- Details Of Princess MARY ARIT BASSEY-INYANG Burial @ 83
On Friday 5th October 2018 the remains of a popular Lagos seamstress, Princess Mary Arit Bassey-Inyang was laid to rest in Lagos. She died at 83 on 3rd September 2018. She is the mother of popular actor, Kepy Bassey-Inyang. Service was held at Good News Baptist Church and reception was at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos.
Late Princess Mary Arit Bassey-Inyang is a Calabar woman having been born on the 17th of May 1935 in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria to the family of Chief and Mrs Effiong Ekong Imona of Big Qua town in Calabar. She was the 4th (and last) child of her mother, a Seamstress.
She was a Princess from the Royal family of Okak in Big Qua town. Her father was the village head and also Chief of the family. He was also a very successful farmer and Elder in the Apostolic Church and up till his last moment on earth, he contributed actively to church projects.
Mary Bassey-Inyang started her primary school education at the Duke town Primary School Calabar, Cross River State. Later, her Mother, Madam, Alice Efiom Effa moved to Lagos and settled with all her children in 1940. In Lagos, she attended Ireti Girls Primary School, Lagos. After her primary education, she gained admission into St. Francis Convent School, Oshogbo where she spent a brief period before she moved to the Lagos City College Sabo, Yaba in 1953.
She was among the first set of students to be admitted into that school. Whilst in school, the young and very energetic Mary Arit participated and won many laurels in 4 by 400meters women race and 100 meters. After her Secondary School education, she started work with the United States Information Service (USIS) in Lagos as their first African librarian. She got married on the 6th of June 1960 to her late husband, Col. Dr E.E. Bassey-Inyang, a young, handsome Medical Officer, working then in Island Maternity, Lagos. He joined the Nigerian Army soon after as Regimental Medical Officer, 1st Battalion in 1961 (NA 182). When Dr Edet Bassey-Inyang became Commanding Medical Officer (CO) of the 44 Nigeria Army.
Reference Hospital, Kaduna during the Nigerian Civil War (1963 -66), she played key roles in comforting families of wounded soldiers and counselling the bereaved widows.
In 1969-70, she proceeded to the Case Western University, Cleveland Ohio, USA for further certification in social work, where she trained and served in the Veteran Hospital, Ohio, USA. On her return to Nigeria; she worked with the Rehabilitation camp in Bonny Camp Lagos. She never departed from her calling to do social work and reflected this in her everyday interactions. She worked briefly, in the early 70’s in Sona Motors (an Indian company) in Idumagbo, Lagos. She was also a socialite and enjoyed interacting with people at all levels – from all walks of life- Mama enjoyed that connection. Indeed she was a great mixer and enjoyed making and keeping friends.
In her lifetime she was an active member of Apapa Lioness Club, a platform she used to impact society positively. She was also a very active member of her Alma-Mata, Lagos City College. In the early 90’s, she established a Kiddy Care Center, where she cared for babies from 6 weeks to preschool age. She earned the title “JP” when she travelled to Jerusalem on a Christian Pilgrimage in 2004.
Mma Mary as she was fondly called was one of the very early members of Good News Baptist Church, Surulere Lagos; where she served tenaciously in the children’s department amongst her different roles. Her love for God was exemplified in the way and the manner in which she loved and cared for everybody she came across. Mma Mary was a counsellor, caregiver, helper to those in need, and this she did up to her last moments on earth.
At 83, Mma is survived by an older sister Mma Sarah Eme Ani and her 6 children:
Rev. (Engr.) Baba Seun Edet Joseph (UK) Eme Agha, Ekpenyong (Samuel) Bassey-Inyang, Dr Ima Kashim, Emem Bassey-Inyang, Akan Bassey-Inyang.
Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A mother to all, she has numerous children, too many to count.
To immortalize her, her children are establishing a foundation called “Mma Mary Foundation; Compassion for all.”
Below are tributes from her kids.
FROM ENGR. PAUL BABASEUN JOSEPH
My mum, my confidant, Aunty Mary. Growing up with my maternal grandma you answered the name Aunty Mary for many years.
Finally, my questions were answered by my NaNa, and the regular visits that you paid me. I finally called you – Mummy and have never changed since then In my primary school days, Mum you stood tall, fought bravely with anyone who attempted any silly thing with me.
You never once beat me and fought fiercely to protect my childishness- doing the same for all your children. A woman of a very special definite nature, caring, loving, wonderful and beautiful daughter of Eve. Many daughters have done well, but my Mummy Mary Arit Ekong – you exceed them all. You reached out your hand to the needy, a very hard worker, a very good neighbour. A blessed prosperous successful, straight, right, and contented one. Strength and honour were your clothing, kindness and word of God became your shield because you trusted God completely. I will never forget your words.
FROM EMEAGHA-YOUR ADIAGHA
My mum … was a gem of irreplaceable value. She came to mother earth to impact and conquer. Her place in my Life and in the lives of my children are priceless and invaluable. My mum… my confidant… my bosom friend… My counsellor… My secret keeper. My partner … Prayer warrior … my shield. . .. No amount of words can express who you were to me. I hear people tell me.:”
Why are you crying” Mummy is in Heaven… But the vacuum you have left in my life is very BIG!
You were a mother to my children. You nurtured them even from my womb. You were there in all their births and participated in all their deliveries. Hmmm. Mummy. You woke up at night to feed my one-day-old babies. You changed their napkins and stayed all night looking after all my babies when I refused to wake up or insist I am tired. You were the mother that took my children to school and even without a car you will jump the next bus to make sure they get to school. You nurtured and trained my children in the way of the Lord and today I am the proud mother of the best children any Parent would ever desire I dove my hat to you – Mum … You remembered all their birthdays and made sure every birthday and mine was celebrated. You related with all my friends from primary school to my University … you were a regular mother on all the campuses I attended and everybody told me they wished they had a mother like me. You were in all the battles I faced and you attempted to solve everything.
Oh, mummy people said you were 83…. but you were the youngest mum at 83. Just a few days before God called you, you told me to get you the black soap I was using so that you will look finer.
Your nails were always well painted and with makeup… You were indeed an Efik woman. Two days before that fateful day you were surrounded by your eldest granddaughter (Dr R. Rahima) who came in that day with her husband and son from the United Kingdom to see her special grandmother. That day you had Chukwudi (My son), Keppy and a host of visitors sitting with you and celebrating. I remember the affang soup you gave us to eat. I was so excited that day and I danced and danced. You also danced and swaying from side to side in response to the song I was singing.
Those videos will forever remind me of that joyous moment. Oh, Mummy, who will I confide in secret issues that no one must hear except you … who will I call even at midnight when I am troubled and Mum will pick her phone. You will cook for me to take home … even support me financially if I dare tell you” Mummy I am broke”. If tears could bring you back … you would have woken from this sleep, How could I have imagined that on Sunday, September 2, 2018 … you were going home to your maker? I remember I prayed with you in your room. We ate plantain porridge in the evening and I told you mummy bye-bye. I will see you tomorrow. Only to be called back at night by KEEPY. HMMMM!!!!
You yearned to come to stay in my new apartment and you told me you have packed your things that very Sunday … You insisted you must come to my house. Only if I had insight. But God knows best.
You are unforgettable. You have left a legacy that cannot be erased.
As the saying goes “To Live In The Hearts Of Those You Love Is Not To Die”. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord Mum. I see clearly now that Heaven has gained an Angel. Sleep Until we meet to part no more.
FROM SAMUEL (KEPY) BASSEY-INYANG
You’re gone too soon, Mummy! We’re heartbroken Mum; so much tears in our pillows and inconsolable pains in our hearts. Your death is a devastation to our souls; an interminable emotional drainage to our body fabric; we miss you, Mummy. Who will hold our hands now as we pass through these dark alleys of the life?
Who will calm our nerves in times of distress? Who says silent prayers for us now? Whose counsel do we seek when we are at crossroads? Funny how we presumed adulthood translated to knowledge about this world until your departure has reminded us of our susceptibility and dependability on your ineffable wisdom and direction. But we find consolation in our belief that you will continue to watch over us from heaven, and you will be in the winds that blow in our faces, the pellets of raindrops on our heads, the sunlight that brightens our days and moonlight that ushers us to bed.
Thank you, Mummy, for being a true and loving mother, and for your patience at all times. The world misses you today; family, friends and acquaintances all celebrate your goodness; I’m proud to be one of your children”.
FROM DR. IMA ARIT KASHIM
Your light glitters, Mummy even in your sleep – a rare diamond.
Warmth and light and love and candour, in the breast of our Lord you live, for sure. Your footprints gridded on this earth. A rare diamond never dies …. hold the love, hold it tight, hold the light.
I attribute much of my life to the moral, intellectual, emotional and physical education I received from you, Mummy. Can I ever say it all? Mummy, you taught us that the colour of a man’s skin has nothing to do with his heart. That a person is first of all human before he can talk about his faith. I learnt from you the basics of living, making a home, making a life – that selfless service to the family was normal. I didn’t expect it any other way. You taught me to sacrifice. Compassionate sacrifice.
Mummy, you taught us to minister to the needs of others. Even when we didn’t have enough to eat, you would still ensure everyone had something to eat, even others who were needier than we – were catered for by you. You welcomed everyone to our house, up to your last day, your doors laid wide open, with warm meals for all – you’d offer everything … and you’d add- I made it especially for you. Fish stew with crabs (I know you would love that) or is it Edikaikong or Affang? You didn’t mind; you were so kind and generous to everyone. So dutiful in seeking out the pleasure of others. It wasn’t enough, you’d stare at us as we ate until you saw in our eyes that weld enjoyed our meals. You dressed everyone up. Going to a wedding? Yes come and pick your corals, your silverware, your gold. And sure you dressed up real good!
Beautiful in every way. Never a day without your beautiful hands displayed, amazing hairdos. Unbeatable beauty!
Growing up, you would offer to do everything for us-EVERYTHING – even before we asked, to go do our clearance for us. Yes, you would do the same for our friends. Sure, you could follow up with the Bank on a few issues… Did you just say you needed to be in the office, but had to get your dress from the tailor?
It was endless. You would say – send me. Simple, send me. We sent you – and you would do everything for us. Soon came our friends, In-Laws… Sure, no problem. What did they need? We love you soo much Mummy but submit With gratitude, to the blessed will of God. Rest in perfect peace, Mummy.
FROM EME ASSEY-INYANG
Mummy, believing you have gone is one of the hardest things I have to do that you have gone to a better place. Somehow you have always been there for me, easy to reach and comforting to talk to.
To say I am still shocked though is an understatement, I submit completely to the will of God. You have left large footprints in the sands of time … you walked through the earth, leaving indelible marks upon our lives. To me, you are a fearless Amazon, a woman of great strength, courage, honour and love. I have seen the love of a mother through you, even now that we are all adults, you have taken us continually as your babies, loved, protected and even provided for us, everything we have needed to move on daily.
Mum, beyond doubt you have done well!!! You ran your good race, I am proud to have come through you, proud to have watched you live and sad that you have had to go ….. I never saw
you in weakness and that’s what I hold in my heart, in my mind and forever! To a strong Mother, an Amazon, a Victor! Our loss is indeed Heaven’s gain… Thank you, mummy, thank you!!
FROM AKAN BASSEY-INYANG
My mother, who sat and watched my infant head, when sleeping on my cradle bed and tears of sweet affection shed, my mother…
When pain and sickness made me cry (I remember your voice in prayers for me on the 29th of June 2017 when I had an abdominal tumour removed). I also remember your prayers and worries when I was struggling at the National Hospital recently. You gazed upon my heavy eyes and wept for fear that I should die … My Mother.
Mummy, you have thrown me into a big confusion, a big one. I was only hoping this was a dream, but this sounds true. Just last month (in August), I spent nine wonderful days with you lying next to you and you kept saying to me “why are you going back so soon?”, you wanted for me to stay longer with you.
On the 16th August, you sat on your chair, I couldn’t look into your eyes because I was struggling to hold back tears, while you prayed for me and blessed me and the children. I told you I will spend a longer time in December when I come, back. Alas! Our time together, on this plane was coming to an end.. You offered everything to me- soo many gifts, you were so happy, very happy.
You wanted us to stay on. I wish I did. How would I have known that you would soon be transiting?
On my birthday, the 27th of August 2018. You asked me – Akan what do you want?
I answered the child I am to you – “I want good health, I want to be perfectly healed and not die from the ailment that had hospitalized me”. You prayed and prayed and prayed and told me –
