The remains of Ezinne Ahuruchi Okorie, a revered community matriarch and mother of Hon. Lady Blessing Uwaoma Nwokonneya, have been laid to rest in her husband’s compound at Ndi Ojimmadu, Akaekwo Amamba, Uzuakoli, Abia State. The solemn burial ceremony was marked by prayers, heartfelt tributes and moments of quiet reflection on a life defined by faith, service and compassion.
The burial rites attracted family members, church leaders, political office holders, traditional rulers and well wishers from across Abia State and beyond, reflecting the far-reaching impact of a woman fondly remembered for her integrity, humility and peace-loving disposition.
Delivering the funeral sermon, the Bishop of Uzuakoli Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Dr. James Alozie Anyanwu, charged mourners to reflect on the transient nature of life on earth and the assurance of eternal hope. Preaching on the theme “If You Can See It, You Can Possess It,” with a scriptural reading from Hebrews 11:13, the Bishop described the late Ezinne Ahuruchi Okorie as an accomplished and exemplary woman whose life offered enduring lessons to her family and community.
In an emotional valedictory tribute, her son-in-law, Ezeji Sir Ephraim Chikwendu Nwokonneya, recounted the warmth, generosity and deep Christian faith of his late mother-in-law. He described her as a unifying force within the family, noting that she embraced him as her own son and consistently demonstrated love through kindness and selfless service. He added that her demise had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
Other tributes from relatives, church members and associates echoed similar sentiments, portraying the deceased as a peacemaker, a woman of courage and a moral compass whose counsel was often sought in times of difficulty. Many testified to her quiet strength and commitment to harmony within her community.
The burial service, held at Methodist College, Uzuakoli, witnessed the presence of numerous dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, who represented His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Distinguished Senator Dr. Nkechi Nwaogu, His Excellency Mascot Kalu, Hon. Chief Donatus Nwankpa, members of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Ndi Eze Uzuakoli, representatives of Abia State University, Uturu, Umuahia Campus, officials of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, FMC Umuahia Chapter, party stakeholders, clergy and other notable personalities.
Prayers of thanksgiving featured prominently during the service as family members and the congregation celebrated a life widely acknowledged as well lived and honourably concluded.
In a message following the burial, Hon. Lady Blessing Uwaoma Nwokonneya expressed profound gratitude to all who stood by the family during their time of grief. She thanked political associates, community members, friends, neighbours, members of the media and well wishers for their prayers, visits, encouragement and financial support, describing each gesture as a source of strength and comfort. She prayed for God’s blessings and reward upon all who identified with the family.
The burial of Ezinne Ahuruchi Okorie stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of lives anchored in faith, humility and service—values that continue to resonate within her family and the wider Uzuakoli community.
