Grandma J was the epitome of elegance, grace and poise. I loved watching her carry herself confidently, she taught us to be bold. I always looked forward to the long holidays because my siblings and I knew we were spending it with grandma and our cousins. It was evident that her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy, she took great care of us all. Grandma always made sure we have morning and evening prayers everyday, not just as routine, but to build our faith; no wonder whenever we did something wrong, we would pray to God and ask Him to tell her to forgive us. I thank God I was able to do my bit for her when she became frail, I became her “bodyguard” as she would always call on me to support her when she needed to move around "you are big and well built, I trust you to carry me, you won't let me fall" she would say. It always humbled me whenever I had to support her or be her source of mobility, just the way she was mine as a baby. Grandma lived a beautiful and fulfilling life, I would like to remember her warmth, kindness and love. I will miss her teasing me and telling me how strong I am. Rest well Grandma, Your Jedidiah.

I love you grandma, I miss you so much, thank you for everything I appreciate you now and forever. You would always defend me and fashion choices, telling me stories of how fashionable and expressive you were when you were young with pictoral evidence, I like to think I was cut from the same fabric as you because of that. Holidays at your house with my siblings and cousins were the best. My sister says my stew tastes just like your Sunday stew which we always relished, I'm glad you had a taste of it and approved. You were a bright light in our lives, I'm glad we were all able to gather to sing some of your favourite hymns as the time drew closer. We, the grandchildren reminisced our childhood and how fond we were of you and you of us. You had a soft spot for my husband and gave him special recognition, you always remembered him, despite having known him a short while, you would always say "you fine o" "I go steal you from you wife now" and we would all laugh. Telling my little children of your passing and explaining what it meant was humbling for me, Milan had questions for days. I am glad he met you and loved you. Grandma J you pampered our kids, your great grandchildren and defended them as well despite being frail, you always wanted them around even when they bothered you. I'm sad I will never get to see you again, your beautiful smile and poise. Your memories will be evergreen in my heart and I will always take from the lessons you taught me and make you proud. Rest well in the blossom of your maker, till we meet again Grandma. Ayooluwade Smith Your "fashionista" Granddaughter

Grandma, our precious jewel that money cannot buy, you were a gem indeed and worth your weight in gold. In my early years spending my holidays with you and Grandpa J, I felt the love and affection so deep; I always looked forward to every holiday or when you would come around to visit us in Abeokuta. As I grew older, having more siblings and cousins, I saw your love multiply. It was more than enough to go round. Grandma's house holds most of my fondest childhood memories, it was full of warmth, love, joy, happiness, laughter, stories and plenty food that even when we cried over silly things it didn't matter. From the gallery of pictures on the wall, to the well placed pieces of decor, delicious, nutritious meals and endless treats (we all loved Grandma's transparent container of biscuits), whether we were good or naughty and didn't deserve any, we were rest assured we would have our share. You taught me how to be responsible and accountable. Our conversations over tea, or when I'm painting your nails with pink nail polish, especially during my service year when I had you all to myself. I treasure now more than ever those times, I am grateful for all the lessons, the teachings and discipline. You taught us devotion to prayer, taking us to mass with you and ensuring we all said a word of prayer in the mornings and at night no matter our number and age, we were never too young to pray. You were present for virtually all my milestones; from my first day of boarding school, to my graduation, you always showed up for me. You had the best gifts to give, you never expected anything return, all you wanted was for us to be good and make you proud. I am glad I did, we all did, and to the glory of God, I met all your "demands" Grandma J, I will smile more now, your smile was ever so beautiful and it was always the perfect finish to your already admirable looks. I am glad to have encountered you in this life, proud to be a part of your legacy, proud to be your first granddaughter, it has always felt like the best title in the world. I know you are no longer with us on this side, I miss you sorely and I really tried to put these words together to prove I am not in denial of your passing, I still ask my mum "how is Grandma J?" I never knew it would be a great challenge to put pen to paper. You ran your race, you fulfilled God's purpose; you were fruitful and multiplied and saw your children's, children's children, what a life Grandma, and a beautiful one at that. You finished well, drew your last breath, God showed us indeed He takes and He gives, as I birthed your sixth great-grandchild hours after your passing, it will always be a surreal experience for me, I like to say, you left me with a gift. Thank you Grandma, I love you, till we meet again. Rest well my dearest Grandma J, -Opeoluwayemi Somolu "Oppy Jojo"