By Goodluck Ikiebe.
In what can be described as a celebration of life in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, the family of Ero and associates gave late Deaconess Mercy Adesuwa Ero a befitting four days action packed farewell burial ceremony.
The funeral rites events started with a Christian Wake Keep service on Thursday, 22nd September, 2022. It was a solemn service of songs laced with 8 Hymns, Scripture readings taken from Rev. 14: 1-14; and II Cor. 5: 1-10.
The Second day of event being Friday, 23rd Sept., the body of Deaconess Mercy Ero was committed to Mother earth after lying in state and a short service featuring short exhortation, scripture readings taken from Ps. 39 and I Thess. 4: 13 -16.
The third day, Saturday, 25th Sept., witnessed the Social Outing/Reception with dignitaries including the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr Jonathan Lawani and other Senior Government officials gracing the event. Also on the list are Engr Jude Asemota, Mr Hillary Agbaiza, Senior Lecturer, UniBen/Chairman, Fugar Progressive Union, Benin branch, Mr Mathias Ahonsi, National Secretary, St John’s Old Boys Association and Hon Isaiah Ikiebe plus other business Moguls.
The high point of the funeral rites was the Thanksgiving Service on Sunday attended by family, friends and well wishers. The sermon hinged on the good Christian virtues of Mama, as being dedicated to the service of God while alive. During the service, prayers for said for the bereaved family, the Church and Nation in general. Officiating Ministers include, Pastors S.U. Unwaetor, A.J. Eniang, Olayemi, Olarenwaju, Emayuku.
Late Deaconess Mercy Adesuwa Ero, born in 1938 and died on August 11th, 2022, is survived by Children, Mr Isaac Ifidon Ero; Pst Mrs Juliet Ekundayo Ikiebe; Engr Godwin Deji Ero; Mr Solomon Okpeku; Mrs Nkechi Amor.
The in laws include, Mr Barth Ikiebe, Mr Charles Amor, Mrs Joan Ero, Mrs Goddy Ero, Mrs Funmi Okpeku. The grand children include, Christopher Amor, Favour Ikiebe, Uwa Ero, Esosa Ero, Daniel Ikiebe, David Ikiebe, Bethany Okpeku, Mary J; Jeremiah Ikiebe, Israel Okpeku and others to mention but few.
In tribute, Late Deaconess Mercy Adesuwa Ero, was generally believed to be caring, loving, peace maker, kind, prayer warrior and a welfarist.
Her usual prayers go thus, “My Pikin, God dey your front, he dey your back, he dey your right, he dey your left. And Sugar for your mouth”
“Iye as she was popularly called, lived a well fulfilled life and died at the ripe age of 84.
“We are extremely joyful that you crossed our path, rest in the bossom of the Lord, your legacies live on”.
The Ero family expressed thanks and appreciation to God almighty for his grace and mercy throughout the challenging period. It also acknowledge and appreciate the prayers, support, and presence of relations, In-Laws, friends, the Apostolic Church and well wishers during this period of grief.
“May the Almighty God bless all of you richly with the knowledge of his word and faithfulness. May he grant all journey mercies as we return to our respective destinations in Jesus mighty name, Amen, Thank you”, Ero family prayed.
