Deaconess (Mrs.) Elizabeth Nndem

BIRTH AND PARENTAGE:

Deaconess Elizabeth Nndem was born on 21st May, 1940 into the Royal Family of Obong (Elder) Sampson Mbek Anako, the 18th Eteidung of Etinan, of Ekpuk Nung Umo Etukudoh, Etinan in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, and the mother was late Madam Rachael Sampson Mbek Anako (Nee Rachael Inyang Etukudoh Akpaette) of Ekpuk Nung Akpaette, the Udoh Idung of Etinan, in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. She was the second of five children in her family.

EDUCATION:

She received her primary education at Ndon Eyo Group School in 1945, where her father was the headmaster. She later attended Minya Group School, Oniong N.A., and finally John Kirk Memorial School, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate with distinction.

She got admitted to Cornelia Connelly College, Afaha Oku, Uyo, where she passed the prestigious West African School Certificate in 1957. She then proceeded to University College Hospital, Ibadan, for her pre-nursing and nursing training from 1958 to 1961. The late Professor Ambrose Alli was her godfather at the time. She attended her Midwifery course in England, United Kingdom, from 1961 to 1963, and while schooling there, she lived with Mrs. Lester, being the only black girl in the environment at that time. She later left for Washington, D.C., USA, for further training. Having completed her Senior Level in Nursing, she was employed at Washington Hospital USA and then returned to Nigeria, where she worked at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, for 31 years as a Clinical Instructor, Teaching Medical Students and Nurses in her ward and beyond, preparing them for the challenges ahead in their professions.

MARITAL LIFE:

The young and beautiful lady later married her beloved, the handsome engineer Nice Etukudoh Nndem, from Ikot Ebo, in 1963 in Washington, D.C., USA. The union received customary blessings and permission from their parents, according to the rules and regulations of the Qua Iboe Church. Their marriage was blessed with four wonderful children: Obong Ubong Bassey Nndem, Obong Aniekan Bassey Taiwo, Obong Kingsley Obong Nndem, and Uko Qunicy Nndem, as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom are alive to mourn her passing.

CHRISTIAN LIFE:

Born into a family of Qua Iboe Church Faith, she was enrolled and baptized accordingly. She also lived with early missionaries in Etinan and gained significant exposure, which prepared her for her future assignment. She was among the first set of Deaconesses recognized in the Qua Iboe Church, Sure-lere, Lagos, for their outstanding performances in 1985.

SOCIAL LIFE:

She travelled extensively all over the globe, visiting her children and friends. It was in one of her visits that her beloved husband died on her shoulders in London in 2001. She brought the deceased to Etinan for burial according to traditional rites.

She liked singing and dancing so very much. She welcomed everyone to her home even at midnight. She helped people from other tribes, took care of orphans, widows, and even those experiencing homelessness. She never liked to see people suffering but extended her hands of help and friendship to all, where testimonies abound. She was a source of inspiration and encouragement to people in need and to those who lost their bearings in life. Although she is dead, thank God, her eyes were not dim nor her natural vigour diminished. She was an Icon of Humanity.

TRANSITION:

After a life richly lived in service, compassion, faith, and purpose, Deaconess Elizabeth Nndem peacefully transitioned into glory on 28th June, 2025, surrounded by love and the comforting presence of family.

Her passing marks the end of an era, yet the beginning of her eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord, whom she served so faithfully. She fought a good fight, kept the faith, and finished her course. Even in her final moments, she radiated grace, peace, and unwavering trust in God.

While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, strength, wisdom, and selfless love. We take comfort in the words of scripture, knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

She now rests in perfect peace, crowned with the reward of a faithful servant. Heaven has truly gained an angel.