MRS DINAH ABRAHAM QR

Burial & thanksgiving service of the late AMbrrsa. Dhinaahm 1931 - 2023

2 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

AMbrrsa. Dhinaahm 1 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

ORDER OF SERVICE Officiating Priests Pre-Burial 7:00AM Most Rev. Matthias Nketsia PART ONE Monsignor Martin Essilfie Rev. Father Ebenezer Patrick Amonoo c Rev. Fr. Dominic Andoh c Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebo Blay 1. Processional Hymn - Nokwar Mey Catholic Rev. Fr. Dereck Acquah Rev. Fr. Anthony Sackey As rba Rev. Fr. Patrick Appiah Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adjine 2. Introit - Yes heaven is the price - CH 212 Rev. Fr. Louis Emil -My God accept my heart this day - CH 264 2 3. Penitential Rite - 4. Kyire - Mass of St Martha 5. Gloria - Mass of St Martha 6. Prayer 7. 1st Reading - Revelation 21:1-7 8. Psalm - Psalm 23:1-6 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

9. Alleluia - Emi nye wunyan no nye nkwa no 10. Gospel - John 11:21-27 11. Homily 12. Prayer of the Faithful - Sε me bue m‟ano a 13. Collection - Mekra dzi dew daa nyinaa 14. Incensing - Abide with me (CH 349) 15. Sanctus - St. Martha 16. Pastor Noster 17. Sign of Peace 18. Agnus Dei - Martha 19. Communion - CH. 350, 256, 172 20. Post Communion - 21. Prayer after Communion 22. Second Collection 23. Biography and Tributes FINAL COMMENDATION INTERMENT 24. Song 1. Song - Give Me The Wings CH 311 25. Prayer, Sprinkling and Incensing 2. Prayer - Yours Is The Glory 26. Fare thee well 3. Song 27. Closing Hymn - Asomdwe Mu 4. Wreath Laying 5. Final Blessing 6. Closing Song - Hjn Egya Kraes Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 3

HYMNS - Hymn 212 Yes, heaven is prize My God accept my heart this day - CH. 264 Guide me oh you great redeemer - CH. 350 My God, I love you though there were - 256 Give me the wings of faith to rise - 311 Abide with me - 349 God of mercy and compassion - 158 Hark hark my soul - 305 Begone on belief - MHB 511 Jesus keep me near the Cross - MHB 199 Bless Assurance Jesus is mine - MHB 422 4 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

CHURCH PROGRAMME TRIBUTES BIOGRAPHY TRIBUTE BY CHILDREN TRIBUTE BY SIBLINGS TRIBUTE BY SISTER-IN-LAW TRIBUTE BY GRANDCHILDREN TRIBUTE BY BEA HOLMAN TRIBUTE BY O.L.A. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH CHILDREN: Ms. Rita Abraham (Zimbabwe), Mr. Peter Dennis Abraham (Jnr) Cape Coast, Mr. Jonathan Dennis Abraham (CEO, Petersfield and Rey Ltd, Elmina), Mrs. Hannah Willson (U.K.), Mrs. Victoria Pierre Dit Prebois (France), Mr. Emmanuel Abraham (U.K.), Mrs. Sophia Asare-Nkansah (USA), Mrs. Rebecca Arthur-Aidoo (U.K.), Mr. Ambrose Abraham (Cape Coast), Mr. Rudolf Abraham (Accra), Mr. George Dennis Abraham (Cape Coast). GRANDCHILDREN: Peter Dennis Abraham III (Cape Coast), Andria Abraham (Accra), Diana Abraham (Accra), Joyce Abraham-Appiah (Tema), Susan Abraham (Canada), Jonathan Dennis Abraham Jnr (Canada), James William Willson (U.K.), Jennifer Elizabeth Willson (U.K.), Emma Pierre Dit Prebois (France), Patricia Abraham (USA), Anthony Abraham (USA), Audrey Abraham (USA), Andrea Abraham (USA), Christina Abraham (USA), Nina Abraham (U.K.), Paa Kwesi Coleman (USA), Beatrice Mills Nkansah (USA), Daniel Arthur-Aidoo (U.K.), Esme Margaret Arthur-Aidoo (U.K.), Ambrose Kojo Abraham Jnr (Accra), Beverly Akua Abraham (Kumasi), Maame Araba Besiwa Abraham (Accra), Papa Kwesi Abraham (Accra), Nana Kwesi Anfo Abraham (Accra), etc. GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: 3 SIBLINGS: Mr. Ebenezer Nanabanyin Koufie (Cape Coast), Mrs. Matilda Bannerman- Mensah (Cape Coast), Mr. Francis Koufie (Cape Coast). SISTER-IN-LAW: Mrs. Margaret Johnson (Takoradi) SONS AND DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW: Mrs. Nicole Ama Abraham (Ag. CEO, CEDECOM, Cape Coast), Mr. Jilles Pierre Dit Prebois (France), Mr. Samuel Asare-Nkansah (USA) Mrs. Eugenia Abraham (U.K.), Mr. Frederick Arthur-Aidoo (U.K.), Mrs. Wendy Abraham (Head Teacher, Anglican Basic JSS, Anomabo), Mrs. Marianne Aba Abraham (GA East Municipal Assembly, Accra), Mrs. Evelyn Abraham (Cape Coast). Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 5

Biography Mrs. Dinah Abraham We thank God and celebrate today the remarkable life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham. Mrs. Dinah Abraham was born on 6th November 1931. Her parents were Mr Joseph Emmanuel Koufie and Madam Rebecca Brown, both of blessed memory. Mrs. Dinah Abraham was the first child of her parents. She had ten (10) siblings. Mrs. Dinah Abraham started her primary education at St. Monica primary school in Cape Coast. However, she completed her Basic education at Breman-Assikuma Anglican Middle School where she obtained her Middle School Leaving Certificate. ((Form 4) Mrs. Abraham located to Breman-Assikuma because she was the next in the line of succession to be the “Obaahenba” (Queen Mother) to the Breman-Assikuma Stool and needed to be groomed to understand and appreciate customs and traditional practices at the palace. 6 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

Mrs. Dinah Abraham continued her education at Abraham was a very straight forward woman St. Monica’s Women’s Teacher Training College, who was always candid and down to earth in Ashanti Mampong. Upon her completion as a her conversations. She would always say it ’as trained and certificated teacher, she was posted it is “.and never used words to embellish what to Abura Gyabankrom, near Abura Dunkwa, as her thoughts and opinions are. When she had her first station. Among the places Mrs. Dinah to discipline a child, she would do just that and Abraham imparted knowledge to pupils are not tell the child she would report him/ her to Mr. Twifu Hemang, Sekondi [Ketan Anglican], Prestea Abraham when he comes home. Dinah found and Samreboi, she rose through the ranks and time to visit her children in the United Kingdom became headteacher. Throughout her illustrious and the United States of America. teaching career Mrs. Dinah Abraham was known for high standards in academic and personal Mrs. Dinah Abraham was a practising Christian. behaviour. She was tough but fair. She did not Her true passion in life was the Lord Jesus Christ tolerate mediocrity. Mrs. Abraham insisted on and she prioritised Christ in every area of her life. It bringing the highest potential of each student. is in praise and appreciation of the Lord Almighty for grace and mercies the Lord had showered Mrs. Dinah Abraham family life was superb. She on her life that she came to be affectionately had a very good upbringing. She took proper labelled; ‘’Glory, Glory, Glory; Wonyi N`ayew’’. care of her ten younger siblings. Sometimes in Mrs. Abraham belonged to almost all societies in her zeal to play the role of a big sister, she and the church and other Christian groupings. She the heavy sibling she was carrying at her back was a patron of the choir. A staunch member of would fall but she never gave up. It was therefore Women Aglow. a matter of course when she married her darling husband, Mr . Peter Dennis Abraham, whom she Age had its toll on the health of Mrs. Dinah affectionately called P.D., they gave birth to nine Abraham, she suffered reduced mobility and beautiful and handsome children. Together, therefore reduced her participation in live church they formed a regular football team, to the glory activities. Mrs. Dinah Abraham was admitted to of God. the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for a very short period and discharged. She died peacefully at Mrs. Dinah Abraham was a very helpful wife home in the early hours of Friday, 12th May 2023. and travelled with her husband to every posting The angels have cried and welcomed one of (station) in Ghana and Nigeria. Mrs. Dinah their own. We will not sorrow because we know Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 7

you are now enjoying heaven with shouts of “Glory, Glory, Glory” Wonyi nàyew, wo kamfo no, yƐc ohen”. Mrs. Abraham, Grandma, Auntie Dinah, ‘’Glory”, Sister Nyeweh; your family bids you fare well till the resurrection morning. Da yie!!!! Nyame mfa wo nkodur dwodwodwoo. 8 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

Tributes from family, church & friends

Tribute TO MAMA When God thought of Mother: When God thought of Mother, He must have laughed with satisfaction and framed it quickly – so rich, so deep, so divine, so full of soul, power and beauty was the conception. By Henry Ward Beecher Mama, as we fondly called her, loved all us immensely in our adult life. Mama, as a result things beautiful. Mama was a very of your discipline, firmness, focus and strong strong minded and disciplined mother. personality, you have equipped us to be more She was the first of ten children. The paternal resilient, strong and focused individuals and for side of her family originated from Turom whilst this we are proud of you. her maternal side was from ‘Petrol’. Mama was raised by family members as she lost her Mama was a formidable lady who had her own mother when she was only 2 years old and as unique opinions and was happy to be the only such assumed responsibilities for her younger one with that outlook on certain issues. You siblings at a very young age. She met the love were happy to be alone on issues that you of her life, Mr. Peter Dennis Abraham whilst strongly believed in, and this led to sometimes they were both training as teachers. Mama got making it difficult to get along with you as well married to PD (as she affectionately called him) as being misunderstood. Mama, we have come and was blessed with 9 children. Even though to acknowledge that you always tried to do the she was busy with raising us, she always found best you could and admire you for fighting for all time to fulfil her passion for looking good and that you believed in. dancing. Mama loved dressing up and going out in the evenings with dad. She used to make sure We appreciate how difficult and challenging it she had new outfits, shoes, and bags for these must have been for you to raise all of us as we outings. She loved to dance and made sure she experience the joys and challenges of raising was always ready for them. children ourselves. Mama made sure that each one of us learnt Mama welcomed all our friends and treated each how to cook, clean, and take care of the house of them like us (i.e., scolding them, giving them and we are grateful for this as this has helped 10 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

chores, and letting them know what is expected Dear Mama, life is both a tear and a smile, a tear to of them). You believed in family and played your unite us with those of broken hearts and a smile part as the head very well. to be the sign of the joy shared together. Life is like a cloud, it is a parting but it is also that of We cannot pay tribute to Mama without a meeting. Your mission here below is over, and acknowledging Maa Adwoa who took the your new journey towards the twilight begins responsibilities of taking care of Mama in our here as a meeting. A meeting between two Suns absence. Mama really loved Maa Adwoa like embracing The Eternal and becoming eternal in her own daughter and adopted her children as turn. Yes, you’re a Sun heading to meet another part of her grandchildren. We would like to take Sun: your husband PD, our father, grandfather, this opportunity to thank you Maa Adwoa for and great grandfather. So, Mama, spread out dedicating your life in caring for Mama and by so your wings, maybe with a tear and a smile at the doing helping her to enjoy her old age. same time as you float in the clouds and sing Hallelujah to Our Lord for the long, happy, and Mama loved the Lord and demonstrated this by sheltered life that he granted you. Mama, may always singing hymns and gospel melodies. It the Good Lord be with you till we meet again, was comforting and beautiful to hear you sing may his counsels guide and uphold you and gospel songs in all the different vocal ranges you with his sheep, securely fold and shelter both were blessed with. Your trademark of singing you and Dada. glory, glory, glory, keeps on ringing in our hearts and minds as well as in these walls of your place We will love and cherish the days we had with of worship. you; we will always have room in our hearts for you. Until our last breath, we will keep carrying When you no longer listen to what we have to your love with us. Thank you, Lord, for the say; when you complain and argue with us in privilege of giving us Mama for all these years. anger; when we move away and leave a piece of This is not where it ends, until then we will carry our heart with you - You are still our mother. you in our hearts. Rest in Peace Mama. Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 11

CHILDREN RITA PETER JONATHAN HANNAH VICTORIA EMMANUEL SOPHIA REBECCA AMBROSE RUDOLF GEORGE 12 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

In-laws and children in Christ MR. & MRS. JONATHAN ABRAHAM MRS. HANNAH WILLSON & THE MR. & MRS. PIERRE DIT PREBOIS LATE MR. ANDY WILLSON MR. & MRS. EMMANUEL ABRAHAM MR. & MRS. SAMUEL NKANSAH MR. & MRS. FREDRICK ARTHUR-AIDOO MR. & MRS. AMBROSE ABRAHAM MR. & MRS. RUDOLF ABRAHAM MR. & MRS. GEORGE DENNIS ABRAHAM MISS. VERONICA FORSON MRS. ESTHER deGRAFT AIDOO MS. BEATRICE HOLMAN (AKA AUNTIE BEA) 13

TRIBUTE BY SIBLINGS Our Sister Nyeweh (Dinah) had a kind cyou to Maa Adwoa for looking after her just as and generous heart. She kept an open she would her own mother. In her now feeble house; family and friends of her children voice she would say “ hwe me de ne maame.” were welcome any day. A visit to her home at It was in the same spirit of gratitude that she OLA estate always spiced up the weekend for had our brother Naa Banyin drive her to Abura my children when they were little. I shall never Gyabankrom, the village where she was first forget how graciously she offered to take care posted as a teacher, to thank the family that had of my little daughter when I had a teaching hosted her and to interact with them, years later. appointment in Nigeria and had no house help. I always admired our sister for how she could Sister Dinah was stylish, had a strong personality rein in the children and make them toe the line and was a tough disciplinarian. She had a of discipline and responsibility. I recall how in unique sense of fairness and justice which when Samreboi, each of her children went straight to offended made her deal ruthlessly with anybody do their chores without any prompting when even if they were family. She was forthright to a they returned from an evening outing at the fault. You would often hear her say in defense of club. They knew too well the consequences for her action “I had to say it, because God would doing otherwise. ask me if I didn’t.” Mrs. Dinah Abraham was industrious, supporting Sister Dinah’s sense of gratitude was remarkable; the family budget with one income – generating she was always very appreciative of little things activity or another. In life, my sister could make done for her. If you gave her a little gift, she me cry and she could make me laugh too. Right would thank you and tell everyone who cared to now, as I recall some of the anecdotes linked to know about it. how industrious she was I cannot help but smile, indeed laugh, through my tears: “And when your I have lost count of the number of times this bofrot is )rehyew, don’t I call ….. your mother’s past year when she has asked me to say thank bofrot is )rehyew, come and help her.”I have 14 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

no doubt that all the children remember what alive and bind us and the children together. You occasioned this statement. lived to a ripe old age of 92 years, surrounded by people you loved and who loved you in return. Sister Nyeweh, I was your confidante and prayer We shall miss you, but you’ll continue to live partner when the going got tough for us and in our hearts. We do not know what your last any of our siblings. You taught me a few cooking thoughts were, but you could well have said with tips too, and I will remember you any time I David in Psalm 13 verse 6 apply them. I recall the many close moments we shared and how the children regaled me with “I will sing to the Lord For he has been good to anecdotes in which you were at the centre. The me.” “Apala Tumpala” story,” Mrs. Dinah Abraham, is this your real hair?” incident involving the little Goodbye dear, dear, sister. Rest in the arms of white boy, and how you earned the nick name the Lord. “Shangrilla.” All these will keep your memory Siblings MR. EBENIGER NANABANYIN KOUFIE, MRS. MATILDA BANNERMAN-MENSAH, MR. FRANCIS KOUFIE Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 15

TRIBUTE BY MRS MARGARET JOHNSON SISTER IN-LAW How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ears! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear. Aunty Dinah, who most of us called Mama, was my sweet sister-in-law. She always told me I was the true sister- in-law she recognised in the family because she knew I was the only one who understood her when others did not want to agree with her on certain issues. Mama will speak to convince herself rather hectic, demanding, challenging, uncomfortable than trying or pretending to please anyone. She and chaotic. Mama couldn’t come to terms always stood by her conviction, and that was it, with the fact that sometimes she had to sleep ‘take it or leave it’, that was her. wearing two pairs of trousers, two blouses, gloves, woolen cap, 2 pairs of socks and even a I traveled with her on my first visit to the UK jacket because she simply couldn’t stand the when Hannah, one of her children, was getting weather even though there was a heater in the married. It was so much fun to be with Mama. room. I could not blame her because sometimes the weather at the time was terrible. I realized She wondered why people chose to stay outside at the time that she was missing her comfort Ghana, because to her, life outside Ghana was too zone at OLA but at the same time I told her the 16 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

change of environment and all the nice places for a very long time. I am proud to be part of her we visited compensated for the discomfort. family. The children also recognize me as the one and true sister-in-law (to quote their mother) Back in Ghana, anytime I visited her, Mama and their special aunty. I loved her in my own always told me “Maggie, I pray for the children special way. and your brother Peter twice everyday.” Truly Aunty Dinah was a very prayerful woman and Aunty Dinah, your departure was so peaceful strong in character. Her spirituality sometimes and blissful indicating God has already received manifests when people are gathered in prayer. you unto himself. Aunty Dinah, undoubtedly moved by the Holy Spirit, will start giving glory to God by waving her Farewell my dear, yours was a life fully lived hands or hankie as a gesture of thanksgiving to notwithstanding any challenges you might have God. That was my sweet sister-in-law. encountered. She truly believed in fairness to all. Life is all about believing, loving and trusting in Everyone has his /her own version of Aunty the Lord. Dinah, but for me, my memory of her will remain Rest in perfect peace Mama Nyame nkora wodo asomdwee mu Amen Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 17

TRIBUTE TO GRANDMA - GRANDCHILDREN & GREAT GRANDCHILDREN “Having a grandmother is like having an army. This is a grandchild’s ultimate privilege: knowing that someone is on your side, always, whatever the details. Even when you are wrong. Especially then, in fact. A grandmother is both a sword and a shield. “ By Fredrik Backman Grandma, as we affectionately called her, was sharing her sweets was not one of her strengths indeed a grandma to everyone. Even her children, as she preferred to savor and keep them for as our parents, referred to her as “grandma”. Our long as she could. dearest Grandma had a sweet tooth! Our aunties and uncles always brought candy and biscuits Poppy and I were blessed to have spent about to the house and Grandma could hide them fourteen years of our lives living with her. Yes, for months and sometimes years. Occasionally, Grandma was strict and a disciplinarian, after she would go into her room and grab a handful all she was an educator and knew what she for herself and sit outside to enjoy them. In her was doing after years of raising all nine of her later years, I was not surprised when my mom own children. What I admired the most about or Maa Adwoa would tell me Grandma was still grandma was her fairness and the fact that she hiding candy or biscuits and often refusing to eat stuck to her convictions. Her way was always the anything but sweets. This was old news to us all right way and she never allowed anyone to tell in the Abraham house. I remember some of us her otherwise. On some rare occasion, maybe grandkids finding some of the hidden stash of a Bishop or Reverend Father from the Church candy and sweets Auntie Hannah and our Late could make her reconsider, but you could Uncle Andy (may he continue to Rest in Peace) be sure Grandma would stick with what she brought from England. Grandma loved us but believed to be right. Grandma was consistent 18 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

and fair with everyone and that is something I never reserved in her spiritual devotion to glorify grew to respect about her. They did not always God. It was her way of making sure she praised come in the right tone or in a loving way, but we and showed appreciation to God, and we loved all knew her actions and approach were coming following behind her in church dancing and from a place of love and of wanting us to grow waving our handkerchiefs. to be better people. Her strength and resilience were admirable and something we all learned to Grandma, your lineage continues, as Maame, respect and emulate. James, and I experience the joys and challenges of raising the next generation and descendants Thank you, Grandma, for raising our parents and of Abrahams. We are grateful you lived long helping them raise us. I know I am the man I am enough to have 3 Great Grandchildren and today because of all the disciplining, tough love, were able to have one on your lap. I remember and most importantly, the teaching on having when Maame shared that beautiful picture with faith in God. me, I had tears of joy and love running down my cheeks. Our only wish would have been for Grandma dedicated her life to serving God and you to have lived longer to meet all your Great devoting her time to the church and teachings of Grandchildren. We will continue to make you and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am grateful she Grandpa proud and raise the next generation in instilled the love of God in us and always guided the house of God, and homes of love and faith. us in leading morning devotions and prayers. Grandma would always walk around the house Life will not be the same without you, but we will praying and talking to God, she never wavered always cherish the memories of you and pass in her faith or belief in our Creator and always them along to our children and their children. reminded us of our duties and responsibilities, Thank you for being you; strong, independent, “Be thankful and always give glory and honor to God loving, faithful and dedicated to the service our Heavenly Father,” she always said. She was of the Lord. You have given us a lot and we hope fondly referred to as “Maame Glory” around Ola you are at peace and resting well. and even in the UK and US given her tendency to shout “Glory! Glory! Glory to God!” And when Grandma, Da yie! the Spirit moved her Grandma was fearless and Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 19

GRANDCHILDREN 20 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

GREAT GRANDCHILDREN ZHURI AKESI LEO Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 21

TRIBUTE BY BEA HOLMAN Cath. Hymn 363 When the day of toil is done When the race of life is run Father grant your wearied one Rest for ever more. Mama Dinah, you became my mother Mama Dinah, you and Auntie Marian (Mrs. Bosu) when you returned from Nigeria in the encouraged me to remain at OLA. This is the early eighties. You saw how a young girl reason why I am still at OLA. at my age was very active in church activities and how I used to lead the bidding prayers in church. Mama Dinah, now that you have left me can I leave OLA? You were always there for me, you You one day told me “ewuraba mepԑ wasԑm” fought for me, you never allowed anyone to take (Lady I love you), where do you live and where do advantage of me. you come from? Mama you were not a weak person, but, always “I will go and adopt you from your mother.” spoke your mind and the truth. So you and your husband Dada P.D. Abraham adopted me. I also introduced you and your Mama Dinah, I thank you so much for the love children to the charismatic group. you showed me and taking my children as yours. Mama Dinah, this is how I use to call her. Mama People will enquire from you the reason for your loved me so much that when she was visiting likeness for me but you will tell them because London in 1987. She asked me to stay in her Bea loves God and our spirits gel together. house to take care of her children at a time Dada was at Dunkwa on Offin, working. When you were weak on your sick bed you forgot to recognize a lot of visitors but as soon She introduced me to her children and all her as you heard my voice you mentioned my name siblings. She told them that, Auntie Bea is my hey Beatrice Holman. daughter so take her as your elder sister. 22 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

Indeed, you were a mother who loved everybody you and lead you safely home. Mama, have a safe and also rebuke us when we went wrong. journey home to join the saints in Paradise. Mama Dinah, I also love you and will continue to Mama Dinah, I thank you once again for loving love you till we meet again in Paradise. me to the end. Mama Dinah, may our Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Mama Dinah may the God of mercy have mercy and King, the Son of God welcome you today on you and let His perpetual light shine on you and order His angels to sing Glory to God before and give you eternal rest. Glory, Glory, Glory to God. Mama Bye Bye. God be with you. Amen Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 23

TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF Mrs. DINAH ABRAHAM BY OLA CHRISTIAN MOTHERS ‘AND FATHERS’ ASSOCIATION. Teach me, O Lord, not to hold on to life too tightly. Teach me to hold lightly, not carelessly, but lightly, easily. Teach me to take it as a gift, to enjoy and cherish while I have it, and let it go gracefully and thankfully when the time comes. The gift is great, but the Giver is greater. Thou, O God, art the Giver and in thee is the Life that never dies. Amen. Mrs. Dinah Abraham, affectionately a woman of good character, she lived by high called Grandma by all, accepted to be moral standards, believing that we should all be our Patron seven years ago when the virtuous women. Mrs. Abraham ‘s faith in God Association was inaugurated. She has traveled and spirituality, is deeply rooted in the Catholic with us throughout this journey through thick faith and were the foundation of her life, and the and thin. Grandma Dinah performed her role source of her strength and courage, which she perfectly, in every sense of the word, lovingly certainly needed in her distinguished prominent providing a light to guide, wisdom to protect, position as one of the pioneer Patrons of our and support that helped us grow. She was our cherished society. (OLA Christian Mothers and guiding light. Fathers Association), Our Patron was a woman whose approach to Our Mother Patron allowed God to use her to life was one for families to emulate. She will offer guidance and counseling to the society in be remembered as ever humble and always moments of challenges. We found solace in her punctual at church and her dancing skills, always positive words of wisdom and encouragement. praising, and spicing the singing with her shouts of, Glory to God, Glory to God. As a society we saw her as a unifier and a nation builder who understood the importance of her Mother Abraham was gentle and soft spoken role in getting her task done. We visited, sang, allowing nothing to disturb her disposition. As and prayed with her from time to time. We also 24 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

benefited from her passion for the promotion of Indeed, you truly lived up to your name - Dinah- healthy family living, hardwork, selflessness and which means Divine. It may be prophetic that sacrifices towards each other. you were born on Friday and died on Friday. We are indeed proud of you and will surely miss your In spite of human failings, she certainly tried to good counsel. Fare thee well Mother Glory, Glory, live according to the watchwords of Discipline, Glory, Grand ma, you are gone but certainly not Production and Tolerance. She showed this by forgotten. Mrs. Dinah Abraham may Mother her exemplary life, that it is possible to live ‘in the Mary welcome you. Glory, Glory, Glory, Glory to world” but not be “of the world” God Mother Dina Damirifa due Amen. Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 25

Gallery 26 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 27

HYMNS 286 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

HYMNS 212 And struggle to the last. Christ be all in all. 1 Yes, heaven is the prize My [Chorus] soul shall strive to gain; One 3 Anoint me with thy heavenly glimpse of Paradise Repays a 6 Yes, Heaven is the prize! Faith grace, and seal me for thine life of pain. shows the crown to gain; Hope own; Chorus: lights the way and dies, that I may see thy glorious face, ‘Tis Heaven, ‘tis Heaven is the But Love will always reign. and worship near thy throne. prize ‘Tis Heaven, ‘tis Heaven, [Chorus] Yes Heaven is the prize. 4 Let every thought and work 7 Yes, Heaven is the prize! Too and word to thee be ever given: 2 Yes, heaven is the prize! My much cannot be given; And he Then life shall be thy service, soul, oh! think of this; All earthly alone is wise Lord, and death the gate of goods despise, Who gives up all for Heaven. heaven. For such a crown of bliss. [Chorus] [Chorus] 5 All glory to the Father be, all 8 Yes, Heaven is the prize! glory to the Son, 3 Yes, Heaven is the prize! Death opens wide the door, all glory, Holy Ghost, to thee, When sorrows press around. And then the spirit flies while endless ages run. Look up beyond the skies, To God for evermore. [Chorus] Where hope and strength are CH 350 found. [Chorus] CH 264 1 Guide me, O my great 1 My God, accept my heart this Redeemer, pilgrim through 4 Yes, Heaven is the prize! Oh! day, and make it always thine, this barren land; ‘tis not hard to gain. that I from thee no more I am weak, but you are mighty; He surely wins who tries; may stray, no more from thee hold me with your powerful For hope can conquer pain. decline. hand. Bread of heaven, bread [Chorus] of heaven, feed me now and 2 Before the cross of him who evermore, 5 Yes, Heaven is the prize! The died, behold, I prostrate fall; feed me now and evermore. strife will soon be past: Faint let every sin be crucified, and not, but raise your eyes, Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 29

2 Open now the crystal disgrace For me should all Here Below, And Poured Out fountain, where the healing atone. Cries And Tears: waters flow. Let the fire and They Wrestled Hard, As We Do cloudy pillar lead me all my That night of fear, those hours Now, With Sins, And Doubts, journey through. of pain, Those bitter griefs of And Fears. Strong Deliverer, strong yours, Deliverer, ever be my strength That death itself was borne, I Ask Them Whence Their and shield, ever be my strength to gain A sinner’s love - ‘twas Victory Came: They, With and shield. mine. United Breath, Ascribe Their Conquest To The 3 When I tread the verge of And shall the fear of hell below Lamb, Their Triumph To His Jordan, bid my anxious fears Or hope of heaven above Death. subside. Be all the reason heart can Death of death, and hell’s know They Marked The Footsteps Destruction, land me safe on That He Trod, His Zeal Inspired Canaan’s side. This loving Lord to love? Their Breast; Songs of praises, songs of And Following Their Incarnate praises I will ever sing to you, That love that asks not God, Possess The Promised I will ever sing to you. anything, Love like your own Rest. love free, Jesus, I give, who are HYMN 256 my King, Who are my God, to Our Glorious Leader Claims My God I love You - though you. Our Praise For His Own Pattern there were No heaven for me Given; to win, HYMN 311 While The Long Cloud Of No hell to punish those who Give Me The Wings Of Faith To Witnesses Show The Same dare Against Your love to sin. Rise Within The Veil, And See Path To Heaven. The Saints Above, How Great Upon the cross, your wide Their Joys, How Bright Their HYMN 349 embrace Made me, dear Lord, Glories Be. Abide with me; fast falls the your own; eventide; The nails, the spear, the long Once They Were Mourners The darkness deepens; Lord, 30 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

with me abide; When other skies; Heav’n’s morning breaks, 4 See our Savior, bleeding, helpers fail and comforts flee, and earth’s vain shadows flee; dying, On the cross of Calvary; Help of the helpless, oh, abide In life, in death, O Lord, abide To that cross my sins have with me. with me. nailed Him, Yet He bleeds and dies for me. [Refrain] Swift to its close ebbs out life’s HYMN 158 little day; Earth’s joys grow dim, HYMN 305 its glories pass away; Change 1 God of mercy and compassion, and decay in all around I see Look with pity upon me. 1 Hark, hark, my soul! Angelic O Thou who changest not, Father, let me call Thee Father, songs are swelling O‟er earth‟s abide with me. ‟Tis Thy child returns to Thee. green fields and ocean‟s wave- beat shore; I need Thy presence every Ref rain: How sweet the truth those passing hour; Jesus, Lord, I ask for mercy; Let blessed strains are telling What but Thy grace can foil me not implore in vain; Of that new life when sin shall the tempter’s pow’r? Who, like All my sins—I now detest them, be no more. Thyself, my guide and stay can Never will I sin again. be? Ref rain: Through cloud and sunshine, 2 By my sins I have deserved Angels of Jesus, Angels of Lord, abide with me. Death and endless misery; light, Hell, with all its pains and Singing to welcome the I fear no foe, with Thee at hand torments, And for all eternity. pilgrims of the night. to bless; Ills have no weight, [Ref rain] and tears no bitterness; 2 Onward we go, for still we Where is death’s sting? Where, 3 By my sins I have abandoned hear them singing: “Come, grave, thy victory? I triumph Right and claim to Heav‟n weary souls, for Jesus bids you still, if Thou abide with me. above, Where the saints rejoice come;” And through the dark, forever, its echoes sweetly ringing, The Hold Thou Thy cross before my In a boundless sea of love. music of the gospel leads us closing eyes; Shine through [Ref rain] home. [Refrain] the gloom and point me to the Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 31

3 Far, far away, like bells at And Creatures All Fail, Though Painful At Present, It evening pealing, The voice The Word He Hath Spoken Will Cease Before Long; of Jesus sounds o’er land Shall Surely Prevail. And Then, O How Pleasant The and sea, And laden souls by Conqueror‟s Song! thousands meekly stealing, His Love In Time Past Forbids Kind Shepherd, turn their Me To Think He‟ll Leave Me At MHB 199 weary steps to Thee. [Refrain] Last In Trouble To Sink; While Each Ebenezer I Have In Review Jesus, keep me near the cross, 4 Angels, sing on, your faithful Confirms His Good Pleasure To There a precious fountain Free watches keeping; Sing us Help Me Quite Through. to all, a healing stream sweet fragments of the songs Flows from Calvary‟s mountain. above, Why Should I Complain Of Till morning‟s joy shall end Want Or Distress, Temptation In the cross, in the cross, Be my the night of weeping, And Or Pain? He Told Me No Less; glory ever; life‟s long shadows break in The Heirs Of Salvation, I Know Till my raptured soul shall find cloudless love. [Refrain] From His Word. Through Much Rest beyond the river. Tribulation Must Follow Their MHB 511 Lord. Near the cross, a trembling soul, Love and mercy found Begone, Unbelief; My Saviour How Bitter That Cup No Heart me; Is Near, And For My Relief Will Can Conceive. Which He Drank There the bright and morning Surely Appear; Quite Up, That Sinners Might star Sheds its beams around By Prayer Let Me Wrestle, And Live! me. He Will Perform; With Christ His Way Was Much Rougher In The Vessel, I Smile At The And Darker Than Mine; In the cross, in the cross, Be my Storm. Did Christ, My Lord, Suffer, And glory ever; Shall I Repine? Till my raptured soul shall find Though Dark Be My Way, Since Rest beyond the river. He Is My Guide, It Is Mine To Sin All That I Meet Shall Work Obey, It Is His To Provide; For My Good, The Bitter Is Near the cross! O Lamb of God, Though Cisterns Be Broken Sweet, The Medicine Food; 32 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham

Bring its scenes before me; This is my story, this is my This is my story, this is my Help me walk from day to day, song, Praising my Saviour all song, Praising my Saviour all With its shadows o‟er me. the day long. This is my story, the day long. This is my story, In the cross, in the cross, Be my this is my song, Praising my this is my song, Praising my glory ever; Saviour all the day long. Saviour all the day long. Till my raptured soul shall find Rest beyond the river. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture Near the cross I‟ll watch and burst on my sight; Angels wait Hoping, trusting ever, descending, bring from above Till I reach the golden strand, Echoes of mercy, whispers of Just beyond the river. love. In the cross, in the cross, Be my This is my story, this is my glory ever; song, Praising my Saviour all Till my raptured soul shall find the day long. This is my story, Rest beyond the river. this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long. MHB 422 Perfect submission, all is at rest, Blessed assurance, Jesus is I in my Saviour am happy and mine: O what a foretaste of blest; Watching and waiting, glory divine! Heir of salvation, looking above, Filled with His purchase of God; goodness, lost in His love. Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham 33

34 Celebrating the Life of Mrs. Dinah Abraham



APPRECIATION the entire family of the late AMrsb. rDainhaham wishes to express their profound appreciation and gratitude to all who in diverse ways have helped them throughout their painful and difficult time. May you be bountifully rewarded for your expression of love and charity. God richly bless you DESIGN & PRINT PRICELESS PAPER +233 24 479 0073