Celebrating The Life Of Mama Joyce Awiti (Min Boy)
The late Mama Joyce Michael Awiti was born on July 9, 1949 to the late Mzee Michael Walwang’a and Saulina Walwang’a in Sakwa-Bondo, Nyanza, Kenya. She was sister to Kepha Usenge, Jacinta Atieno, the late Hellen Awino, the late Margaret Akumu, the late Hilda Awino, the late George Owino and the late Elisha Ogai. She was raised in a strong Christian family.
Upon completion of her secondary school education, Mama Joyce, an alumni of Lwak Girls High School in Siaya County, immediately joined the Ministry of Agriculture as a Field Officer. She then joined Bukura Technical Institute (Bukura Agricultural College) for her tertiary education. Her time at Bukura sowed the seeds for what was to become a lifelong career in the agricultural sector. Right after college, Mama Joyce was transferred and attached to the Ministry of Agriculture in Kisii where she served diligently while pursuing career enhancement opportunities.
Ceremony Live Coverage
VIDEO STREAM
TESTIMONIALS
Michael Otieno (Son)
Hey mum, I was hoping like in many other things we have done together, that we could have gotten a chance to discuss and prepare for this impromptu absence. Even for the most prepared of us, this is one we could not have planned for.
But something tells me, your whole life was a preparation well executed. Against all odds, you ensured our survival above all else. You chiselled, you molded and you guided very boldly all the while remaining very resolute in your approach. I am very much aware that your approach was in some cases stern and heavy handed, but what’s a good omelette without breaking a few eggs?
While it is expected that every parent should provide for their children materially, it is your unique focus on character development, your approach to ensuring everyone has a value system – a code they live by, your teachings on humility, selflessness and kindness that made me who I am today.
In you I have lost a very insightful teacher and an ardent supporter. I am aware that no one in this life or the next will ever stand firmly in my corner than you did. When you had to come out of that corner to fight for me, you did so without hesitation and you came out swinging. I still carry you with me in every battle because I know I am assured of victory.
Don’t ever stop talking to me and please stay in my corner as I still need you to cheer me on. Until we speak again.
Joanne Nyaoro (Daughter)
It’s hard to express just how much my mum meant to me. She was not just my mother, but my friend, confidant, and daily dose of sunshine. Every morning and evening, we’d talk, our sacred routine. The irony is, that we spoke just 15 minutes before she left this earth. I had no idea it would be our last conversation. Trust me, if I’d known, I would’ve prolonged the call, and not agreed to drive to work and then call, as I had promised her. She was my daily check-in, the voice I turned to when things were tough, and the person I couldn’t wait to share good news with. She loved deeply, laughed often, and believed in me, even when I doubted myself. Though I’ll miss our conversations, I know she’s still with me. I can almost hear her voice telling me to be strong, and not to let things crumble but to organise everything for the burial—just as she would have wanted. Minboy, you left us too soon, but you left behind a lifetime of memories, wisdom, and yes, so many unfinished conversations. I’ll keep talking to you—don’t worry, I’ll keep it short this time. I’ll always remember your laughter, your strength, and your unshakeable belief in me.Until we meet again, Mum, I love you always. And I promise, I’ll make sure everything is organised just the way you would have wanted.
Philip Bowa (Son)
In Memory of a Fallen Angel*
Today, we gather to honour my beloved mother-in-law, a truly remarkable woman who embraced me like a son from the very start. Her warmth and love were gifts that made me feel at home, and I am grateful for every moment we shared.
She was not only a source of unwavering support but also a disciplined guide, instilling values with a firm yet loving hand. Her ability to balance discipline and affection taught us the importance of respect and responsibility, always reminding us that love was at the heart of it all.
What I cherished most was her candidness. She had a talent for discussing even the most sensitive topics without skipping a beat, often leaving us wondering how she managed to be both brutally honest and incredibly loving at the same time. Her insights were delivered with such flair that you couldn’t help but laugh, even when the subject was serious.
As we face the profound ache of her absence, I hold tightly to the lessons she imparted: to love deeply, to stand by one another, and to appreciate the beauty in life’s small moments.
To my beloved mother-in-law, our fallen angel, thank you for your nurturing spirit, your unwavering support, and the discipline delivered with love. Your guidance will forever resonate in my heart. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of kindness, wisdom, strength and the occasional eye-roll will live on in all of us.
Mum dearest,
My tears in this moment may not sum up the depth of loss I feel but there is a bottomless pit left in my heart. The love we shared for each other was not only a subject of discussion for many but also a cause for concern from my siblings who thought you always favoured me. And I can’t lie, that you did – for that I owe you my being.
Nyawambi, my heart aches at the memories of our laughter together, the good teachings you imparted in me and yes – the never ending gossip we always shared. Mum, though I am yet to come to terms with the fact that you are gone, I want you to be assured -wherever you are; that I will stay true to your teachings, guidance and ways.
Nya Sakwa our source of joy and strength – you will be fondly remembered by many for you were and still are the mother of many. You made the world a better place in your own unique way.
You called me “Minwa” and that is how the world knows me. Everytime I am called by that name, I will hear your reassuring voice. You are where you belong with your fellow angels.
Dhi kod kwe osiepna mogena to ageno.
Seline Osiemo (Niece)
I may never find words beautiful enough to describe all that you meant to me but I will forever cherish the memories.You saw me take my first breath, you corrected and advised me from a place of love. You held my hand during the most difficult times. I admired your strength and kindness. You taught me so much about life and being patient. In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place no one else will ever fill. Until we meet again Aunty.
Kepha Usenge (Brother)
My sister, I will remember you fondly as a progressive individual who liked things done above board. You shared and imparted in me the value of hard work while leading by example. On behalf of all our siblings I can say with a fair degree of certainty that we followed the examples you set for us by leading the way in showing commitment to the family, its togetherness and peace among us.
May the Almighty Lord rest your soul in eternal peace Min Boy.
George Odire (Nephew)
The candles are lit,To burn our sorrow away.I don’t want them to turn off,In their warmth, I am composed,Not to shatter into pieces of dismay.
This is one heck of a moment,Minds so dumb, eyes folded,Hearts empty, and the lights distorted.We’re holding the gone bright moments,The only thing that keeps you supported.
Our house is, because of friends’ solace,But truly, we feel lost.We are a shattered family,One bird from the nest, is fighting with the winds,As if the nest wasn’t enough for us all, at any cost.
Will our hearts heal in time,Or will we go on mending them,With words you left behind?“I will be with you always,” you said,But now you have forsaken us, left us blind.
When time fades, and the friends have gone,When all the rights are wronged,When the rain beats us all,And the tears wet our poor souls,What will we do, to let you go, when we’re forlorn?
Farewell, Mama Boy.Let the heavens have you as per the Will of God.The world might have let you do
Esther (Min Jaduong)
With the gift of years comes the treasure of knowing that there are many who loved you dearly. Losing you has left a big gap in the family as you held me in advice in prayer. The memories you’ve made us will last forever. The teachings, the laughter, I will miss dearly. Thank you for being our host. Nind gi kwe Nya Bondo.
Daughter Judy
It hurts so much you’re gone but I am so grateful for the time we shared together. I was really lucky to find a true and faithful friend. Physically we are apart but forever in my heart you are enshrined. Nind gi kwe Ajoy.
Oyugis Town PEFA Church
Oyugis Town PEFA Church has lost a great matriarch and a pillar to the church.
Nya Bondo was the epitome of dedication, discipline, servant leadership and hospitality. Her service to the work of the Lord was beyond any bounds all the way to her final days.
The congregation has not only lost a church elder and advisor, but also a mother, mentor and above all a committed labourer in the vineyard of the Lord.
We will fondly remember, and forever hold onto your most memorable quote of all time; “The Genesis of my belief is the promise of eternal life and it is my heart’s desire that one day I may have that eternal life”.
As a church we do pray that the Lord may grant your heart’s desire. Amen
LAST RESPECT
Program
Hymns of The Day
Bwana U Sehemu Yangu
Lord Lift Me Up (Ruoth Tinga Malo)
Usinipite Mwokozi (Pass Me Not)
Directions
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