi yaw na suro nsa Hom mbre wu na mbusu nyi W’ akwantu ber no asa Refrain
31
APPRECIATION
The entire family, Husband and Children of the late Mrs. Caroline May Akuoko (Nee Enchill) wish to express their sincerest gratitude for your expression of sympathy, concern, support and prayers during this time. We are encouraged and blessed to know that she will be in the company of our Lord. May God bless you.
32