Felicia Izevbigie

Felicia Oghosa Izevbigie, fondly known as Sister Felly, Aunty Felly, Mummy, and Iyayi to many, joined this world on Thursday, May 17, 1956 in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Born the fifth of ten children to Samuel and Clara, she was a beloved daughter, sister, second mother, friend, and confidante to many. Felicia was known for her joy, determination, strength, and generosity; but, most of all, for her passionate love of God. With faith undergirding her life journey, she immigrated to the United States in 1980, making Maryland her home. There, she raised her four children as she established her vocational and ministerial presence in the US. Felicia was an exceptional leader and highly sought after Human Resources Manager for over 20 years working for companies such as American Airlines, Walmart, Home Depot, Burlington Coat Factory, Navy Federal, and the Small Business Administration, the latter from which she eventually retired.

When not pursuing vocational growth, she was a spiritual powerhouse who served her community tirelessly. She was a blessing to her home church, Love Foundation Christian Center International, where she supported the congregation as a deaconess, leader of the women's ministry, and chair of their annual children's Christmas party (a community outreach that served thousands of families over the years through free food, games/activities, and gifts). Her deep and abiding love for people extended well beyond the church walls and many a lip utter her name with admiration and praise, describing her sacrificial, guiding, and ever present help and support. From serving as the founding president of the Old Girls' Association (an organization uniting the women who matriculated through her primary school) and founding member of the local Edo Association, to acting as a consultant for developing organizations, a light to those needing help finding their way, a pillar to those experiencing loss, and a source of hope/encouragement to and prayer warrior for anyone facing life's hurdles, she was clothed in dignity & grace, and extended a warm embrace to any in need.

Beyond her work ensuring the rights of employees, mentoring women, or being a beacon of light in the world, you could find her walking five to six miles daily, hosting (and cooking for) dozens of friends and family, growing her personal, spiritual, and/or professional life through reading, or spending time with her loved ones. And, despite her sometimes serious demeanor, she was always one joke away from the hearty laugh and huge smile she often wore across her face.

Never the one to go down without a fight, she joined her heavenly father on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 7:32pm at the age of 68 after a nearly two year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her sons, daughters, grandchildren, bonus sister, and the love of her family and friends. She is preceded by her mother (Clara), father (Samuel), and older brother (Austin), survived by her five children (Larry, Owen, Adesuwa, Osasu, and daughter in love Erica), two grandchildren (Leah and Grace), eight remaining siblings (Rose, US, Rowena, Anne, Lovely, Charles, Joy, and Osagie), sister in love (Carol Middleton), 33 nieces and nephews, the growing generations of Erhabors, her Love Foundation church family, and the innumerable hearts and lives she touched with her presence on this side of heaven. All are comforted by the truth and knowledge of her relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the peace and rest she experiences now in His arms.

A visitation for Felicia will be held Friday, November 15, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. A funeral service will occur Friday, November 15, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. A committal service and burial will occur Friday, November 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM at George Washington/Mt Lebanon Cemeteries, 9500 Riggs Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783.