Ms. Rhoda Fisayo Owolabi

Rhoda Fisayo Owolabi was born on December 15, 1952, in Ikole Ekiti, Nigeria, to Janet Ibiteye Owolabi and Samuel Adeleke Owolabi. She was the first of seven children born to her parents and was also blessed with numerous brothers and sisters from her father’s side, a role that shaped her strong sense of responsibility, leadership, and deep love for family from an early age.

She spent her early childhood in Ijesa Isu, where she attended primary school, before returning to Ikole Ekiti to grow up and complete her secondary education at St. Mary’s Secondary School.

From an early age, Rhoda was admired for her intelligence, beauty, kindness, and strong work ethic. She possessed a natural entrepreneurial spirit and ventured into business immediately after secondary school. Her journey later took her to Lagos, where she expanded her business interests, dealing in beautiful, imported, and unique children’s clothing, textiles, and gold, following in the footsteps of her mother.

Her diligence and industrious nature eventually led her to Nigeria Airways, where she served in various capacities, including as a flight attendant. During her time with the airline, she met her husband and the father of her four children, Obisesan Brodrick Kolawole. She served Nigeria Airways faithfully for 15 meritorious years before retiring.

With an unwavering focus on the future and well-being of her family, Rhoda later relocated to the United States of America. There, she continued her life of service and hard work, working in various capacities as a businesswoman, caregiver, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the United States. She was later employed at East Side Medical Center with her Nursing assitance certification with yearly certification, where she worked diligently for 15 years.Throughout her tenure, she received yearly recognition and bonuses as one of the best staff members every single year, a true testament to her excellence, compassion, and dedication to patient care.

Through her tireless sacrifices and determination, Rhoda was able to train her children and support numerous family members, many of whom benefited from her generosity and were able to relocate to the United States. She worked relentlessly to ensure her children had the opportunities and life they enjoy today.

Above all, Rhoda was a devoted Christian woman of deep and unwavering faith. She had a unique ability to touch lives and souls in every church she served. She was a Mother Celestial in the Celestial Church of Christ and faithfully served as the Matron (Iya Ijo) of CCC Heaven Grace Parish, Georgia. Her service to God and His people was marked by humility, wisdom, compassion, and a genuine mother’s heart.

Her most cherished scripture was Psalm 91, a passage she lived by and trusted in through every season of her life:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.’”

— Psalm 91:1–2

Rhoda Fisayo Owolabi spent the later years of her life in the United States, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters, all of whom gathered in love and unity until her final breath. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith, hard work, excellence, sacrifice, love, and selfless service. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory, teachings, and prayers will live on forever in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

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