“A great tree has fallen;
A mighty shelter is broken!
This tree, nurtured many;
Continues to live on in many.”
If any can ever influence another’s course of life, if any can effectively factor positively in another’s life for the good of many, then what can be the inner yearnings towards that individual? It will be the hope for the blessings of longevity devoid of ailment for that individual so many may benefit from her impartation.
This in good faith was our fervent prayer in the USA, late November to mid December 2009 for our loving Auntie, Mrs. Prudence Mercy Quansah. In all her dealings and life, she lived her names- her actions with prudence and showing mercy to others sometimes to a fault. I, in particular had a very special bond with her. Coming immediately after my father, Mr. Frank Reuben Wood of blessed memory, my siblings, cousins and I got to know her intimately, growing up with our grand parents from Sekondi, European Town to Adabraka in Accra. It was a warm family with strong ties that exhumed security and love; embracing all who got close to it.
Mrs. Winifred Gyepi-Gambrah reflects on the good old days of European Town home; going down the beach for sand with Auntie to polish brass and silver wares on festive occasions. Dr. Tony Rhule remembers her role in the correction of his pronunciations especially “Albion” saloon car which happened to be our Grand-Father’s car model at the time. Trailing her around was my best past time. I do remember the days we spent at the Sekondi High Court listening to court proceedings; she a young graduate from St Monica’s Teacher Training College and me a curios talkative of an infant. I was fascinated by the ceremonial garment of red of the High Court judges but had to whisper in communication to in order not to lose the privilege of future trips and the refreshment of “Ovaltine” biscuits and Poterllo Sodas we shared afterwards. Her unique sense of humor made her quick to compose funny but educative songs which she used to counsel and correct our childhood lapses. Heb. 12: 11 best describes her; she was our loving firm disciplinarian:
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
I was one of her flower girls when she married the late, Mr. John Quansah, (Uncle Johnny); and vividly remember my first huge birthday party she sponsored feting the entire Sunday school of All Saint’s Anglican Church of Adabraka.
Sharing her Reader’s Digest, Times magazine, among others whet my appetite for journalism. As a practical person, she envisioned this gift and registered /subscribed the Junior Graphic for me to sharpen my intellect. She kept on reminding me of her vision of me in Ministry; and was there for me when I graduated with a Diploma in Divinity at Berea Theology and Bible College in 1995. She was a pillar of immense support during my engagement and wedding ceremonies which were coordinated by her. My husband and I could not help but giggled when she led a delegation to my husband’s grandmother’s funeral.
“Oh fee naa hi” a Ga phrases “You didn’t do well you’re wrong”.
The rest of the “Fantis” who could not speak Ga repeated what she said to amusement of those who heard her. When we drew her mind to this she replied with a wink and a chuckle, who knows, maybe that could be the prophetic truth. We laughed our heads out at that funeral.
Aunty Ewuranna’s generosity extended from sharing of thought provoking anecdotes, recipes of exotic cuisines to sound marriage counseling. She encouraged all her young ones to go through life with all boldness, always remembering our roots as off-springs of ‘survivor’- a Great-grandmother, Mrs. Victoria Nash Smith, a North American Missionary’s daughter whose survival in Africa at the age of six gave us our roots.
It was a great joy to her when I gave her a “grand son” Samuel and later grand-daughter, Justine-Karen and always there when I needed her to baby-sit. Samuel developed his ardent love for the Piano in her home, for she allowed him to play striking the keys. That was not wasted, for, today Samuel plays the Church organ in support of God’s work.
Just last August 2009, we had a surprised birthday party for her in Baltimore, USA. Though late in the evening, she woke on hearing we’ve converged to enjoy her additional year with her. Young at heart, she joined our noisy chattering as we shared old adventures and escapades of Opera Cinema, 12:15 afternoon film shows to “Afternoon Jumps” at Accra Metro Pole!!! She shared her good old days as well- full flared skirts and“the quick, quick slow” dancing practices days, with our Uncles. That night she narrated some of our childhood naughtiness with amusement. She saw and carried on her laps for the first and the last time her great grand sons Curtis-Joel and Aaron-Jermaine Carboo while her Son –in-law, Mr. Joe Afful competed with her daughter Dr. Mrs. Gloria Quansah Asare over super hilarious jokes. Before parting that night she charged us to pray without ceasing; a very sound advice.
Today as we mourn our great loss, we are also quick to show gratitude to God for her life. Rev 3, 8 & 5.say:
“I know your deeds. See I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
“He who overcomes will like them will be dressed in white; I will never blot out his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before my Father and His angels”.
This, now is the reward of our dear Auntie Ewuranna from Our maker. She has run the race, and has kept the faith into eternity!!!
Mama, da yieh!!!
Da yie wo Christ Jesus mu!!!
Sleep well in Christ Jesus.
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