The remains of the late Mrs. Mary Aiyebanimiworio Chepaka (née Aiyebaiduate), a respected community icon, philanthropist, and devoted Christian, was laid to rest on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Okochiri, Okrika, Rivers State, amid tears, tributes, and heartfelt prayers from family, friends, and well-wishers.
The solemn funeral service was officiated by ministers of the Assemblies of God Church, Okochiri 1, who led mourners in thanksgiving for a life marked by faith, service, and compassion. The ceremony brought together members of the church, community leaders, relatives, and admirers who gathered to celebrate her impactful legacy.
Mrs. Chepaka, who was born in November 1955 and passed on in November 2025 at the age of 70, lived a life defined by resilience, discipline, and dedication to humanity. She was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, into the families of Angaa Pekene and Ayebaduate of the Orubokolo families of Ogboloma Biri, Nembe, in Bayelsa State. Her late father, Victor Ayebaduate, was serving as a soldier in Ibadan at the time of her birth.
Due to her father’s military career, the family relocated several times, living in Kaduna and later in Kano. These early years in Northern Nigeria shaped her character and enabled her to become fluent in the Hausa language.
Her journey later took her to the Eastern Region when her father was posted to Enugu. With the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War, she was sent back to Nembe for safety, where she lived with her grandfather, the late Chief Thomas Ayebaduate. This period, family members noted, played a crucial role in molding her values, discipline, and sense of responsibility.
While in Nembe, Mrs. Chepaka pursued her education with remarkable excellence. She completed her primary education at St. Luke’s Primary School with distinction and proceeded to Nembe National Grammar School in the 1970s, where she consistently emerged as one of the best students. Her outstanding academic performance earned her admiration within the community. She later obtained her G4 Certificate, which paved the way for her entry into the civil service.
In 1975, she began her professional journey as a clerical assistant in the civil service, dedicating herself to public service with integrity and diligence. Colleagues remembered her as hardworking, disciplined, and committed to excellence.
Her life of service was also reflected in her strong Christian faith. While in the civil service, she met her husband. Already a devoted member of the Scripture Union, she was later introduced to the Assemblies of God Church, where she became deeply rooted in ministry. From the onset of their relationship, she was clear about her values and commitment to marriage, a promise her husband faithfully fulfilled.
Determined to deepen her spiritual growth, she attended the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, where she studied theology and earned both a Diploma and Higher National Diploma (HND) with outstanding results. She remained an active member of the Assemblies of God Church and was particularly committed to the Women’s Ministry, serving tirelessly until her final days.
Beyond her professional and spiritual life, Mrs. Chepaka was widely known for her generosity and compassionate spirit. She was a selfless philanthropist whose home was always open to those in need. She provided shelter, care, and guidance to many children who were not biologically hers, treating them with love, dignity, and respect. Her life, according to tributes at the funeral, was a testimony of sacrifice and kindness.
As a mother, she was deeply devoted to her children and their education. She made enormous sacrifices to ensure their academic success and personal development. While they were away at school, she regularly wrote them letters filled with encouragement, prayers, and words of motivation, strengthening their resolve to succeed.
The funeral ceremony featured hymns, scripture readings, and emotional tributes from family members, church leaders, and associates, who described her as a woman of integrity, humility, and unwavering faith.
She is survived by her husband, Mr. Tonye Chepaka; her children, Akuro Chepaka, Ibitoroko Chepaka, Justina Chepaka, Omiepriye Chepaka, Onengiyeofori Chepaka, Belema Chepaka, Miebaka Chepaka, and Tekena Chepaka; as well as numerous relatives and loved ones.
As she was finally laid to rest, mourners took solace in the enduring legacy of love, service, and faith she left behind. Her life, many noted, remains an inspiration to families, communities, and future generations.