By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo
Bishop of Christ Ascension Church Onitsha District Anambra State, Rev Dr DC Ochonma on Saturday led other dignitaries to grace the burial of the late Deaconess Paulina Onyekwe in Aguleri.
The remains of the late Deaconess proceeded in ambulance from Aguleri Junction to Igboezunu Aguleri where her father's family members received her. The corpse was subsequently moved down to Ameze Otuocha Aguleri for lying in state ceremony and intermet.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Onitsha Diocese of Christ Ascension, Rt. Rev’d Ochonma, who took his text from the Book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 1 verse 2, stressed the need for everyone to live an impactful life in view of the inevitability of death. He urged the congregation to always take a cue form the lives of people who lived exemplary lives.
The Clergy affirmed that nobody brought anything into the world and nobody will take anything back, hence, he urged everyone to live in the fear of God and serve in the purpose of God for their lives.
Rev’d Ochonma who urged the children of the late Deaconess to emulate their Mother’s selfless service to the Church and community, also prayed for the children.
The priest in an interview with newsmen shortly after the funeral service held at Eri Primary school field Otuocha Aguleri described the late Deaconess as a loyal servant of God and a nurse who gave her life to humanity.
The deceased’s eldest son, Evangelist Onyeka Onyekwe, thanked God for the impact his late mother made in her Church and in the lives of the people of the state as a nurse. He also expressed the appreciation of the family to the friends for their love and support for the late Deaconess.
Members of the Festac Secretariat Association, Aba Traders Association, Aguleri National Youths Association, Town Union and several prominent politicians, bankers and heads of institutions also attended the burial ceremony.
The late Deaconess who spent most of her life with the late husband in Nsukka Enugu State died at the age of 74 years.