•Family, friends, others pay tribute to remarkable woman
By Henry Umahi
Leroy Brownlow was on point when he said: “Mother is the heartbeat in the home; and without her, there seems to be no heartthrob.”
With the passing of Mrs Harvest Uzoamaka Nwaze, a woman like no other, a vacuum has been created. To the world, she might just be one person but to those who encountered her, she was the world.
She lived up to her name in every material particular. She was a bountiful harvest. She will be missed always and remembered forever.
Indeed, words cannot capture our deepest emotions regarding her transition. Apart from the moral, intellectual and physical instruction she gave to people around her, she taught them to love God and to forgive those that offended them.
Since her transition to higher glory, tributes have been pouring from those who knew her or heard about her. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s postulation that “it is not length of life, but depth of life,” rings true for her.
A devout Christian and community leader, she fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Therefore, there is no doubt that she is heaven-bound. Born in 1943, she went the way of all mortals on December 27, 2023. She will go home in a blaze of glory on April 11, 2024.
00:According to her son, Okenwa Kelvin Nwaze, she lived a purposeful life.e wrote: “As I try to pen down some sort of tribute to you, I can only think of beginning by telling you how much we miss you and how much we love you as a mother.
He said: “As I try to pen down some sort of tribute for you, I can only think of beginning by telling you how much we miss you and how much we love you as a mother.
“You were a true Christian, guarding angel to your children and a caring personality to people that came close to you. Mama, you displayed simplicity, love and dedication to the service of God and humanity.
We pray the Almighty God to grant your soul eternal rest, Amen.”
Her step son, Osuji Halifax Nwaze, described her as an inspiring soul, who was always there for all.
He said: “Your death on the 27th day of December 2023 was a rude shock to me and our entire Okenwa Aru Nwaze’s family. It came barely nine months after your senior colleague in your matrimonial journey passed on and the burial just done couple of months back which you gracefully attended.
“Looking frail in that burial ceremony of ‘Manager’, I had approached you, curling my hands around you, and pleaded that you should tarry more on earth with us which you nodded in agreement.
“But alas, death came knocking on December 27, 2023 and you joined your creator in heaven. Mama, thank you for the love and care you showered on me while alive.
“You and your other co-wives (now all departed) of our late father lived harmoniously to the end of your various lives. You helped in us small measure to maintain love and peace in the family of Okenwa Aru Nwaze, a legacy that is commended by all and sundry to date.
“I am consoled that the Almighty Jehovah will receive you in His kingdom for your eternal life there. Rest in peace, till we meet to part no more.
Maria Emmanuel (nee Paul) said: She lived a life of purpose, leaving a lasting impact, leaving behind memories that we will fondly keep intact. Though she’s no longer with us, her spirit will remain, in the hearts and minds of those who call her name.
“So, let us celebrate her life, not mourn her loss, remembering the joy she brought. For she has entered a realm where peace forever reigns.”
Evangelist Chimezie Egwu Obasi said: “The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot” (Prov 10:7). A person’s lifestyle is tied to his/her name. Whenever the name is mentioned it evokes one type of sentiment or another depending on what we know about the person. “Whenever I hear Mrs Harvest Uzoamaka, I remember the kind-hearted woman with a uniquely calm tone that disarms even the most angry person to listen to her advice.
“I was with Mama on September 16, 2023 in uncle Halifax’s sitting room after Elder Grace’s burial. She asked after my family and in her usual way advised me to always live in peace with my spouse. I didn’t know it was the last time I would see her.
“Mama Okoro Aru has lived her life, we do not mourn as people without hope, for we shall see her again in heaven. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”
Mr Enekwachi Uta described her as a beautiful soul in whom many were well pleased. According to him, she left indelible prints on the sands of time.
Late Harvest Uzoamaka N Nwaze was born in 1943 to the family of late Osuji Okoro Nwaevita and late Ogo Obini of both Amenu-Uburu in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State.
Mama had no formal education while growing up coming from a relatively humble background. Her father was a palm wine tapper and her mother was a petty trader.
Mama got married to late Osuji Okenwa Aru Nwaze, a police officer from Umuebereku, Umuchukwuoke in Amenu Uburu. The marriage was blessed with five children.
She embraced Christianity early in her life and was baptized and confirmed her faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. She was a born again Christian. She participated in all the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Women activities and other church programmes. She was a member of the Women’s Guild.
She was a very sociable person, often smiling while exchanging greetings. Nne Uzor, as she was fondly called by many, was a kind- hearted person. While cooking, Mama will add extra food for unexpected visitors. She was a counselor per excellence, always giving advice and admonitions when and where necessary. She was a disciplinarian and had no business with dirty and filthy things.
Mama in her last days was often in and out of hospital due to age related sickness and one of such and last was on 27th September 2023 and was discharged having recovered fully. On the 27th of December 2024, Mama journeyed to be with the Lord in her daughter, Ngozi’s place at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.