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By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
The body of late Mrs. Dorcas Ekobodo Johnkey who died at the ripe age of 105 has been laid to rest and buried in grand style.
The funeral service started on May 30, 2019 with a service of songs at her husband’s compound at Egbo quarters, and church service at St. John Anglican Church Egbo – Uwheru, officiated by Venerable Dr Robinson Orhuerakpor Arhawho, Venerable A.O Diadenaru, Reverend M.O. Aruoren, Reverend A. Egbonodje and Reverend M.O. Okpidama.
Late Dorcas Johnkey was born in the year 1913 to the families of late Mr Ofrogun of Owarovwo Community and late Mr Igbiriavwe of Agadama Community, both of Ughelli North Local Government Area. She was the eldest child of her parents, while her two siblings are Obukedegwe Ugeh and Mrs. Uje Robert.
Due to the early death of her parents she was unable to attend primary school, which led to her early marriage to late Mr Jonkey Eruvwene of Egbo and the marriage was blessed with seven children, fifty – two grandchildren and twenty-seven great grandchildren.
Due to mama’s lack of education she went into farming, which is the main occupation of the agrarian community, and became a successful farmer who later travelled to the Northern and Western parts of Nigeria, and following the demise of her husband in 1990 she returned to Uwheru.
She was a devout Christian and a bonafide member of St John’s Anglican Church Egbo –Uwheru. She was baptized and became an active member of women’s Guild and was very generous to everyone in the community.
In their various tributes, Sunday Johnkey and Daniel Jonkey all described her as a hardworking, loving and prayerful mother who was always after the progress and life of her children. They cannot quantify the benefits they got from her and were very happy that she died at a very ripe age, which is why her burial was christened ‘Celebration of life.’
Also speaking to our correspondent, Mr Tony Erekata said his aunt deserved a befitting burial and that was why he joined hands with the children to ensure that guests and visitors were well taken care of, adding that well-wishers from every parts of the country responded to their invitation.
He said the burial had not ended as his friends in the diaspora who could not attend will also play their part later. He stressed that the invitation of a traditional musician and orators were to add pep and dignity to the burial of his late aunty who passed on at a very celebrating age.
Those present at the burial include, Chief (Barr) Tony Idudu, Chief Moses Ebuebo, Simon Enibe, Godspower Oruware, Olorogun Aherhoke Amos Okioma, CSP Benjamin Igometi, chief Jonn Oghoro, Odion of Egbo, Chief Andrew Abiri , Olorogun Charles Oruru , Shadrack Ubuluku and Abiri among others
