BIOGRAPHY
PREAMBLE
“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I
shall be ashamed, but that with boldness, as always, so now also Christ
shall be magnified in my body. Whether it be by life or by death”. But
“for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians’ 1:20-21.
BIRTH AND PARENTAGE
Late Deaconess (Mrs.) Emma Enefiok Timothy Udoh was born on January 25, 1946 to the family of Late Archbishop Willie Umoh Ekam and late Madam Elizabeth Willie Umoh Nee: (Elizabeth Ekpo) of Ibong Ikot Akpan Abasi, Otoro, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. As the first daughter of the family, she was raised by highly disciplined Christian parents who trained her in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Little wonder why she grew up to be a shining example, a role model, and a reference point to other female children in the family, community, and society at large.
EDUCATION
Late Deaconess Ema-Abasi as she was fondly called in the family circle, started and completed her Primary Education at Fifteen Towns Christ Army School, Ibiakpan No. 1, Otoro, Abak Local Government Area, where she sat for and passed her Standard Six Examination between 1954-1960. Thereafter, she was admitted into a Vocational Training Institution at Aba in the present-day Abia State for her secretarial and office management training, which she successfully completed and obtained a certificate. The “Standard Education” as it was then called, coupled with her vocational training was good enough to empower and position her to overcome the challenges of written or Oral English Communication at any level of formal or informal transactions.
CAREER
Mummy started her career as a Secretarial staffer at the Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC), Aba in the present-day Abia State, Nigeria, in the 60s, where she worked for many years before returning to Uyo after her marriage, to play her role and contribute her quota in the building of her new home and family. While in Uyo in a geographical area now known as Akwa Ibom State, she established and managed a super market (Scorpio Supermarket) and a restaurant (Vista Restaurant) to meet the yearnings of the good people of the state for a reputable shopping outfit and a high-class eatery, which was hard to find at that time.
In order to satisfy her desire to see the growth and expansion of the family business, Enebros Motors Limited, she took up an appointment as the Director of Finance in the company because of her dexterity, commitment, decorum, accessibility, transparency, and honesty, which facilitated the quick turnaround of the company.
However, according to the scripture; “…as thy days, so shall thy strength be”. Deuteronomy 33:25b, Mummy’s strength could no longer cope with the hustling and bustling of private sector concerns, so she retired home from active public engagements but was not tired of engaging in subsistence farming to ensure that there is food on the table for the family at all times. Indeed, she was a mother like no other.
MARRIAGE/CHRISTIAN LIFE
The late Mrs. Emma E.T. Udoh was born into a Christian family and worshipped in her father’s church, the Spiritual Christ Army Church, Ibong Ikot Akpan Abasi, Otoro Abak. She was an active member of the church till she left Abak after her marriage to Mr. Enefiok Timothy Udoh, now a chief and the village head of Nung Ukana Ibesikpo Local Government Area. The union was blessed with seven children and fifteen grandchildren, sons and daughters-in-law, and a grandson in-law.
After marriage, Mummy, like every other member of her husband’s family, attended the Lutheran Church of Nigeria in their village at Nung Ukana, Ibesikpo, but later changed to Assemblies of God church which was established in their family compound by two pioneer pastors; her brother in law, Late Rev. Okpo and Late late Archbishop Elijah Mboho (who was then Pastor Mboho, hosted by her throughout his stay in Nung Ukana). She was led to Christ by Late Rtd Rev. (Dr.) E.A. Umoh, experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, was confirmed as a full member of the Assemblies of God in good standing, and was commissioned as a worker in the church.
She served in different departments of the church, such as the women’s department as president for many years, Sunday School as a teacher till death, and the marriage counseling committee
and at different tiers of their church government. She was the church’s Choir mistress for decades, from when their church branch was at Enwe street, Uyo and even after they moved to their permanent site in Umoren Extension, Uyo. She loved to sing. A trait that has been passed down to her children and grandchildren. Her last active service for God in church was when she sang with her choir group during their get-together fellowship along Airport Road.
Mummy Emma Udoh as she was fondly called, was a virtuous woman, a devoted Christian who found joy in service to God and humanity. She hardly missed any church service and practiced
the gospel of Jesus Christ, whom she believed in, while raising her children to do the same. She was very hospitable, and her humility shone everywhere she went. She had excellent culinary skills
and would always joyfully entertain ministers of God and anybody who came around her. She did this for years. She believed strongly in taking care of her pastors and would generously give to them, the needy and anyone who sought her help, even strangers, just as the Bible commands us all to. Her house was a safe haven to friends, family, strangers and even people who did not wish
her well. Mummy valued peace in every situation and would choose it even to her detriment. She was indeed a very caring and loving mother, blessed immensely by God and a great blessing to
everyone who knew her
SOCIAL LIFE
Sister Emma, as she was fondly called by the Assemblies of God Community, was a social mixer per excellence. Her peaceful appearance and charming smiles always created a sense of humor for every sorrowful face that ever came across her at any given time. She was sociable, kind, peace-loving, and kindhearted; quiet and very slow to join issues by way of erratic expression no matter what ever happened. Mummy was a motivator, unifier, burden-bearer, and woman of great compassion; who loved to help those in need. Due to her honest disposition, dedication to teamwork, and interest in humanity and meaningful community development, she joined socio-cultural organizations and choral groups, a few of which include Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol Choir, Akwa Ibom Minds (a Socio-cultural and development) organization of Akwa Ibom State, etc.
HOME CALL
This valiant soldier of Christ was full of life, strength, hope and great prospects. She was still very active in service and even attended a combined fellowship church service where she sang in the choir not long before her demise. Sadly, this turned out to be her last big church service. Deaconess Emma Udoh was called home on Saturday, the 27th day of April, 2024, at about 2:00 a.m. Those who witnessed her last moment on earth testified that she was singing and humming songs with her angelic host above. She served God till her last breath and ended well as a choir director in active service. Although she has gone home, her exemplary life, good works, and legacy speak for themselves. May her gentle soul rest in peace in the bosom of our Father till we meet on the resurrection morning. She is survived by her husband, six children, sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and a host of other relatives to mourn her departure.