Officiating Ministers: Rev. Gabriel Sekyi-Yorke Rev. Dr. Nii Amoo Darku Rev. Yaw Ofori Rev. George Osei Mintah Rev. Te�eh Annor Larbi Pastor Kofi Annan Pastor Kojo Oduro Acheampong Pastor Benjamin Amoah In Attendance PART 3 | At The Graveside. Heaven's Gate Choir PART 1 7:00-8:00 AM - Filing Past - Tributes PART 2 8:00-10:00 AM - Burial Service 1. Call to Worship/Opening Prayer 2. Opening Hymn: Love Divine, All loves Excelling 3. Praise/Worship 4. Scripture Readings Psalm 90, 1-12 (David Korboe) 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (Dr Mrs Ellen Hagan) 5. Hymn: Blessed Assurance 6. Biography (Mrs Beatrice Baah-Nuako) Tributes- Children (Mavis Osei) - Church 7. Song - Morning Has Broken 8. Sermon 9. Prayer for the Family 10. Offertory 10. Announcements 11. Closing Hymn Great is thy faithfulness 12. Closing Prayer/Benedic�on 1. Opening Prayer 2. Hymn: Ɔhɔho ne Mamfrani 3. Short Exhorta�on 4. Hymn: It is Well with my Soul 5. Commi�al 6. Laying of Wreaths
Edith was respected and loved by all: neighbours, friends and family for her gentleness and for her quiet but humorous, peace-loving nature. Edith poured her love, kindness and generosity into her children and grandchildren and those who cared for her, un�l the early hours of 18 August, passing in her sleep a�er a few days’ illness.
A�er Wesley College, Edith and Kwame got married and they had their first child, Mavis. In 1962 Kwame le� to study in the UK and in 1965, Edith went to join him in Oxford where their son Anthony (of dear memory) was born in Oxford in 1969. While in the UK, Edith learned dressmaking in which she was very skilled, and she also prac�sed nursing.
Yet throughout, Edith remained steadfast in her faith and a staunch member of her church
From 1958/59 Edith a�ended Wesley College, Kumasi. Her lifelong friends from Wesley College days remember her as hardworking, neat and �dy, a lady. She had a very good singing voice and joined the Wesley College Choir. Her love of singing, in par�cular of Presbyterian hymns, stayed with her through her whole life.
Mavis and Anthony and subsequently their children too. A�er her husband passed away, she met and later welcomed into her home, Kwame, her stepson, who became a son to her �ll her days’ end.
BIOGRAPHY
The family returned to Ghana in October 1974 and Edith returned to teaching before eventually re�ring. In the la�er years Edith faced major setbacks in her health and in loss, as first her husband, then her dear son Anthony passed away suddenly.
Edith completed her Cert. B teacher training at Offinso, a�er which she taught in Nsuta. While in Offinso, she met her future husband, Hammond Kwame Osei, also a teacher.
Edith Doris Osei was born on 4 September 1935 in Kumasi to Mr Lawrence Mintah of Worawora and Ellen Sebe (Akosua Akyiaa) of Sepe Tinponmu. Edith grew up as the fourth of five sisters in Aburi, where her father was a land surveyor.
May our sister’s, mother’s, friend’s gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
We are our Mother's garden, We are her legacy. And I hope today she feels the love, Reflected back from me (Anon)
truth in the stories I told him. He would start with “Mummy, you know you never lie …“, and she would gently smile.
But not too much, she knew we'd need To stand up strong and tough. Her constant good example, Always taught right from wrong; Markers for our pathway To last our whole life long.
And there are the constant images: of Mummy the peacemaker, Mummy the sharing, generous person who loved “beauuu�ful” things, of a grateful Mummy who would always say “Thaaank you” in her typical individual manner, whether in response to a big gi� or the �niest favour or meat pie or the omnipresent Cream Crackers.
Our Mother kept a garden. A garden of the heart; She planted all the good things, That gave life its start. She turned us to the sunshine, And encouraged us to dream: Fostering and nurturing The seeds of self-esteem.
Mummy, rest in a true perfect peace, and rise in glory to a heavenly reunion, where we have the faith that “We will be with the Lord forever”! 1 Thessalonians 4:17
What a privilege to have had my mother in my life for over six decades. This must be a general statement that is true for anyone. It is an excep�onal privilege for me. Mummy has been a supreme example of love outpoured, of respect given and received, of courage and Chris�an faithfulness in the face of adversity, and the embodiment of a caring generosity, friendship, strong values and self-sacrifice.
And when the winds and rains came, She protected us enough;
Mummy had a strong, individual rela�onship with her Maker which she demonstrated throughout and engendered in us. Through all things Mummy sang praises in her sweet singing voice, and always, always trusted the Lord. And He carried her through, for nearly 87 years.
Mummy was an educator. She taught us to strive for the highest standards, to the best schools. And for this we are eternally grateful. Mummy met everyone as an individual encouraging the best of us, expec�ng the best of us, without ever comparing among us, and without restric�on. She was my first role model of a feminist. I am what I am because of her example and exhorta�ons.
For those who met her later in her life when illness may have blurred some aspects, I share images of Mummy that flash through my mind. Of a youthful, enthusias�c heart – regardless of her actual age. Of a girl who ran hurdles! Of a Mummy who made regular train journeys for work and, upon her return, had stories to tell about those she had met, told with compassion and humour; of a Mummy who welcomed many into our home in their �me of need, of a truthful MummyAnthony would always run to her to verify the
Tribute from the CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN
Andreas (grandchild)
Just like with Uncle Anthony I have three words that describe my lovely grandma. Gentle, Strong Willed and Loving. The �me I have spent with her has always been filled with an unques�onable love and affec�on. She was always so� spoken and very gentle and a calming presence in the room. Strong willed regarding not le�ng age define her. The way she could move around when she wanted to and with such grace and ease. The �mes I have visited I was always met with a loving smile and happiness and with good wishes and blessings when not in Ghana. The caring and warm person ality that my mother possesses has come from you and I hope to carry on a frac�on of that family tradi�on. Thank you for everything. You are and will be dearly missed.
TRIBUTE FROM THE CHURCH TRIBUTE FROM THE IN-LAWS: FAMILY
ROMANS 14 : 8-9
"IF WE LIVE, WE LIVE FOR THE LORD AND IF WE DIE, WE DIE FOR THE LORD. SO WHETHER WE LIVE OR DIE, WE BELONG TO THE LORD. THIS IS WHY CHRIST DIED AND LIVED AGAIN TO ESTABLISH HIS LORDSHIP OVER BOTH DEAD AND LIVING."
She was a woman with few words, yet she demonstrated her faith and commitment to The Lord Jesus Christ and the Church in a very commendable way.
She was at every church worship service both on Sundays and weekdays. She did not just a�end but was very punctual. She also joined the Women Missionary Union (Women Fellowship) of the church and there also she exhibited her sterling faith and commitment. She enjoyed the fellowship so much that when she fell sick, she would send a message to the fellowship and ask that they should visit her.
A�er some �me, it was clear that Aunty Edith would not be able to come to the church worship services and other ac�vi�es. The Church therefore visited and celebrated the Lord's Supper with her from �me to �me. Aunty Edith will be affec�onately remembered by her exemplary faith and commitment to God and the Church.
As she aged, she became slow and couldn't a�end regularly.
Sister Edith, Rest well in the bosom of your Lord, �ll we meet again. Rest in Perfect Peace.
2 Corinthians 5:1
On behalf of the family of the widower, Mr Hammond Kwame Osei of blessed memory, we pay this humble tribute to the memory of our dear in - law Mrs Edith Osei whose mortal remain lies before us. The family thank the good lord for the life of Edith More than half a century she became one flesh and blood.
Edith was an epitome of all that was expected of a true follower of Christ. She was polite, affable and respec�ul to the core. We your in-laws believe that by your death you've moved closer to Christ. Fare thee well, Edith, We take consolida�on in the belief that A precious thing in the Lord's sight is the death of those who are loyal to him. Psalm 116 : 15 Edith, you fit the bill. Fare thee well, Edith, rest in the bosom of the Lord �ll we meet again on the day of resurrec�on. Requiescat in pace "yen dofo pa."
Sister Edith Osei joined Bethel Bap�st Church, South Odorkor in the year 1993.
For we know that if our earthly house, [this] tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
I first met Mummy in 2005 who Kwabena loved very much. Naturally, I loved her too very much. She had a great sense of humour and was not afraid to tell you if she didn’t like what you were
Mama (daughter-in-law)
Mummy was always very calm and peaceful and loved to chat when you catch her at the right �me. She loved clothes and loved to dress up. In the last few years it became more and more difficult to communicate because of the deep sadness of our mutual loss of Kwabena. Mummy, May you rest in perfect peace and say Hi to Kwabena. We give thanks to the Lord for a good and long life.
She liked children a lot and was very kind to them. Even children on the TV made her happy. She made us happy with her singing. She always said thank you. She praised our cooking but also was honest when she didn’t enjoy it so much. It was my dream to sew a nice “slit and kaba” for Grandma when I finish learning to sew. I wanted to make something nice for her because she knew how to sew too. But Grandma didn’t wait. Grandma, you are special, and we love you very much. We cannot hope to ever meet one like you again.
CARERSTRIBUTE FROM THE IN-LAWS:
Grandma was always kind. She always offered food to anyone who was visi�ng. And if you want anything, especially to eat, Grandma always said “oh, of course. I have told you that I cannot eat it all alone.”
Mrs. Edith Osei, my mother-in-law, who welcomed me as a newcomer into the Osei family in 1995, will stay with me forever. Her warmth, hospitality, her grounded common-sense, and her cheerfulness and resilience in the face of adversity, is an example to us all.
Henrik Hagen Olesen (son-in-law)
In their genera�on, it was accepted that a woman should sit back and let the man of the house take decisions about the home and children. I learnt from Mum’s example that we can play our role as the mother of the house and protect our brood by being part of the decisions concerning them.
Mum has been Mum, my constant in many ways. I have learnt a lot from her – how to love uncondi�onally, how to appreciate the li�le things in life, how to be resilient in the face of trouble and tragedy, and some! She was sold out on God and by her very life demonstrated that “those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will never be placed in a posi�on for which He has not made provision... whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend”
We celebrate a mother, a soldier in the Lord who has finished her race and is awai�ng her crown.
Ayeekoo- Obaatan pa! Nyame mfa wonsie.
Eulogy by Ellen
She was a good conversa�onalist and if you had the �me, she would give you a vivid account of all that took place in your absence. She loved to dress up and was generous with her compliments where I was concerned. Whenever I visited, she would take one look at me and say something endearing to upli� my spirit.
“But, Lord, ’�s for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul. It is well, it is well, with my soul”.
“When our days are dark and when we bid farewells to our loved ones, our parting need not be forever. For, there’s going to be a joyful reunion on the glorious resurrection morning. Goodnight shouldn’t be goodbye, for there’ll be a good morning. MORNING, not mourning!”Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
my children.
Mum had a sweet tooth. She loved her cakes and, more especially, a par�cular brand of Cream Crackers. If you forgot to send her beloved Cream Crackers, she would be sure to remind you the next �me you had a chat with her.
It was an interes�ng experience when with �me, the baton was changed from Mum being the care giver to the children being the ones to take decisions about her welfare and care. That is also a lesson and a picture drawn of what to look forward to in my older age and follow her
TRIBUTE FROM FAMILY FRIENDS
Lina Boateng (Lifelong friend)
Edith Osei was a very close friend of mine, we met at Wesley College, Kumasi in 1958. Later both of us met in the U.K. She in Oxford and I in London and were visi�ng each other regularly. Our daughters, Evelyn and Mavis were brides maids to a couple at Ba�ersea. We all came back to Ghana, we in 1973 and they in 1974. We con�nued our friendship. Even when she became ill, I would s�ll visit her. About 3 weeks before her demise, on a Sunday, I was wai�ng for a rela�ve to pick me up so I could visit her, but alas her car was involved in a minor accident so our visit couldn't come on, I missed seeing my beloved friend again. Abena, rest from your labours, rest in perfect peace.
Doreen
When I think of Aun�e Edith, the words that come to me are warm and welcoming. She was always that to me. She was very invi�ng, and we would chat whenever we had occasion. She seemed to enjoy our brief ou�ngs though they were not as o�en as I would have liked. We would chat whenever we could. I will miss those �mes. I will miss your gentle voice. You loved mangoes! I will miss fussing over you and pray those �mes brought you joy. I will miss you Rest in peace Aun�e
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
2 Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into ev’ry troubled breast. Let us all in thee inherit, let us find the promised rest. Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be. End of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
1 Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heav’n, to earth come down, fix in us thy humble dwelling, all thy faithful mercies crown. Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art. Visit us with thy salva�on; enter ev'ry trembling heart.
4 Finish, then, thy new crea�on; true and spotless let us be.
Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
GreatRefrain:is thy faithfulness!
1. Ɔhɔho ne mamfrani na meyɛ wɔ fam ha. M’asase mmɛn ha baabi, minni fi pa wɔ ha. Ɔhaw, ɔbrɛ, amane na yɛde tu ha kwan; n’ɔsoro hɔ na Nyame bɛma mahome sann.
2. So mamfi me mmofraase manhyia haw ne brɛ, ahoguan ne amane, ɔko ne ɔpere?
Great is Thy faithfulness
5. Ɛnde meremia so makodu kwan n’ase. Nea sesɛɛ masoɛ yi, ɛnyɛ me fi no nen. Onyankopɔn kuro no, soro Yerusalem, hann ne ɔdɔ kuro no, m’ahotɔ fi no nen!
7. Ɛhɔ namɛtena daapem, menyɛ hɔho bio. Me ne w’ahotew mma no bɛtena daa homem hɔ. M’ani bɔpa akwantum ɔhaw ne brɛ no so; me yaw bɛka akyiri; me ho benya atɔ.
(G. Werner 1589-1643 Trans. Theofilus Hermann Opoku, 1842-1913)
Let us see thy great salva�on perfectly restored in thee.
3 Come, Almighty, to deliver, let us all thy life receive. Suddenly return, and never, nevermore they temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above, pray, and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.
4. Kae Abraham akwantu, na kae ne nhyira bi! Ɔhɔho ne mamfrani, na sua no yɛ bi Atamfo no, di wɔn so, amane no fa mu! Ɔsraani pa nokwafo bedi nkonim dabaa.
2 Summer and winter and spring�me and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
HYMNS
Changed from glory into glory, �ll in heav’n we take our place, �ll we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.
[Refrain]
(Charles Wesley)
3 Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain] (Thomas Chisholm)
Mannya nea me kɔn dɔ, m’ani anwie gye; en� mema m’anan so na mentena ha menkyɛ
6. Ɛhɔ na m’ani gyina, ‘hɔ tena na meregye. Awurade, bra begya me, na minhu kwan yiye! Bra bɛma m’anw’ramanbɔ na me brɛ dɔm to ntwa! Bɛfa me ha brɛ kwan so konya hɔ anika.
3. Ɛha amane kwan no, bebree adi so kan; Onyame adiyifo, ne ne man mu mpanyin. Boasetɔ ne gyidi na wɔde tuu wɔn kwan; na wɔn akyi na medi wɔ nkwa ne wu nyinaam.
Ɔhɔho ne Mamfrani
1 Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
2 Perfect communion, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight. Angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
3 My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! my sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more; praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
3 Perfect submission, all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and bless’d, watching and wai�ng, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine
Refrain (Horatio Gates Spafford)
1 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salva�on, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain
(Fanny Crosby)
1 When peace like a river a�endeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul." Refrain (may be sung a�er final stanza only): It is well with my soul; it is well, it is well with my soul.
[Refrain]
2 Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control: that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed his own blood for my soul.
4 O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be thesight,clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound and the Lord shall evendescend;so,it is well with my soul.
Refrain
It is Well With My Soul
[Refrain]
