A testament to the value of family, friends, church and community.
Out of a senseless murder most foul, families and friends gathered to offer support in many ways. Shared grief provided mutual relief,
Close and immediate families visited. Church friends visited. The community visited.
People packed the church service. So was the cemetery and the reception. People lingered to talk.
Paying their Respects
Dignitaries who came to pay their respects included, amongst others:
- Florence Eshalomi, MP Member of Parliament for Vauxhall, visited the bereaved home and attended the funeral services.
- Cllr Nanda Manley-Browne, Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance & Cost of Living, was at the church service.
- Togbui Adza of Anloga, a Ewe traditional chief, was in the church service and at the reception
- Mamaga Aduwodzi Fianor II, an Ewe traditional queen, was in the church service and at the reception
- Naa Tsotso Soyo, a Ga traditional queen of James Town, British Accra attended the reception.
These are a testament to the benefits of community, friendship and a sense of belonging.
The Legacy of Miss Johanita Elorm Kossiwa Dogbey
The beautiful army of young people, all wearing T-Shirts with the logo of the Odette Foundation – Breaking the Sickle Cycle – the charity founded by Johanita to support people with Sickle Cell Anaemia was a testament to Juanita’s life and mission on earth.
I must not forget to mention the German family friends who came to the funeral to read their tributes. And, of course, the delegation of six from the Togo Embassy came to pay their respects at the cemetery and the reception. A two person crew from ITV covered the service.
A Demonstration of Love
It was a Monday, a working day, but all these dignitaries and others from various walks of life took time off work and came out of their sense of common humanity to share in the grief. Evil did not win because love was demonstrated profusely and now you are resting safe and secure in the bosom of your heavenly Father.
We’ll see each other again one day, Johanita. Your departure was tragic and senseless to us as human beings, but you sure did live well.
I pray that Odette, the charity you founded in your short earthly journey, will fulfil your dreams.
Auf das wir uns Wiedersehen Liebling Johanita. (We will meet again darling Johanita.)
We will update this page with a recording of the funeral.
