Family members, friends, church leaders, traditional rulers and well-wishers gathered in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to bid a final farewell to the late Madam Evangeline Miediaye Koripamo, a respected educationist, counsellor and family matriarch, who was laid to rest at her country home after a well-attended funeral ceremony marked by solemnity, honour and colourful cultural displays.
The late Madam Koripamo, who passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 88, hailed from the Koripamo and Amabebe families of Odi, the Amaran and Fetepigi families of Kaiama, the Nembe family, as well as the Oliki family of Kemmer Ama in Twon Brass Kingdom.
Her funeral attracted relatives and sympathisers from different parts of Bayelsa State and beyond, reflecting the impact she made during her lifetime.
The funeral activities began with a brief lying-in-state at the family home located at 3 Ndoki Street, Coronation Layout, Borokiri, Port Harcourt. Her remains were thereafter conveyed to Odi, where another lying-in-state was held at the family residence in Ifidi Ama, Odi.
A funeral service was later conducted at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Odi, where worshippers gathered to celebrate a woman whose life was defined by faith, humility, compassion and service to humanity.
Following the church service, her remains were interred at the family home in Ifidi Ama, Odi.
Delivering the sermon, the Vicar of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Odi, Venerable Ayorinde Ajayi, urged Christians to live lives that would positively impact others, reminding the congregation that earthly deeds determine eternal rewards.
According to him, the late Madam Koripamo was a woman whose life reflected genuine love for God and humanity.
He described her as a compassionate and selfless individual who extended kindness to everyone around her, especially children and those in need.
“She helped little children in every way she could and always demonstrated love without discrimination. She was a good soul who cared deeply for others,” he said.
The cleric further stressed that every individual should strive to be a decent human being, noting that God would judge everyone based on how they lived and treated others while on earth.
He added that the late matriarch lived a life worthy of emulation and encouraged the congregation to uphold the virtues of love, service and integrity that she exemplified.
In his tribute, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, OON, described the deceased as an exceptional woman whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
He said Madam Koripamo was a devoted mother, grandmother, teacher and counsellor whose unwavering commitment to family values, education and community service distinguished her throughout her lifetime.
Born on February 11, 1938, Madam Evangeline Miediaye Koripamo dedicated many years of her life to the teaching profession, where she earned the respect of colleagues, students and members of the communities she served.
As an educationist and counsellor, she nurtured countless young people and contributed immensely to human capital development.
Beyond her professional career, she was widely known for her generosity, hospitality and unwavering support for family members and neighbours. Her home remained open to relatives, friends and strangers seeking comfort, guidance or assistance.
As the matriarch of her family, she served as a custodian of cherished family values and traditions, ensuring that the bonds of unity, respect and love were preserved across generations.
Though she has departed this life, family members said her enduring legacy of love, sacrifice, faith, service and commitment to humanity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
The funeral ceremonies, which attracted a large turnout of mourners, ended with tributes celebrating the remarkable life of a woman whose impact transcended family boundaries and whose memory will remain a source of inspiration to her community and beyond.
