Mercy Ben Inyang

A life full of love, support and devotion has regretfully come to an end. With heavy hearts , The Inyang and Etuk families regret announcing the passing away of our mother,grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend, Mercy Ben Inyang. We are extremely grateful that God granted her enough time to be the light in the lives of her own children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grand child. She tirelessly supported her community, brought new lives into the world through childbirth, and shared her knowledge of childbirth through teaching and counseling. Mercy Ben Inyang has officially gone to glory, but we are proud to recognize that her angelic works were accomplished before her spirit spread its wings. In the illustrious town of Etinian of the Republic of Nigeria, Mercy was the first child born to Benjamin and Ikwo Etuk. After the unfortunate passing of her mother, Mercy was blessed with ten other brothers and sisters. The gift of education began in Nigeria at Eleluwa School in Port Harcourt and University College in Ibadan where her foundation in nursing was laid. In 1965, Mercy’s pursuit of higher learning transported her to London, England. Once there, she attended Lester Royal Infirmary Hospital and Cambridge Maternity Hospital where she strengthened her proficiency in nursing. Additionally, Mercy attended Open University where she majored in Psychology. In that same year, Mercy married Michael Etukudo Inyang. The following year, they welcomed their first daughter, Elizabeth. Later, two sisters, Inoino, and Imo and two brothers, Anthony and Michael joined the ranks of Inyang siblings. Mercy imparted her phenomenal nurturing style to all of her children. In 1977, her character of selflessness forced her to separate from her family and move to the United States in search of a better life. In the states, she racked up 40 plus years of nursing with a specialization in labor and delivery. In her relentless quest for knowledge, she enhanced her educational achievements by acquiring an official U. S. certification as a midwife. Shortly thereafter, she founded the Special Joy Birthing Center. Through this successful venture, Mercy’s gift of childbirth was a blessing to countless numbers of families who were rewarded with her services, hard work, and compassion. She delivered numerous children who are now respectful members of society. In certain cases, she was able to overcome the difficult challenge some parents faced after being told that they were not able to have children. However, her greatest reward of all was having the privilege of bringing four of her grandchildren into the world. To all these bundles of joy the name Mercy will always have true meaning. Mercy’s desire to enrich lives compelled her to manage two musical groups, in support of her children’s musical talents; to become a certified spiritual counselor through her church; and to create the Mercy Outreach Foundation that housed and fed the homeless. Mercy had a long life brimming with accomplishments and worthy accolades. Her parents, husband, and other relatives preceded her in death. However, to cherish her memories, her sisters and brothers and their spouses, her sons and daughters and their spouses, and a host of relatives and friends survive her. Whenever asked what was her name, she would reply with conviction,” My name is Mercy, as in, Lord have mercy.” It is comforting to know that the Lord definitely has His daughter, Mercy, cradled in his arms.