Mama Teresa Atte

Order of Service

Funeral Service Coordinator: Pastor. Augustine Krukrubo

Musical Selection: Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah

Welcome: Pastor Donald E. Tucker. (Allegheny Center Alliance Church)

Prayer of Comfort: Pastor Donald E. Tucker

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58: Valerie Akutu

Musical Selection: When the Roll is called up Yonder

Reading of the Obituary: Caroline Akutu

Acknowledgment of Condolences and Cards: Pastor. Augustine Krukrubo

Musical Selection: Fading Away Like the Stars

Eulogy – Pastor Donald E. Tucker

Prayer For Family: Prof. Sylvanus Wosu

Offerings For the Family: Pastor Donald E. Tucker

Benediction: Pastor. Augustine Krukrubo

Recessional Hymn: Sleep on Beloved

Family PROCESSIONAL HYMN GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH

Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah Pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand. Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow; Let the fire and cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer, Be Thou still my Strength and Shield; Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.

Lord, I trust Thy mighty power, Wondrous are Thy works of old; Thou delivers Thine from thralldom, Who for naught themselves had sold: Thou didst conquer, Thou didst conquer, Sin, and Satan and the grave, Sin, and Satan and the grave.

When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction, Land me safe on Canaan’s side. Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to Thee; I will ever give to Thee.

HYMN 2

WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair; When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Chorus: When the roll is called up yonder , When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

On that bright and cloudless morn ing when the dead in Christ shall rise, And the glory of His resurrection share;

When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. [Chorus]

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. [Chorus]

HYMN

HYMN 3

FADING AWAY

Fading away like the stars of the morning

Losing their light in the glorious sun Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling; Only remembered by what we have done.

Chorus: Only remembered, only remembered Only remembered by what we have done Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling Only remembered by what we have done.

Shall we be missed, though by others succeeded, Reaping the fields we in springtime have sown? Yes, but the sowers must pass from their labors, Ever remembered by what they have done. [ Cho rus]:

Only the truth that in life we have spoken; Only the seed that on earth we have sown; These shall pass onward when we are forgotten, Fruits of the harvest and what we have done [Cho rus]:

Oh’ when the Saviour shall make up His jewels, When the bright crowns of rejoicing are won, Then shall His weary and faithful disciples All be remembered by what they have done [Cho rus]:

Calm is thy slumber as an infant’s sleep; But thou shalt wake no more to toil and weep; Thine is a perfect rest, se cure and deep— Good night! Good night! Good night!

Until the shadows from this earth are cast, Until He gathers in His sheaves at last; Until the twilight gloom be over past— Good night! Good night! Good night!

Until the Easter glory lights the skies, Until the dead in Jesus shall arise, And He shall come, but not in lowly guise— Good night! Good night! Good night!

Until, made beautiful by love divine, Thou, in the likeness of thy Lord shall shine, And He shall bring that golden crown of thine— Good night! Good night! Good night!

Only “Good night,” belovèd—not “fare well!”

RECESSIONAL HYMN SLEEP ON BELOVED

Sleep on, beloved, sleep on, and take thy rest;

Lay down thy head upon the Savior’s breast; We love thee well, but Jesus loves thee best— Good night! Good night! Good night!

A little while, and all His saints shall dwell In hallowed union, indivisible— Good night! Good night! Good night!

Until we meet again before His throne, Clothed in the spotless robe He gives His own, Until we know, even as we are known— Good night! Good night! Good night!

TERESA BIH ATTE

BIOGRAPHY

Mafor Teresa Bih Atte was born in Ashong Bat Ibo in the N.W. Region of Southern Cameroon of catholic parents. Her father, Pedro Tebo Njong was a tax collector and catechist with the catholic church while her mother, Mary Maa Fominyen was a dutiful faithful house wife. At school age, Mama Mary lived with her sister, Mami-Fon Rebecca Atte and family. The latter’s husband, Pa Sergeant Atte was a po lice officer, at the up-station police barracks in Bamenda. Ma Teresa and the other family kids were registered in school under the same Atte family name. Since Mama Mary and Ma Teresa were both very much sought after by husband and father, Pedro Njong Tebo, Ma Teresa was protected to and from school by her closest sibling and protégé, late Pa Joseph Atte.

In those days, parents were reluctant to send children to school, especially girls, but some how, Pa Mobit made sure her sister, Mary received some form of education with the catholic missionaries. Consequently, Mama Mary assured an education for her only child, Teresa, by working hard with the Catholic Mis sion in Bamenda and Buea as housekeeper.

Eventually, Mama Mary worked with the Catho lic Mission, in Banso, doing gardening and car rying bricks to the mission builders until a missed accident caused her to rethink her sit uation. Against the will of the authorities, she left the mission back to Bamenda. Her punish ment for leaving the mission was suspension from taking communion until further notice. To Mama Mary, this punishment was too harsh and a blow to her religious beliefs and faith. Consequently, she decided to break ties with the catholic mission and joined the Ntamulung Basel Mission. Mother and child then became Presbyterian.

Education & Work

On completion of her primary school educa tion in 1940, Ma Teresa became a pupil teacher in Muyuka in the Southwest region in South ern Cameroon. While teaching, hard-working Teresa did private studies to obtain a Grade 2 Teacher’s certificate through Rapid Results College. Later, she was one of the lucky six girls chosen to further their education in Nige ria. She graduated from the Ijebu-Ode Teach ers Training College as a Grade 3 teacher after three years. She taught domestic science

In various schools in Victoria, Ndop, Santa and Bambili. Ma Teresa also taught at the elementa ry school at the then popular CDC Bota in Victo ria, South-West region where she was promoted to Headmistress before proceeding to Britain for further education. Ma Teresa had a scholar ship to attend an all-female college in ClactonOn-Sea-the Teachers/Administration Training College in Cambridge, Great Britain, where she spent 3 years.

With her degree in hand, she returned home in 1959 and worked for the government as assis tant education officer. She was promoted in 1962 as the first female Education Officer in Bamenda, West Cameroon. She was appointed an Administrative Officer in 1964. Later as assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and worked with Com munity Development in Buea before she was transferred to Yaounde as assistant chief of service in the Ministry of Agriculture, when West Cameroon joined La Republique in 1972. Because of the uncomfortable work conditions, culture clash, low standards, and unfair treatment of English-Speakers, she reluctantly took an early voluntary retirement in 1981 and moved back to her hometown, Bamenda.

Christian Life

Of all her achievements, one thing Ma Teresa was most proud of, was her activities and participa tion in prayers and church duties wherever she went. She was a staunch member of the Chris tian Women Fellowship (CWF) at the Ntamulung and Up Station Presbyterian churches. She was the president of CWF group sometime in 1986 and held that position for 6 years having been granted a second term in office. She represented CWF at various events including the Switzerland Basel Mission International Christian Women’s Conference in the 80s. Prayers and church at tendance were very important to Ma Teresa so much so that all the children who grew up with her knew her for her obligatory early morning and night devotions at home even when they did not feel like it. While in Pittsburgh, Ma Te resa insisted on joining a church. She became a member of the non-denominational Christian Allegheny Center Alliance Church on the North Side, Pittsburgh, in 2015.

SOCIAL LIFE & PEOPLE OF INFLUENCE

Ma Teresa was a social butterfly. She did all in her power to impact young girls and women in general.

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As a domestic science teacher, she taught young wives to take care of their homes and children in various towns like Ndop, Santa and Bambili. She was a prominent member of the beauty queen board of directors in Buea and Bamenda where she also groomed the girls in preparation for the con test. She was very particular about appearance. As Education Officer, she had the opportunity to represent West Cameroon at various international meetings. While in Yaounde, she was a key mem ber in forming the now Nyen Development Associ ation. She had a close relationship with the current Fon of Nyen. The latter always stayed with at her home Up Station in Bamenda when in town. She was crowned “Mafo-Nyen” (Nyen Mother Queen) and held her position in high esteem as she was the chief’s consultant on village affairs until her passing.

On retirement, she was a member of the CWF; Mother-Is-Gold; Know Your Neighbour, as well as a mixed men and women elite social group- Djangui 82 in Bamenda. She did her best to remain socially relevant wherever she went. She and neighbor, Mrs Ada Kisob were together known in Bamenda for being regular meeting attendees and contributors. They both were never bored.

Her people of influence were many but among her closest friends were late Mrs. Sarah Fo minyen-Mamfe to Bamenda; Mrs. Nkuku Nwig we-CDC Bota; late Sister Julie William-Nigeria to Victoria; late Mrs. Monie-Bamenda; Mrs. Ada Kisob-hhBamenda; late Mrs. Della Nchami-Bamen da to Buea and the US; Mrs. Regina Mundi Bamen da; Mrs. Toche- Bamenda; late Mrs. Mondoa- Vic toria; Ma Mobang- Bamenda; Pastor and Mrs.Julie Pefok- Bamenda & Buea; Mrs. Joanne Kilo Bamen da to US; late Pa and Ma Muna–Nigeria to Came roon; and many others.

She spent some time in Mamfe, with her late un cle, DO Fominyen before proceeding to England; Late John & sister, Mrs. Mbaku; her late kid brother & big helper-TT Tebo: Late brother-Akamanda Tebo and late son-in-law-Ngatat Tankwa.

Late Pa Joseph Atte was known for taking all his sisters under his protective wing. Late Aunty Mon ica and Ma Teresa were inseparable sisters every where. Out of the lot, only Aunty Teresa Amundam Timothy and Ma Nnah are the surviving sisters.

Mafor Teresa Bih Atte is survived by 3 daughters, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grand-children, 1 son-inlaw, 3 granddaughters-in-law, and 2 grandsons-inlaw, as well as other relatives too numerous to list.

POEM

by

Farewell to thee! but not farewell

To all my fondest thoughts of thee: Within my heart they still shall dwell; And they shall cheer and comfort me. O, beautiful, and full of grace!

If thou hadst never met mine eye, I had not dreamed a living face Could fancied charms so far outvie.

If I may ne’er behold again

That form and face so dear to me, Nor hear thy voice, still would I fain Preserve, for aye, their memory. That voice, the magic of whose tone Can wake an echo in my breast, Creating feelings that, alone, Can make my tranced spirit blest. That laughing eye, whose sunny beam My memory would not cherish less; — And oh, that smile! whose joyous gleam Nor mortal language can express. Adieu, but let me cherish, still, The hope with which I cannot part. Contempt may wound, and coldness chill, But still it lingers in my heart. And who can tell but Heaven, at last, May answer all my thousand prayers, And bid the future pay the past With joy for anguish, smiles for tears?

"Don't grieve for me, for now I am free; I'm following the path God laid for me"

Farewell

Anne Bronte

MAMA AT HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

Six years ago we celebrated mama's ninetieth birthday at the Pittsburgh National Aviary . The event was well attended with family and friends, some of whom had travelled from far and near. Mama was overjoyed to see relatives gather to celebrate her. In her speech, she delivered a message about love and expressed her immense gratitude and prayers to everyone who attended. The event was full of music food and cultural performances. And a showcase of some of the worlds exotic birds.

~

With friends from left to right:- Nrs Mai Nangah, Mama,Mrs Joanne Kilo,extreme right Mrs Ajai.above, Mr Shang, General Tataw, Mr Kilo.

MAMA TERESA

Caroline Ijang Akutu

Tonye Maa Krukrubo

Anna Ambang Ngatat

Valerie Maa Akutu

Timo Ngia Akutu

Georgina Bih Omeje

Ibinabo Krukrubo

Onengiye Krukrubo

Diepreye Krukrubo

Damiete Krukrubo

Nimi Krukrubo

Nkorni Tankwa

Tebo Tankwa

Layu Tankwa

Beri Tankwa

Ghamdhe Nyugab Nehneh Tankwa

Nkorni Jr. Tankwa

Eva krukrubo

Ethan Akogu Omeje

Mariah Krukrubo

Jaymin Nyugab

Eric One Omeje

Caden Krukrubo

Alex Osaki Krukrubo

Justine Oremi Krukrubo

Eliora Cajay Omeje

Augustine Krukrubo

Ngatat Tankwa (RIP)

Tasha Krukrubo

Lille Krukrubo

Sharell Krukrubo

Cynthia Raborn Tankwa

Sylvester Omeje

Emmanuel Nyugap

Ode to My Mom

Caroline's Tribute

Darling Mama, your glo rious day on this earth is now dawn. You have exud ed strength and will to live through your illness but had to surrender when God’s call came that morning. You fought a good fight, but the good Lord has other as signments for you. Your worries have ended, and I hope you are happy to again be with your dear mother, Mami Mary, your daughter, Yemi, your dear brothers, Pa Atte, Akamanda Tebo, Tom Tebo, your uncles Pa Fo minyen and Pa David Mobit as well as many others who have gone before you. Your numer ous close friends have wel comed you with open arms, I imagine, as you occasionally inadvertently mentioned them in your sleep, while you were ill.

As a child, you witnessed your mother’s matrimonial strug gles and both of you made sure you did not go through the same path. No one else could have worn your shoes in the same fashion. You alone knew where the shoes pinched.

However, I must say, you lived a considerably good life but as the adage goes, all good things must come to an end. Your unconditional love for your children was unsurmountable. Same love was extended to all the children around you. Your sibling’s kids were your kids. You did your best, the way you knew how.

You did worry a lot, gener ally, about life. Your worry predicament resulted in your developing hyperten-

sion which mounted when you lost your first daugh ter, Yemi. You feared you would lose me too when I was trapped in the Biafra war in Nigeria many years ago. Your effort to get me out of there did not go unnoticed. You specifically went to Lille, France to save me from the civil war after many other trials failed. You were very relieved when you returned home and found me waiting for you at late DO Kisob’s home with late Aunty Christy in Mamfe. You did your best to be a good mother and we all appreciate your life journey. It has not been easy for You, we understand, but your faith and diligence kept you going, and you thrived. You were an only child to your mother, but you did not grow up a spoilt brat. You surmount ed many obstacles to get somewhere. Luckily for you, God was always on your

side. Your devotion to Him was unparalleled, thanks to your mom.

Your departure reminds us that life is short, elusive and repetitive but Life in God’s world is a gift to be enjoyed and not a gain to be earned. You will be remembered for your industrious spirit, resil ience, steadfastness, some times, too frank responses, warmth, love for others, beauty and charm, cool and soft inviting way of speech, kindness, generosity and soft palms that your grandchil dren and great grandchildren liked to hold and touch. You were the queen of England’s age mate, and like her, you lived a noble, royal and hum ble life as the queen-mother of Nyen (Mafor-Nyen) May your sweet soul rest at the bosom of our father in heav en. Adieu! Mama, till we meet again to part no more.

Your daughter, Caroline Ijang

There comes a time when each and every one must leave this earth. Unfortunate ly, the unstoppable time for your departure just arrived, otherwise I and the family you have left behind would have loved to continue to have you with us endlessly. While I will miss you, I take solace in the fact you have gone to be with the Lord, where there is no death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Mama, you were a strong lady, who worked tirelessly for your personal societal emancipation, and to ensure that your three daughters had all the opportunities to suc ceed. You valued knowledge and the power of education, of which your family and the nation of Cameroon are bet ter for it. Mama, I love you for who you were, and love also for your best gift to me – the gift of the best father I could have ever wished for; Late Ambassador Daye Obunge. I recall seeing you beam with boundless joy when I came to Cameroon from the United States with one of my sons (your grandson), for the tra ditional marriage of a Cam eroonian lady whom he met in the United States. Mama, you were a loving and won derful lady. From your incred ible career accomplishments, you did well for yourself, your children, your relatives, and for Cameroon, from your incredible career accomplish ments. You lived a good life. Adieu Mama. We will meet again on the Resurrection Day, to part no more. May your sweet gentle soul, rest in Perfect Peace.

Tonye (Maa) Krukrubo

Tonye's Tribute atte

Tribute to My Dearly Beloved Mother .

Anna's Tribute

Mama, I regret to say that your life’s journey has come to an end. You have gone ahead like the other elders of the family, as we await our turn to join you all. Though you are now gone from us, you will forever be in our thoughts.

I deeply appreciate you for the efforts and sacrifices you made to take care of yourself, your children, your grandchil dren, and your great-grand children. It was not always possible to do what you wanted to do for us, none theless, you always did your utmost best.

You commanded the well earned respect and admira tion of people everywhere you went. You were your own person, and steadily climbed up the career and social lad der – from a teacher, to var ious esteemed government administrative positions, and to the leader of various Church groups. You recorded great accomplishments in them all before you retired. You were a friend to your neighbor, who loved you, es pecially at the quarter meet ings of “KNOW YOUR NEIGH BOUR”. You will be missed. Mama, you were loved and respected by your siblings, some of whom metaphorical ly worshipped the ground on which you trodded. I believe that the Angels of God have gently taken you into your mansion in heaven, where you are now wearing many crowns.

I will not end this tribute by saying “BYE”, because I be lieve that we shall meet again in the Lord’s bosom in the bye and bye.

ANNA (lass coco, as you often called me.)

Daughter

More Family Tributes

Mama, I have known you since I became your son-in-law 43 years ago, when I got married to one of your daughters. Ever since, I have always loved you and enjoyed being your son-inlaw. As a Nigerian, who has lived all of my adult life in Nigeria and the United States with my family, I did not have enough opportunities to be with you physically, yet you kept close touch with me and your daughter by telephone, no matter what part of the world we were. But on all the occasions when I was with you physically, you spared no pains in making me feel very special. Your charm and beauty were indelible, as they remained with you even when you were 96 years old.

Mama, you were a precious special gift to your family, to us who became members of your family through marriage, to your generation, to Cameroon, and to the world at large. From your humble background and beginnings, your educational and ca reer achievements were quite remarkable. As a woman of love and faith, generosity seeped beyond your immediate family to many others. You stayed focused and positive, no matter the circumstances. It is my view, that the simplicity of your life, and your love of peace contributed in great measure to the longev ity of your fulfilled life. Rest in perfect peace, Mama, until we meet again to part no more.

Eternal Rest Mama,

Mama, with tearful eyes we watched you get feeble by the day and the news of your passing broke our hearts but, we can only celebrate your life. As I sit here writing this tribute, it is mem ories of you, especially your smile the same one I saw the first time I came to pick you up at the airport when you first arrived, the same one you had every time I come to the house to cook for you, the same one you had when I came visiting you at the hospital just a week before your departure, and when you missed me from not coming to the house as regularly I used to, you will say to me in broken English “you carry me throw away” we will reconnect and share stories together. These sweet memories and the love you showed us are now medicine to our souls mending our broken hearts.

I know you are now with God, for you have lived a good and faithful life, just as God planned for you. So, while you are with God, please intercede for us all, and watch over us from heaven.

Till we see each other again, rest in God's bosom.

Sylvester Omeje Your Grand-Son-in-law

Pastor Augustine Krukrubo Your Son-in-law.

For Auntie Teresa. Across the Bridge

Auntie, the last time I saw you was over 20 years ago in Ngyen-Mboh. You came with Auntie Ada to visit Papa. You looked full of life and your soft laughter, sweet voice had not lost their charm and your natural beauty was well preserved.

As soon as I got the news that you had travelled on, I was overtaken by sadness. In communicat ing with Anna, I was aware about the state you were in. I have come to learn by my may trips to funeral services that there is no preparation possible against grieving. Like in a movie my mind flashed back to the late sixties and early seventies in Buea. This stunning lady who drove an Opel Kadett. She lived in a small flat by the Buea Mountain Club before moving into a pres tigious villa in the GRA. It was a befitting resi dence for this lady who had trained in London in secretarial skills at the highest level and was the attraction of every ministry and of government department. I remembered my numerous trips to your place to listen to music on your phono gram. One time I remember taking for you to lis ten the latest LP by the Beatles “Abbey Road”.

The song “Here comes the Sun” immediately thrilled you and you asked me to play it again and again. That stuck with me, and I have never listened to that song without thinking about you. Your home was so squeaky clean and tastefully furnished. You carried yourself as the lady you were; just as you were very particular about what you wore. I was jealous though of my brother Wali who was much older and got to stay at you place during his visits from CCAST Bambili and most of all one of the very few who got to drive your Opel Kadett.

When I heard, you had moved to the US to be with Ijang, I told myself I must make time to come and visit. We must do what we want to do when we want to do it. That is how we miss out on many things and set out ourselves to live a life of re grets.

Your departure is yet another reminder to that when we leave this world, our material goods, roles, titles, and profits no longer matter. All that counts when we leave, when we have complet ed our mission, is that we loved fully, and were loved in return. I sincerely believe that, when we leave this life, our soul takes this love with it.

When you love fully, only then are you truly alive! You get back what you give!

We can journey on, having been miserable with others, or we can journey on having made a dif ference and leaving beautiful memories in the minds of people. The memories I have of you Auntie are indeed pleasant ones. There is joy across the bridge as you the Princess of Kob ap proach, the several Munas and Attes that have preceded you. They will in unison celebrate you as you arrive. It is said that the age at which you departed, calls for celebration not sorrow. So, celebrate we will but the simple thought that we will not be able to see you again prompts the sadness we cannot hide.

So Darling Auntie Teresa, travel peacefully across the bridge, to the gentle eternal rest that awaits you in the bosom of the Almighty.

Akere T Muna

Auntie Teresa's life was blessed and full ! She touched so many people in many ways; l was one of those. She always lived , in and by the word, through out the years l knew her. We shall ever appreciate and celebrate her legacy! May The Ever Almighty grant her ; everlasting peace and perfect rest .

Your brother, George MUNA

At 96 Years old, we are actually celebrating the Life of an Icon. She is called by any Mama, by some others Mama Atte others Mama Teresa, and to her little angels as great grandma. I call her Mama. Mama has a special place in my heart, from the way she was with my late dad Pa TT and how we all related was so unique. She emphasised so much on education and thought us modernism. She will demonstrate how to walk in trousers, She will teach us real cousin with all the elements of a Menu. Yes she was a clean "njanga" woman who even some few months to death still was emphasising on her finger nails being manicured!!! Mama you lived a fulfilled life. Yes you did. We are celebrating. RIPP Mama.

Jackie Teboh

Mama you have lived a fulfilled life and have been blessed to see many genera tions after you. I was blessed to have had you as my grand mother. I will never forget all the virtues you instilled in us.

Just to mention a few;

I remember how you could barely walk after your second stroke and you were in recovery, we were about to serve a guest fruits we had washed but not dried up and you rushed to the kitchen limping to tell us that’s not how you serve a guest. You said we needed to dry up the fruits before serv ing it.

I also remember how we were going out to a female chorister concert and we sat in the taxi with you and some friends of ours and we were laughing at the top of our voices and you will tell us we are ladies and so we should laugh like ladies. You will always tell us we should seat like ladies dress like ladies, if we didn’t you will scold us to go change.

I will miss you mama but I am at peace be cause I know you are resting in the arms of our Lord. Thank you for everything. Till we meet again. Love you always.

Ghamdhe Nyugap (grand daughter)

Thank you Mama for everything, the life lessons, and for teaching me to pray! Thank you deeply for helping care for my first child. You named my second son, Mebenemweh (“We thank God”); Mama we thank God for you, the life lessons you taught countless people, and our relatives. At your 95th birthday, multiple people stayed around just the to share tributes. Thank you for caring for us all.

Gina Bih Omeje

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Tribute to Mama Teresa Bih Atte.

We got the sad news of Mama Teresa Atte’s transition into Glory in the early hours of No vember 2022. Mama was the first West Cam eroonian woman to drive a car in Buea in late 1950s! In those days, it was big news to us children. How excited we were to run after her car up to the Native Authority Primary School, Up per Farms in Buea. She held important posi tions in the then West Cameroon Government. Imagine when we became gender-sensitive in West Cameroon. And as the years by, we came to know, appreciate, respect and love a very important and strong woman, and as we grew older, we loved Mama Atte more. In May 2016 we joined Mama to celebrate her 90th Birthday and the next day she wore her T-Shirt that read “Keep Calm, I’m the Best Mom.” And yes, she was. For the last three years, we’ve celebrat ed her Birthdays by zoom and we’re so happy that she recognized our voices and pictures. We send our deepest condolence to the family and want you to know that we all loved Mama and support and surround the family during this critical moment. Remember the measure of your mom is not how she died but what she gave? I am sure, you’ve loved someone you can’t live without, and your heart is badly bro ken, and the bad news is you will never com pletely get over the loss of you mom. But this is also the good news. She will live forever in your broken heart that do not seal back up. But you will come through. Trust me.

We should therefore always remember that the Lord felt it was time for her to take back a great grand, grandma and mother who spent quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, relatives and friends. As we smuggle with this profound loss, we must cry knowing that each tear is a note of love rising to heavens.

May our Good Lord Almighty give you the strength to do what you do best, especial ly knowing that she’ll be there watching and guiding you all. Please family, accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.

Anna and Joseph N. Ngu

Tribute to a Beloved Friend. Mom and Grandmother, Mama Teresa Atte.

Look at when mom decides to travel Home to be with the LORD. On a peaceful leisurely Au tumn weekend.

When the leaves are falling gently to the ground. The trees are exceptionally colourful and pretty.

The forest looks exquisitely beautiful. And the Worship Day is calm and graceful.

The melody of “How Great Thou Art“ is rising to Heaven from all sons and daughters grandchildren Nieces and nephews Uncles and Aunties, and whole host of friends and family.

Praising and glorifying GOD for HIS Blessings and the fullness of life.

I knew Aunty Therese when we worked at the Community Development Headquarters BUEA in the Prime Minister’s Office. And at the Nta mulung Compound in Mankon Bamenda.

Always calm gentle and kind, soft spoken and a pleasant smile. She was loved by everyone.

Thank You Anne and IJANG for blessings mom with the gift cherished by all parents in their twilight years: (TLC - Tender Loving Care) until she metamor phosized to be in the presence of the LORD.

May GOD Almighty bless you and grant you and entire family peace and comfort beyond human understanding.

And may the soul of our beloved Mom and Aunty Therese ATTE Rest Peacefully at the bosom of the LORD until we meet again on that day when there is no sunset and no dawning.

NI ACHU WALINJOM

Tribute to Ma Therese Atte from Mother Is Gold group B’da.

Ma Teresa Atte was one of the pio neer members of MIG B’da. This means her membership stretched out for more than 50 years.

If you were looking for beautiful women of the fifties/sixties Ma Therese Ateh was most outstanding. Truly beautiful in and out. In fact she was always well groomed and with a touch of lipstick on her lips. She was very particular about her physical out look such that even on her dying bed, she would quarrel with care givers if her hair was not well made.

She was quiet, polite, soft spoken, and a British woman whose word remained her word. She never lied and would tell you the truth smiling, even if you were hurt by them.

She had once told someone that she joined MIG b/c she wanted to give back to society her experiences as a teacher, mother,sin gle mother and as a leader in the commu nity.

She told her children how enriching her interactions and experiences with MIG la dies had been. In fact, she loved the group and held it at very high esteem. That’s why everywhere she went she carried along the MIG uniform Even on dying bed the uni form was conspicuously displayed in her room for all to see.

She even left a word for it’s members. That the women should make very conscious ef forts to uphold the high standards of the group by being active, individually partici pating, being engaged in all activities. Weh Ma Atte, we’ll miss you so much but you have left us with loving memories. Adieu Mama and rest in perfect peace

Mama

Our dear mama, it is with deep sadness and joy that we wish you fair well. Sadness because we'll miss you and joy because you gave us all, love ,advice and your soft voice which got into the marrow. Yes, you did not know how to shout at children, oh mum that is what I admired in you . Always ready to apologize even to children. You were such a wonderful mother. I pray God Almighty to give you a special place in his kingdom. Who will call me Bingwe, ah, ma fair thee well.

From Bingwe Sally Kisob

was such a soft-spoken auntyto me and my family. I remem ber the one month she stayed with us in 2001 after being discharged from hospital. It was fun watching films with her and listening to the stories she told us about her life with late aunty Monica Kah. She bonded with the kids and Victor till today. Mama taught me how to make up to enhance my dark colour. “Tifuh be yourself “she told me. We thank God for the life God gave her and we thank God for calling her home to rest. May her gentle soul rest in the bosom of her creator as we remember her life and celebrate all the wonderful memories.

Bridgette Tifuh Fomunyam, United Nations Multi dimensional, Integrated Stabiliza tion Mission Mali.

EULOGY TO MAMA MAFOR TERESA ATTE

Mama, it was hard to receive and to accept the sad news that you have passed on. HRH the Fon and the entire population of Nyen have been hard hit by your demise. You were Senior Mafor when the Fon was enthroned. You gave him all useful advice in the discharge of his traditional and public duties.

We knew your health had not been the best for a while. But we continued to pray and hope that our Lord, God Almighty, would grant you some more time to spend with us. But He decided otherwise. We yield to His decision, for it is final. He gave you to us and He has taken you away from us. We are mourning but we remain confident that you are now by His side in heaven.

How can we ever forget your kindness, your charming and contagious smiles, your constant desire, eagerness and readiness to help and advise, your legend ary humility...? You were a great lady (big woman) but you remained very humble and unassuming. Personally, I never saw you angry. You were kind and friendly to a fault, always very calm and patient as you interacted with people. You showed a gentle spirit towards all, irrespective of age, tribe, social status, functions. You treated people, the great, the lowly, the big, the small, the same way, equally . You were the paragon of virtues.

One last thing which has endeared you for ever to Nyen people was your devel opment-oriented spirit. Just after the Fon's enthronement, you proposed that Nyen Development and Cultural Association (NDECA) be formed to pilot develop ment. Your good proposal was adopted and this association was thus born. Yes. I still remember. Upon your return to Yaounde after the Fon's coronation, you called late Pa Victor Mobit, late Pa Michael Nyamfon, Dr Fai Edward Fominyen and me, John Fombang, to join you so we form NDECA Yaounde Branch. Thanks to you, this Branch has been driving the development of Nyen village. Today, as you leave us, I want to assure you that the development association you helped form is alive and vibrant. Dear Mama, where can we stop. There is a lot more we can say. We just want to say that we will never forget you and that you will be sorely missed. We loved you Mama, so dearly, but God loves you more. Go, ... and rest in perfect peace till we meet to part no more.

Fare thee well Mama Mafor Teresa Atte.

John Tembi Fombang NDECA President General

Vous avez accompli beaucoup de bonnes choses dans la vie. Vous avez travaillé dur et avez toujours suivi le chemin de l'honnêteté. Tu dors bien, maman. Dieu a une belle récompense pour vous !

Know Your Neighbor

Mama's Immediate neighbours at Bamaen da Up-station, Bamenda . Below was one of the group dedication

Oh Mama, news of your transition to glory left us spellbound - though, with mixed feelings : That your physical presence will no longer be there to continue to galvanize us and that we shall miss those your fervent prayers. However, assured of your humili ty, kindness, generosity and love, knowing that you are the Lord’s, we are certain that you are going to meet your Heavenly Father at that place of eternal rest, full of bliss. When you get there, greet Mami Tong and brother Ngatat for us. Adieu Mama.

Tankwa Festus for the family

Dear Mama

Christian Women Fellowship

Mama was president for 6 years stand with her in this photo was Late Mrs. Mbi Dora, her secretary while she was president

Coming to reality with the fact that you're no more hasn't been easy. But knowing You're in heaven with the angels singing chariots gives me strength I know you have gone to prepare a better place for us.

Keep resting in peace till we meet again.

Tohchukwu Emmanuel. Son

DearMama, our beloved matri arch, you remain one of the strongest and bravest women I will ever know. You braved odds and stood the test of time stronger than anyone ever has in this family.

The last two times we talked, you told me you were proud of me repeatedly. Though I wasn’t sure exactly why you said so, it actually made me feel so proud of myself, and those words shall forever remain with me.

You are not with us anymore, you ran a very long race and fought hard the good fight of faith. As a true daughter of God, you carried your cross and fol lowed Him and I believe you are now resting in His bosom.

You shall forever be remembered as an exemplary grand mother who taught her grandchildren to grow In the way and fear of the Lord, to be loving, responsible, hard-working and fearless which is what you were your self.

Rest easy on the wings of eternity Mama, heaven has gained an angel and I, another guardian angel. Greet Daddy for me, until we meet again. Je t'aime

Nehneh Tankwa (Grand-Daughter)

Aunty Teresa, from the time we got to know you in the 1960s, we knew you were different. You were among the ladies who studied in England and re turned home to make an impact of the knowledge gained. Yes you did. You were always so soft spoken and dressed sophisticatedly in slacks and flair skirts or dresses, and always ready to correct any mistakes we make speaking English. You also left your mark in your career of selfless sacrifice and doing what is right and not giving in to corruption. The Lord bless ed you well and I know that He will continue to watch over you in His Kingdom. Go to sleep Aunty and leave the rest to God.

Adieu

Aunty Theresa.

From Lyz Nangah Epse Ngalle

Dear Brethren In Christ.

It is with regret that I announce the death of our Sis ter/ Mother - Mama Teresa Atte in Pittsburgh Penn sylvania. Mama Atte was a committed Christian of the PCC and worshipped in the Ntamulung Congregation before leaving for the US to meet her children. Mama Atte was a committed CWF member and held many responsible posts in the Church. Our condolences to Carol , Anne and the other family members.

May Mama’s Sweet Soul Rest In Perfect Peace. Adieu Mum

To PCC USA

From

Hildah Nde

Sis good afternoon this is Chinelo Akutu Nweke, I just called to condole with you on the passing of your dear Mum but the call was declined, I believe you must be in a place where you can't take calls. How are you doing? Be strong Sis.

I thank God for Mama's life & the fact that you all gave her a good life. She has gone to be with the Lord.

May have lovely soul rest in peace. As you make all the plans for her funeral may God be with you all & May he strengthen & guide you as well as make provisions for all you will need to give her a befitting burial.

Jisike, Ndo Nwannem

A Telephone Message To my

Aunty in Heaven

It was with a deeply broken heart and a sense of great despair that I received a phone call from Carol announcing your passing to glory on October 29, 2022, at exactly 10.18 a.m. Tears cascaded from my eyes, but after a moment of reflec tion I found myself thanking God—as your demise was due to illness and age. In fact, to live until 96 is rare. Your life and death have indeed, been a gradual, natural process! So, Aunty, we are not going to mourn you as non-Christians do but celebrate your life and legacy with purpose. Mama, did you ever know that you were my mentor in female ed ucation? Back in the 1960s, when few households sent girls to school, your name rang loud and true like a church bell on Sunday mornings; parents ad vised their daughters to emulate the example you’d set for all of us. You were the first-ever female education Officer and Delegate in Bamenda Prov ince, and to this day, we have not yet witnessed another like you. This is just one of many great reasons for us not to mourn but celebrate your life and lega cy in honesty.

Aunty, you were a rare gift to Pa Petrol Teboh Njong’s family! Everything your style of dress, your hairdos, your move ments, your general comportment sug gested you were a woman marked by modernity, yet modest in character. Aside from your natural beauty, we ad mired your intelligence and sense of duty, your choice of friends and choice of words to communicate with others— not to mention the fact that you were also a committed and highly skilled organizer. These are just a handful of the many qualities that made you a role model to so many women who craved to be like you, to be friends with you, to emulate your character and humility to improve their own lives! I will be candid: your admirers spanned a number of the women’s groups that claimed you

as one of their own— “Mother is Gold,” “Momo Women Association,” and “CWF Ntamulung,” to name only a few. This is our reason to celebrate—you were a star in our family, and although we miss you, you have left an enduring legacy!

When it came to family, no accidents of fate or misgivings of history could corrupt your mindset. You raised many boys and girls from the family from grass to grace, providing passionate ly for all kids under your care—giving them clothes, shoes, books, or tools according to their needs. Although you had house helps, you insisted to the children that they learn to clean their rooms, tidy up the house, sweep the surroundings, water the garden, and wash their own clothes.

You made us eat at the table to learn table manners and proper behaviour, to help us grow responsibly. Despite all the hard work you put us through, the sound of your approaching vehicle was thrilling; you kept us all running about and adjusting our behaviour, keeping us on our toes to be sure we could answer questions to your satisfaction. Yet in the later years in Buea, we used to trick you into giving us your car so we could visit all the Ashong family members we knew at Munya, Mutengene and Victo ria—driven by late uncle George Akhen manda, whom you trusted so much! Oh, life was so good then and now! But from every indication, my darling mother, God loved and blessed you a thousandfold in this world! At long last, because His verdict of death cannot be revoked by man, we commit your soul into His care and say “rest in peace” until we shall meet, never again to part!

Adieu!

By Nyah Margaret Muyen

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family of Mama Teresa Atte would like to express our deepest appreciation for everyone's sympathy as we celebrate her fulfilled life. The shared memories, tributes along with the many phone calls, your visitations, flowers, cards, gifts of food and services, and words of condolence meant a great deal to us all.

We would especially like to thank The O’Brien Funeral Home and its employees for their professional and caring arrangements. Religious Leaders Donald Tucker, Pastor Augustine Krukrubo and Musician did a wonderful job honouring Mama Teresa’s life.

To everyone who reached out to us during our time of mourning, we are grateful for your continued support and love during our time of need.

Mafor Teresa Atte will be missed dearly by all who knew her. May God bless and guide you all.

The Family.

Mama Teresa Bih Atte