To the world, Grandma Alice was one person, but to the Okegbiles’ family, especially my senior sister, Deaconess Iyabo Kolawole, she was our guiding light, anchor, and beloved Methodist matriarch. Her devotion to the church was profound. She was diligent with her tithe card and church commitments and loved to recite and sing Methodist hymns. Born in 1897, she died on 17th November 1977. Now, forty-nine years later, we honour a life poured out in service to God, family, and community.

Grandma Alice didn’t just attend church; she was the church. Her faith was our family’s rhythm—quiet yet unshakeable. I remember her: Bible open, praying aloud for each of us. She prayed for friends and the Osu community, too. She taught that prayer was not a last resort but our first defence and greatest comfort.


Grandma Alice, our dedicated Methodist matriarch, embodied Wesleyan spirit—hardworking, compassionate, and always in service or trading. She helped others selflessly. She welcomed Apostolic Church pastors to use our home as a manse.

Grandma Alice kept our traditions alive, weaving the past into our lives. Her strong, weathered hands, busy with life, were soft when drying our tears and strong when supporting us. The memory of following my grandma and carrying her trading items to the market on market days when on holiday at Osu remains inspiring.

My grandma was humble and uneducated, but she had a significant impact on my father’s educational life. She instilled strength in my sister, Aunty Iyabo, by the life she lived. There are no words to truly describe how much Grandma Alice did to create a better family for us. She was by far one of the strongest and most resilient personalities I have known. Grandma Alice witnessed so much change in her lifetime. When she was born, there were no roads, highways, running water, electricity, or telephones.

I have a few memories of my grandmother Alice, who deeply influenced my life. I feel blessed to have had her for some years, especially during holidays in Osu. My grandmother never showed fear. She was always the last to sleep and the first to rise at the sound of the church bell, taking us to daily morning prayers at the Methodist Church, Oke Oja, Osu. She loved to dress well, especially for church and family celebrations. Her closest confidant was her brother, the late Pa Emmanuel Olokun, former treasurer of the Methodist Church, Oke Omi, Osu.

My grandma was always busy. She never stayed idle. Her trading business included pap-making and selling kerosene. During holidays at Osu, she cooked delicious, healthy meals for us. Strict but caring, Grandma Alice taught us not to waste. She was frugal with food, money, and everything else. She made things last and was the ultimate recycler, always repurposing instead of discarding.


Grandma Alice was a pillar of faith, now resting in the Almighty’s arms. We find comfort knowing she is with the Lord she faithfully served. She fought the good fight, finished her race, and kept the faith. Grandma, you were our pillar. We are grateful for the legacy of faith and love you planted in our hearts. Sleep well, our matriarch. Though you were buried on November 19th, 1977, your spirit lives on in all of us, and your memory brings us hope and strength. May your rest be peaceful and your joy eternal.