From Her Grandchildren

My grandma was an amazing person, who never missed an opportunity to show me love. I still remember when I had just moved to Nigeria and she came all the way to Ojodu Berger just to see me using keke, bringing a pack of Splash and a bucket of Skyflakes crackers.

I still remember her asking me when I was coming so she could buy "soft chicken", and me begging her to help me source ground rice because I had no clue where to get it from in Lagos.

She was always there for me when I needed her, always smiling and always ready to help — and really, that is the true definition of family.

She was a great woman, who was loved by many, and as we lay her to rest we celebrate the love she always showed and wear the smile she never failed to have.

We love you Grandma and miss you.

Our grandma was one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever known. She had a way of making everyone around her feel special, cared for, and welcomed.

Some of my favourite memories are the simple moments we shared together: the conversations, the laughter, and the comfort of just being around her.

She worked so hard throughout her life and always put others before herself. Even through difficult times, she continued to show kindness and strength.

I find peace in knowing she is finally resting. I will forever be grateful to have had such an amazing grandmother.

I will carry her love and the memories she gave me for the rest of my life.

Grandma was so happy and kind.

I remember when I was younger and I really wanted a dance partner to show all my new dances to — and she would always be the first one to volunteer. That always made my day.

Now she is finally resting after all her hard work. I will forever love and miss her.

Instead of wallowing in sadness I've decided to reminisce on the memories I have with the strongest woman I've ever known — my Grandmother.

For as long as I can remember, Grandma has been practically a second mum to both myself and my brother Ayodeji Shodipo, so much so that when I had learned how to talk as a child, I couldn't annunciate the word "Grandma" properly — so instead I called her Mama.

My Mama instilled a sense of curiosity in both me and my brother, by travelling all over London via bus. Me and Dej could tell you nearly every bus route from Tottenham to Woolwich. Mama had a beautiful soul, and never failed to remind everyone around her that it is and always was God working through her. That fact allowed her to fill up the cups of others whilst never complaining about her own share — a level of humility that she wore on her sleeve, instilling spiritual discipline as the matriarch of the family.

Mama, the joy, the love, the kindness, the patience and the time that you've given your family is the blueprint of not only being the best Grandma, but an exceptional human being. Thank you for being you. Until we meet again — God rest your soul.

I feel immense gratitude for the time we spent together. You were extremely involved in my childhood, and we made unforgettable memories from the time we spent together.

I deeply miss us always travelling around London on the buses, with you taking me to new places. The memories we made are priceless to me, and you were the best Grandma I could have asked for.

I will forever miss you Grandma. May you rest in peace.