Papa was a shepherd to us. He loved us. We loved him. He was humble. He did not seek earthly fame or fortune. Papa taught by example to not only forgive, but also, forget. He never missed an opportunity to say a word for Jesus. Sometimes we’d all be gathered for lunch in the mission fellowship hall, but Papa would still be in the sanctuary visiting with an attendee about their soul’s salvation. I have a picture in my mind of a gathering in a park and seeing Papa in the distance praying with someone.
No one encouraged us so much during Laurence’s illness in 2020 as Papa did. He called almost daily. Papa was a prayer warrior. I believe his prayers for us and many others continued right until the time of his passing.
No place was the fellowship sweeter than in the small, basic apartment where Papa lived in Poughkeepsie. A special memory is the time Laurence and I took a Thanksgiving meal there. We shared it together – just the three of us. Papa liked nothing better than getting together with his dear people for a picnic, a school program, or some other social gathering. The week before he passed, some of us went to Poughkeepsie for Nigerian food at the community building. When I greeted Papa that evening, I took note of his joyful countenance. I felt so blessed to be sitting across from where he ate fufu and agusi soup. Little did I know that it would be our final gathering.
I have fond memories of noisy school lunch table gatherings with Papa, the teacher couple, the schoolchildren, and little George in the mission house. I am glad I heard Papa preach at the naming ceremony for Reuben’s newborn baby. I like to reflect on the Christmas gathering when the Akinyombo family and the Benns crowded into our living room. I remember Papa staying at our place during one set of revivals. I’m thankful to have witnessed Papa baptizing his grandchildren at the mission in the city. A special memory will be the shared communions with Papa as a minister, handing out the bread or the grape juice along with saying the words of our Lord.
Papa will not be waiting for us when we worship in Poughkeepsie. He has shown us the way Home. Our next meeting will be a heavenly one.
We miss him so much. Berniece 10/15/2026
