Helen Eni Epse Ngwa

Mami Helen Ngwa was born on April 2,1935, to Pa Teghen Fondo and Ma Fri Tiba, both of blessed memory, in Mbemi, Cameroon. She lost her parents at a tender age and was unable to complete her elementary education due to hardship but, nevertheless, worked hard - baking bread and doughnuts, knitting, sewing, and selling a variety of other retail provisions to earn a living. In 1952, she fell in love with a young, handsome teacher, Pa Moses Ngwa, of blessed memory, and they later got married and started a family, becoming not just a housewife and eventually a mother of six children but also a hardworking farmer whose other responsibilities included providing care and support for extended family relatives and friends.

A dedicated member of the community, Mami Ngwa was a devout Christian who served in many capacities: Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) member, church elder, choir member, adviser, and treasurer for small organizations by virtue of her honesty and trustworthiness. She was considered by many a mentor and was committed to, and involved in, ways of affording others the opportunity to learn new skills, earning her the nickname “Hardworking Mami Ngwa,” beloved by many as someone who welcomed everyone with open arms and a smile.

In 2000, she and her husband came to the U.S for the first time to visit their children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and other relatives. In 2001, they returned to Cameroon. She was preceded in death by her son Solomon Ngwa (5th child), in 1994; husband in 2012; and son William Ngwa (4th), in 2019. Following her husband’s departure, she relocated to the U.S. in 2018, where she remained until the Lord called her home.

She is survived by her children: Margaret Kemngang (1st child), Benard T. Ngwa (2nd), Janet Kamba (3rd), Emmanuel Ngwa (6th); Sons-in-law: Alexander Kemngang, John Kabangu Kamba; Daughters-in-law: Dolly Ngwa, Claris Ngwa; Grandchildren: Eni Brown nee Kemngang, Longster Kemngang, Injoh Kemngang, Michael Ngwa, Adria Fon nee Ngwa, Melinda Teghen, Njoh Ndi Kamba, Sergi Kamba, Felix Ngwa, Teke Ngwa, Miyah Ngwa; Great Grandchildren: Asong Kemngang, Damarius Brown, Eyeisha Brown, Gilliana Tifuh Ngwa; Brother-in-law: Joseph Ngwa; Sister Safor; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends mourning her. She was loved by many and will be sorely missed. May her soul rest peacefully in God’s eternal bosom.