Obituary of Mary S. Okanla

(nee Taiwo) 90, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2013. Mary S. Okanla hailed from Ogbomosho, Nigeria. She was born on Dec 31, 1922 to Mr. and Mrs. Alao Taiwo. She was happily married to Late Robert A. Okanla for 40 years before his passing in August 1983. Both were preceded in death by their first son Olufemi. Mary gave her life to Christ early in life – a departure from the pagan worshipping family origin. She attended the famous Baptist Teacher Training Institute, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, Nigeria, mentored by Ms. May Perry, American Baptist Missionary from the State of Tennessee. There she obtained her Grade II Teacher's Certificate. She taught at several elementary schools for 39 years in Nigeria and retired in 1977. Mary came to the US in 1986 to help care for her grandchildren. She was an active member of Christ Church International, Minneapolis as well as remained connected with Gateway Baptist Church in Nigeria. Mary was a woman of prayer, very loving, caring and giving to people. She and her husband imparted in their children to invest in people rather than in things. She was great at many things. She freely passed on her knowledge to younger generations – some of who now use the learned skills as basis of their livelihood. Mary is survived by her children Pastor Dr. Emmanuel O. Okanla (Felicia), Ms. Taiwo Okanla, Ms. Kehinde Okanla, Dr. Emmanuel I. Okanla (Ola), Mrs. Funmi Thompson (Harold), Mr. Akin Okanla, Mr. Tunde Okanla (Anita). She is also survived by eleven Grandchildren, two Great Grandchildren, two younger Brothers, Mr. Adeleke Taiwo and Mr. Adeagbo Taiwo, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Of mention also ALL of her many “adopted” children in the Lord. Services will be held at Christ Church International, 3015 13th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55407. Christian Wake Keeping: Thursday, September 12 at 7pm -9 pm with visitation starting at 5:30 pm. Funeral Service: Friday, September 13 at 10 am. Burial: Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55408. Sandberg Funeral Home: 2593 East 7th Avenue, North St. Paul, MN 55109 - (651) 777-2600.