AMIZI, Abia State – It was an atmosphere of profound grief and heartfelt tributes on Wednesday as the Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Catechist Ambrose Jonah, broke down in tears while paying his final respects to his late elder sister, Lady Immaculate Chioma Jonah.

The funeral service, held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Amizi, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, drew family members, friends, associates and sympathisers who gathered to honour the memory of a woman widely remembered for her humility, kindness and selfless devotion to her family.

Speaking shortly after his sister was laid to rest at their father’s compound, an emotional Jonah described her as “the best sister I have ever known,” saying her unwavering love and sacrifices left an enduring impact on everyone around her.

According to him, Lady Immaculate treated every family responsibility as though it were solely hers, always placing the welfare of her siblings above her own without seeking recognition.

“I had asked her to come down from Port Harcourt to the village because I wanted to appreciate and celebrate her. Sadly, that opportunity never came,” he said amid tears.»

Jonah said her death had left him deeply heartbroken, especially for their aged mother, her only daughter and her grandchildren.

Describing the deceased as peaceful, compassionate and kind-hearted, he said she never harboured grudges or quarrelled with anyone, adding that her humility, patience and cheerful disposition would remain unforgettable.

He recalled that Lady Immaculate carried out household responsibilities tirelessly without complaining, always wearing a smile despite the burdens she bore.

Lady Immaculate is survived by her only daughter, who is married and blessed with two sons.

Concluding his tribute, Jonah said although the family would continue to mourn her painful loss, they would forever cherish her legacy of humility, sacrifice, diligence and unconditional love.

“We will always love her and continue to pray for the peaceful repose of her soul. May God grant her eternal rest,” he prayed.
In his homily, the Vicar, Very Rev. Dr. Nicola Kalu, represented by Very Rev. Dr. Chukwudi Anya, condoled with Catechist Ambrose and his family, praying that God would grant eternal rest to the soul of the deceased and comfort those she left behind.

Preaching from Matthew 5:3–12, he urged the congregation to live with eternity in view by focusing on the blessings God has promised to those who remain faithful on earth.

The cleric, however, expressed concern over what he described as the growing tendency among Christians to neglect God and the guidance of their spiritual fathers, especially during times of crisis. He encouraged believers to seek spiritual support through prayer before pursuing other forms of assistance.

He said:

“Please, brothers and sisters, whenever your relative is sick or there is an emergency involving your loved one, call your Rev. Father first or your pastor. Your spiritual father knows what to do at every given time. That is why I applaud our brother, Catechist Ambrose. Throughout the trials surrounding his sister’s illness, he never disregarded the place of his Rev. Fathers.”»

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency of Abia State, Engr. Boniface Isienyi also sympathised with the bereaved family and recalled the heartbreaking moment the deceased passed away. He urged the family to remain steadfast in God’s word, praying that the Almighty would grant the departed eternal rest and give the family the strength to bear the painful loss.

Also, Hon. Mark Chinyere expressed deep sadness over the passing of Lady Immaculate Chioma Jonah, describing her death as a painful loss. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Catechist Ambrose Jonah and the entire Jonah family, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the irreparable loss and the deceased eternal rest.

Earlier in an exclusive interview with Famous Reporters, the Youth Leader of the Labour Party in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Mr. Francis Okechukwu Mathew, described Lady Immaculate’s death as a painful and irreplaceable loss, expressing sympathy to the bereaved family.

Mathew, a close friend of Catechist Ambrose Jonah, said the deceased’s passing had brought immense grief not only to her family but also to friends and members of the community who knew her.

He noted that although Lady Immaculate died in her mid 50’s and still had many years ahead of her, no one could question the will of God.

“It is always heartbreaking when someone who still had many years ahead of them passes away unexpectedly. We are here today to stand by our friend, Jonah, and his family, to mourn with them and remind them that God has not abandoned them. We pray that He grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

Offering words of encouragement to the family, Mathew urged them to remain steadfast in faith despite the painful loss, stressing that only God understands why such tragedies occur.

“My heartfelt condolences go to Jonah and the entire family. Although this loss is deeply painful, life must go on. I encourage them to remain strong, trust God for comfort, and pray for the grace to overcome this difficult period,” he added.

Reflecting on the inevitability of death, the Labour Party youth leader called on people to live purposeful lives, forgive one another, and promote peaceful coexistence.

According to him, no one knows when death will come, making it imperative for people to cherish their relationships, avoid actions that could endanger others, and live together in love and unity.

Meanwhile, the funeral ceremony attracted several prominent Catholic priests, political leaders, government officials, business associates, family members, friends, and well-wishers from different walks of life, among whom were Mrs. Nnena Fedelia Nwaubani, the wife of the Mayor of the Local Government, Prince Innocent Eleogu, a prominent son of Ikwuano, who gathered to pay their final respects to the deceased and support the bereaved family.