Benjamin Essilfie Memorial Book

God looked around his garden and found an empty place, He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain.

He knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb.

So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered, ‘Peace be Thine’.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you, the day God called you home - By Melissa Shreve

Benjamin Mbeah Ekow Cobbinah Essilfie was a direct descendant of the Royal Kona (Ambiem) Ebusua of Obienku, in the Enyan Abaasa Traditional Area. He was born on November 10th, 1970 in Abuesi, Ghana. Benjamin, also affectionately called “Ekow”, “Uncle Ben”, “Uncle Essilfie”, “Tough Guy”, and other endearments, had his formal education at Abuesi Methodist School. From his childhood, Benjamin fancied driving Big Trucks; no wonder he joined the Ghana Private Road & Transport Union (GPRTU), Abuesi Branch, in the early years of his adulthood. He later migrated to the U.S. to join his family members.

Benjamin Mbeah Ekow Cobbinah Essilfie answered God’s call on October 20th 2023. He is survived by his wife Mary Essilfie, and children: Philomena Cobbinah, Benedicta Cobbinah and Ben. Paapa Essilfie.

In pursuance of his dream of becoming a Professional Truck Driver, Benjamin’s first job in the U.S. was with the Father & Son Moving & Storage Company in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, where he worked for over five years.

Before leaving the Company he had then obtained his CDL license so he bought his own truck and operated an independent trucking business. Later down the years, he sold his trucking business and worked for NFI Industries, Inc., until he was taken ill in 2019.

CHIEF MOURNERS: (Home and Abroad): Nana Otsiwa Mbonako X, Chief of Obienku Township, Obaahenmaa Esi Nkrumah III, Ebusuapanyin Kweku Attah, Ebusuabaatan Gabriel Kodwo Essilfie, Obaapanyin Efua Ntsifuaba, Obaapanyin Adwoa Kampeba, Obaapanyin Elizabeth Essilfie, Obaapanyin Hannah Essilfie, Mrs. Dorcas Essilfie, Dr. & Dr. (Mrs.) Collins Owusu Ansah, Mr. Edward Oppong Quainoo, Ofiepanyin Yaw Duku, Okyeame Kodwo Essuon, Okyeame Kofi Michael (Brothers & Sisters), Obaapanyin Efua Owinkyire, Maame Owuedziwa, Kweku Donkoh (Brothers & sisters), Mr. Samuel K. Woode, Madam Joana Essuman, Mr. & Mrs. Delah Azumah, Mrs. Paulina Arthur, Mr. & Mrs. Ekow Sam, Obaahenmaa Nana Benyiwa VI, Mr. Francis Otoo, Mr. Joseph Otoo, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Otoo, Mr. & Mrs. Kingsley K. Woode, Ms. Wilma Woode, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Arthur, Mr. & Mrs. Albert M. Essilfie, Mr. Gabe Essilfie, Jr., Pastor Lois Temple, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Laster Jr., Mr. & Mrs. David Yeboah, Cobbinah Brothers & Sisters, Madam Aba Sakyiwa Asmah & Children, Dr. & Mrs. Kwame Dadson, Mr. Kwadwo Bunnuh, Madam Josephine Acheampong, Mr. & Mrs. Kwamina Benn, the entire Royal Kona (Ambiem) Ebusua of Obienku, Enyan Abaasa and Abuesi; and allied families of Abuesi and Abandze, Overseers, Pastors, and members of the Church of Pentecost, New Jersey.

Benjamin was a member of Dunwell Methodist Church in Abuesi, Ghana, where he joined the Youth Choir as a teenager. His baritone voice was a joy to listen to in church. In the U.S., he was a member of the Church of Pentecost, Blackwood Assembly, in New Jersey, where he became Men’s Leader. His faith in God compared to none, and even in his difficult times he found time to attend church and be involved in church activities.

Benjamin loved life and always lightened up every event he attended. He loved and enjoyed Christian Hymns and Gospel music, dancing, watching his favorite games; soccer and football.

Although, Benjamin is not physically with us, he will continue to be admired and loved by his family, friends, and co-workers for his loyalty. His compassionate and loving spirit of generosity to all is incomparable.

Benjamin’s “humility, kindness, and willingness to offer a helping hand” are the themes weaved through the patterns of his life. Indeed, sometimes he would go all out to help his family and friends; at the peril of his own health and safety.

Tough Guy, you will forever be in our Hearts. We love thee MORE; but JESUS loves thee, BEST. Lay down thy head on the CREATOR’S BOSOM. REST IN PERFECT PEACE OUR DEAREST ONE. DAMIRIFA DUE! DAMIRIFA DUE! DUE NA AMANDZE HU!

Opening Prayer/Worship - Deaconess Gloria Ampofo Songs/Hymns

- Pentecost Family Choir

File Past

- Pentecost Family Choir

Introductions

- Conductor

Bible Reading

- 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

English - Deaconess Beatrice Miezan

Twi

- Mr. Amos Aduse Poku

Songs/Hymns

- Pentecost Family Choir

Biography/Obituary

- Mrs. Winifred Azumah

Widower’s Tribute

- Deaconess Jane

Children’s Tribute

- Philomenia, Benedicta, Benjamin Jr.

Church’s Tribute

- Elder Stephen Tagtaa

Songs/Hymns

- It is Well With My Soul

Exhortation

- Overseer Wilfred Aboagye

Prayer

- Pastor Dr. Karl Badu

Announcement

- Conductor

Benediction

- Pastor Dr. Karl Badu

Conductor

- Overseer Gideon Debrah

Prayer

- Pastor Kyei Baffour

Lowering of Casket

- Minister

Committal

- Pastor Dr. Karl Badu

Family Response

- Family of the Bereaved

Announcement

- Conductor

Closing Prayer

- Overseer Dr. Ebenezer Aniagyei

Benediction

- Pastor Dr. Karl Badu

Conductor

- Overseer Gideon Debrah

Arrival & Songs Commencement Prayer

- Elder Richard Opoku

Welcome of Guests/Introductions Conductor Musical Interlude Tributes - Others Exhortation

- Overseer Prince Adjei

Prayer for Bereaved Family

- Pastor Emmanuel Ntumy Adofo

Announcement

- Elder Stephen Tagtaa • District Secretary

Closing Prayer

- Elder Pascal Asiedu

Benediction

- Pastor Emmanuel Ntumy Adofo

Conductor - Elder Stephen Tagtaa

And now dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died. So you will not grieve like people who have no hope. “For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died” - (1st Thessalonians 4:13-14) I met my dear husband on a quick visit to my village; it was love at first sight for him. He asked me to give him water to drink, and that started our courting which led us to marriage. Although, life in the beginning was not rosy, we always managed to make ends meet with what we had. God being so good he opened the door for you to join your family in the U.S. And, true to your words, you managed to bring me and our three beautiful children to join you in the U.S. a few years later.

Ekow, as I affectionately called him, was a mentor, teacher, counselor, father and friend to many, but to me he was the love of my life, my teacher, advisor and above all my G.P.S. As a professional commercial driver he knew his way around many places, so I would not drive to anywhere new without him confirming the directions to the place.

He was a superhero to our three children, remained a man of integrity and kept to his promises. He approached his work with diligence, and with all his strength and might.

He calmed me down whenever I was angry; when he couldn’t calm me down, he would advise me to go to sleep and deal with the matter later, Oh my Ekow, who will understand me the way you do and have my back with you gone? You brought us from Ghana to the U.S. so that we would live together as a family; so why have you left us on this life journey?

I pray our Lord and Savior shall continue to be our backbone and protector.

One morning, you came back from work and complained about backache, this took us to different hospitals until we received your diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. By God’s grace you responded well to your treatments and you were even able to drive to dialysis and chemotherapy treatments, and doctors’ appointments. This gave us hope that you had won the battle, until on that faithful night you fell ill, we went to the hospital, the doctors, nurses, did their best, but your savior called you home.

Eii Ekow!! You told me, we have a long way to go in life. You have left me this way when we haven’t reached our destination yet. We had plans to travel to many places once you got better. Ekow, who will call me at work and pray with me, who will greet and welcome me from work, who can understand me like you do?

Ekow Ben, you have left a vacuum in my heart that no one can ever fill. You were my friend, brother and companion, you always consoled me when I was down by saying, “Take heart Basia Esi, everything will be alright”.

If I had the opportunity to tell you one more thing, I would say thank you for loving me the way you did, and helping me “a Muslim to find Christ and draw closer and deeper in my Christian journey”. For the past five years, we have fought this sickness, the pain you have gone through, all this has helped us to pray a lot and it has built my faith in the Lord. I shall be forever grateful and proud of you. Your memory will remain in my heart.

I love you.

Mokun Ekow Ben, Damirifa Due! Damirifa Due! Due Na Amandze Hu! Nyame mfa wo kra nsie yie!!!

I will forever miss you!

A tribute to my father: On October 20, 2023 my biggest fear happened, my mom always says I look like her, but l behave just like my father. Although, you were a man of few words, you were the life of the party before you got sick.

My world grew dimmer the day you left us; a piece of my heart walked out the door with you the day you left this earth. I am in a state of shock and still can’t believe you are gone. But your memory still shines brightest in my darkest hours.

To my first teacher, my hero, thank you. I will forever miss you!

Love your oldest daughter, Philomena

Always with me

My father didn’t talk much, but he never needed to because his presence always preceded him.

You were a kind hearted and free spirited man who loved life.

I will forever miss your little smiles, little side comments, our arguments over anything and nothing at the same time.

My childhood was lit beyond belief, bliss only possible because of the measures you provided.

Your car was always a safe place; with you behind the wheel, I knew there was no place we couldn’t go. You always told us to start our cars for at least ten to twenty minutes before moving so it wouldn’t affect the engine; I want you to know that I will always follow that advice.

It hurts to think about the fact that you’ll miss meeting my husband, my children, and my future family. But it soothes me to know that no matter how much time tries to fade your memory, your spirit and life will always be with me.

To my hero, I love you. Rest well, Pop! Love, Benedicta

My Pops, My Hero!

I don’t even know how to start this, Pops I never thought in my young life I would be writing a goodbye tribute to you. Thank you for always being you, no matter the situation. Bringing us to America I think was the greatest thing you ever did in my eyes. Back when I was a kid I didn’t know but looking back now I could only imagine how much you had to go through just to bring us here. Wish I would have had more time to show my appreciation because I don’t know what I would have become back home, in Ghana. You taught me lessons by just showing me and not saying much. Your last few words you kept repeating to me was “be patient”, Pops I want you to know that I am really working on it. I am sorry I could not help much when we both needed each other. It’s just that I did not know how to communicate my feelings to you. I am so glad we had that deep and emotional conversation on my birthday. I did not know that was your way of saying goodbye. Thank you for just being you!

May God be with you! Rest in Perfect Peace!

Love, your son, Paapa!

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on the day – and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) The late Mr. Benjamin Ekow Essilfie was a very devoted and committed member of the church of Pentecost and Blackwood assembly. Uncle Essilfie as we always called him, fell extremely ill in the summer of 2019 and was admitted in the intensive care unit. The church prayed, and God answered our prayers. He was admitted shortly into a manage care facility in Cherry Hill and then discharged home. Through all of this, he continued to fellowship with the church whether on zoom or in person.

On the morning of October 20th, his conditioned worsened and he was rushed to the hospital, but the all-knowing God called him home this time.

Uncle Essilfie joined Blackwood shortly after the arrival of his family from Ghana in the initial stages of the assembly’s creation. He served the Lord to the best of his ability and in simpleness even to his last days and died in the Lord. The late uncle was a wonderful husband and a great father. There was no assignment too small or big for him and he was always ready to help in the cleanup of the church.

Being it, power washing the building, mowing the lawn, or calling out from his work so he can drive the church van for people to attend programs. He will make every effort to support the things of God. His simplicity of serving God was laudable and always noticeable.

He fully supported his wife’s ministry, sometimes he will wait for hours in the car during our presbytery meetings. For this and other reasons, the late uncle Essilfie and wife won the couple of the year 2022 valentine week district pastor’s award. This shows his commitment to attend all church programs with the wife. His contribution to the Men’s Ministry will never go unrecognized.

We will dearly miss uncle Essilfie’s presence in church, especially when the men take their turn to dance. But one thing we know is that his presence is with the Lord, for the apostle Paul once told the Corinthians church. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.”

- 2 Corinthians 5:8-9(KJV). We believe he is in a better place with the Lord. “IT IS WELL WITH YOUR SOUL UNCLE” May your Soul Rest in perfect Peace till we meet again. Amen!!

What singing there will be up there (2x) When face to face with Jesus We shall stand And join the heavenly choir in a better land

When peace like a river, attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul It is well With my soul It is well, it is well with my soul Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come Let this blest assurance control That Christ has regarded my helpless estate And hath shed His own blood for my soul It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul

What singing there will be up there What glory for the saints to share Oh Glory, Glory, Glory What singing there will be up there.

My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul!

It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul O Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend; “Even so”—it is well with my soul.

It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?

The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?

In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?

To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?

Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?

On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, death shad’wing us and ours?

Jesus has vanquished death and all its pow’rs.

Peace, perfect peace, ’mid suffering’s sharpest throes?

The sympathy of Jesus breathes repose.

It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease, And Jesus calls us to Heav’n’s perfect peace

I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me, The world behind me, the cross before me; The world behind me, the cross before me; No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, I still will follow, Though none go with me I still will follow, Though none go with me, I still will follow; No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus Will you decide now to follow Jesus Will you decide now to follow Jesus No turning back, No turning back

My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus; My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus, My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus; No turning back, No turning back.

The Family of Benjamin M. Ekow Cobbinah Essilfie wishes to express our sincere gratitude for the various expressions of love during our bereavement.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Pallbearers Benjamin Essilfie Jr. Gabriel Essilfie Jr. Raphael Arthur

Daniel Otoo Albert Essilfie Alhassan Amadu

Clergy Overseer Wilfred Aboagye Pastor Dr. Karl Badu Overseer Gideon Debrah

Pastor Kyei Baffour Overseer Dr. Ebenezer Aniagyei Overseer Prince Adjei

Pastor Emmanuel Ntumy Adofo

Resting Place Gate of Heaven Cemetery 260 W. White Horse Pike Berlin, NJ 08009

Arrangements Entrusted To: Bagwell Funeral Homes Inc. 131 South Broad Street Penns Grove, NJ 08096 Tel: 856-299-1611

Program Design by Christopher Coley for COLDArts and Design