Rowland Okokon Etuk

Rowland Okokon David Uto Etuk was born to the union of the late David Udo and Arit Inyang Etuk on March 11, 1943, in Lagos, Nigeria originating from Etinan in Akwa-Ibom State. Rowland was known throughout the community as the Elder Statesman. He accepted Christ and served the Lord at Bethel Evangelical Church and was baptized at Lakewood Church. He came to the United States in January of 1963 to pursue educational opportunities where he attended Texas Southern University and earned a Master’s degree in Accounting. Upon completion of his bachelors, he was awarded the Ford Foundation Scholarship that covered the cost of the master’s program. He was very active on campus and pledged the Greek Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma. After graduation, his first accounting position was as treasurer for Ohio State University. He then went on to work for Bank of America which afforded him the opportunity to travel all over the United States. He also worked for then IRS and Peat Marwick, Inc., as an auditor. In the years that followed, he went on to start his own financial services company that encompassed accounting, taxes, insurance and mortgages.

In order to fulfill his civic duty, Rowland Etuk, joined the Nigerian Foundation, Inc., Akwa Ibom Assoc., Mboho Mkaparawa Ibibio USA, Inc., Committee of Friends Houston and the Mboho Ndito Etinan ke USA. In 2009, he was elected President of Mboho Ndito Etinan and in 2010, the group honored him. Throughout his life, he received many other distinguished awards of recognition for his service and contributions to the community. His philanthropy was felt by many due to the countless number of hours he spent counseling individuals and families and by also helping many obtain entrance into the US.

Rowland leaves his legacy to be cherished and embraced by his wife Dorothy Eno Etuk, his children Sonya Hightower (Mack), Dr. Oscar David Etuk (Leslie), Tawanna Etuk, Keith Etuk (Tammy), Frankthea Williams, Margaret Etuk, Taneesha Etuk, Sandra Etuk, Patrick Etuk and is preceded in death by his eldest son Mark Reynolds. Rowland was born third in the birth order of eleven under the lineage of David Udo Etuk, his siblings are Dora, Leonard, Vera, Josephine, Philip, Francisca, Imo, Ini, Micheal and is preceded in death by Emmanuel. Rowland will also be fondly remembered by his twelve grandchildren, Ahreona, Mack III, Rowland, Rachel, Zeanna, Jaylin, Elayna, Keahra, Marshall, Keith II, Emmanual, Kynadee.