Betty Olayinka Akinkugbe, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend passed into eternal life on Sunday, August 23, 2020. Betty was born on August 27, 1958, in Ondo, Nigeria, to parents, Samuel and Florence Akinkugbe, and she was the oldest of seven children.
Betty attended Stella Maris High School in Okitipupa, Nigeria. After graduation, she left her birth country and immigrated to the United States on August 13, 1980. She matriculated into Southeastern University in Washington, D.C., where she earned two bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor's in Science of Business Management and Nursing.
She was a nurse for over 35 years employed at several hospitals within the metropolitan D.C. area, such as National Rehabilitation Health (NRH), Holy Cross Hospital, Montgomery Hospital Center, Doctors Community Hospital, Providence Hospital, and Washington Hospital Center. During the past five years, she transitioned into a new area of nursing, which was working at homes for the disabled at Wholistic Habilitative Services and the National Children’s Center (NCC).
Betty was an exemplary nurse for which she received many accolades during her career. She was recognized on multiple occasions as the “nurse of the year” by her employers. Due to the level of skill that she practiced nursing, she was given the responsibility to train new nursing graduates. Most recently, she nursed a critically ill patient back to full health. As a result, the CEO of NCC called Betty to commend her for the admirable medical care.
Betty enjoyed taking vacations with her family at Ocean City because the beach had a calming effect on her. She was a proud grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters. She loved to pamper herself by going to the nail salon and getting a manicure and pedicure. As a DMV resident for over 40 years, she was a fan of the Washington Football Team. Above all, she was a faithful member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and a member of the women's group and wisdom group.
Staying connected to her culture and family, Betty enjoyed listening to music from back home, cooking authentic Nigerian meals for her family, showing off her native Ankara dresses at local Nigerian events, and establishing long lasting friendships with people from her hometown or Yoruba descent.
Betty will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Mr. Abiodun Folorunsho; 6 children, Tunji, Kelvin, Dami, Rebecca, Isaac, and Rachael; 3 grandchildren, Miniya, Ava, and Idara; and 2 siblings, Tola, and Seyi. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and 4 siblings.
Funeral services will be held at the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home on September 19th, 2020. Afterward, Betty will be laid to eternal rest in George Washington Cemetery in Adelphi, MD. Please subscribe for notifications to receive live stream link once it becomes available for those who wish to watch the service remotely. Stream options will be via Facebook and Zoom. Thank you
