OBITUARY
Omotola Awobode Akinjobi-Cattage
September 25, 1957 – September 29, 2010
Omotola Akinjobi Cattage, returned to our Father, the Lord, on September 29th at 12:30 am, at Kennestone Hospital surrounded by family.
Born September 25th 1957 in Azare, Nigeria, to the late Chief Mark Abimbola and Doyinsola Mariya Awobode, Tola was a woman of talent, intellect, and a great heart full of love.
She was a talented actress, famous for her role as Lare in Cock Crow At Dawn, a famous TV program in Nigeria in 1980. She won Best Actress Awards for "A Splash of Venom" in 1988, "Moment of Truth" in 1985, and "Cock Crow at Dawn" in 1981.
She was not only a talented actress, but also an intellectual. Tola received her Bachelor of Education with Second Class Honors at Ahmadu Bello University on July 1st, 1977. She then received her Master of Education (Teaching of English as a Second Language) on January 19th, 1984 at Ahmadu Bello University. She went on to become an English Instructor from 1980 to 1984, Assistant Professor of English from 1984 to 1988, and English and Literature Professor from 1988 to 1993 at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria. She then worked as a Professor at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. But her most important job was raising her three children by herself.
She is survived by her eldest daughter Ibijoke Akinjobi, a medical student at St. Matthew's Medical University; her second daughter, Bukola Akinjobi, a clinical research coordinator at Drug Studies of America; her only son and baby, Oluyinka Akinjobi, a Biomedical Engineering student at the University of Ulster in Ireland; her brothers; and her uncle, Chief Lanre Odede, Vice President of The Chartered Institute of of Arbitrators of Nigeria, Former member of VAT Tribunal in Nigeria, A Chatered Accountant, Tax Specialist, Fraud Examiner and a member of The London Court of International Arbitration.
A memorial service will be held Saturday October 2, 2010 at 1:00 pm from the Chapel of Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw, GA. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12-1 pm at the funeral home.
Services
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Memorial Service
Saturday, October 2, 2010
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Visitation
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Memories
Omotola Awobode Akinjobi-Cattage
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYNema Ngur
August 5, 2020
My dear Tola, I stumbled on this page about three hours ago. I have been so heart broken despite the time. Memories of great times we had In yesterday years came flooding back. I had to hold my tears.
Rest in perfect peace my friend.
Omonike Oyeleke
January 12, 2019
It breaks my heart dear Tola Awobode, to know you have passed on. I learnt so just a few minutes ago. May your soul continue to rest in peace dear Larai
Marie King
March 3, 2018
Joke, Bukky and Yinka may God continue to guide you and may his angels guard you each day.
Not long heard about mum. A sad loss. I went to school with her in QAC. We were always laughing. Her sense of humour was infectious.
I visited her often in Zaria when you children were quite young. You gave her such joy and you were her world. May her soul rest in peace.
Ogba Uweru
May 29, 2017
Aunty Tola,
Sorry for the belated message. I didn't know you were no more.I remember all the fun I and my mum had in Zaria with your family. Only found this page and heard you were no more. My mum( Tonia) and I extend our heart felt sympathies. You are were we will be going to. It wouldn't be long. May your vibrant soul rest in peace.
Papa
Dupe Martins
September 27, 2015
Needless to say this cause somehow I feel you're watching over Sisi Tola. Today I lit a candle again in church in your memory as I have been doing since you left us and on getting home I opened my mail only to see this post from the Legacy Guest Book! Well, what can I say your memory sure lives on. For some of us you were not just a star you were galaxy.
Kathy Parker
September 26, 2015
I think of you so often my dear Tola.
You are so very missed! Continue to look over your children from Heaven above. Love you and miss you!
Kathy Parker
Your daughter
September 25, 2015
Not a day goes by that I don't think of your smile, laugh, kind heart, and hugs. I miss you so so so much. You have made a huge impact on so many lives and still remain the best person I have ever had the fortune to know.
Love you always
September 25, 2015
Its another birthday without you in the physical realm. I know you are with the Angels. I thank God for the years with you and even those years we lost contact, we had hope we would still see someday. But the creator had a different plan. Its 5 long years. Life has moved on but your memory has remained intact. Rest on.
Titi
Dupe Martins
August 2, 2015
Sisi Tola your memory lives on. Every Sunday I always endeavour to light a candle in church to that effect. How can I ever forget! Continue to rest in pp.
Dupe
Awobode Titilayo
August 2, 2015
I know you are at peace with your creator. We miss you.
Cora Adophy
August 1, 2015
Aunty T, what can I say? I can't believe I missed the opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to you, my heart is heavy as I try to take this in, so sad I lost touch with you n couldn't locate the new house again, i never stopped thinking of you and praying for you and I find comfort in knowing that you are in a better place, resting with your maker, may your ever so kind and gentle soul rest in perfect peace. You made a difference in my life and I could never understand why you were so wonderful. You will be truly missed. I was actually still searching for you to fill you in on everything you have missed and catch up with your wonderful self, seeing your beautiful smile and giving me that comfort and assurance you always knew how to even when you have your own stuff to deal with, you never stopped putting others first. I love you and will miss you loads n I thank God for all the memories and pics. God give the kids the strength to deal.RIPP my sweet Aunty T
September 27, 2013
Sisi Tola I can't believe another year has rolled by since you left us. Staying in touch this way with people who have touched our lives can be pretty emotional but then fulfilling. Before I could just pick up my phone and share all the pains and emotions. That really sucks now. Your words still echo in my head all the time. I will forever cherish those memories of love and friendship. This is my own way of staying connected with you. It's just so hard to understand why people like you are taken so suddenly but I won't dwell too much on that since it's a debt we all have to pay one day.
Rest in peace always.
Dupe Ipinmidu
Kathy Parker
September 26, 2013
Thinking of you here lately. Miss you a lot. Joke, Inka and Bukki, I hope all is well with your lives.
Love you lots!
Kathy Parker
Titi Awobode
September 25, 2013
I will cherish the memories of you. Rest on big Sister
Godwin Oloja
October 4, 2012
Aunty Tola, it grieves my heart so much to remember my years in A.B.U. You were my guardian until you left Zaria. My big sister- Ene Oloja was your colleague in Cock Crow At Dawn. Yes that was how i came to know you, she called me as soon as she heard the news. We were so devastated. Thank God for your life, you were always a fighter- Our Lord has called you home to rest from all your labour. I remember your kids, but they must all be big now. I last saw you all at the international airport in Lagos in 1994! i remember remarking to Yinka that he had put on some weight from the last time i saw him as a baby in Zaria. Well, May God comfort him and his big sisters. Do Rest In Peace, amen.
Lina Okakpu
September 28, 2012
Tolistic that's what I called you. So much has happened since you left me I can never find another like you.
May you rest in his house where there's no pain or hurt in Jesus name. Will forever miss you
Kathy Parker
September 27, 2012
I think of you so often my dear Tola! You have touched me in so many ways unlike any other human being.
May your SWEET Soul rest in the hands of God now. My love and continued prayers to Joke, Yinka and Bukki
September 26, 2012
You are always on my mind,dearest Tola. May the love you shared with us be shown always to your children. Rest in peace.
soji Awobode
September 25, 2012
My sincere thoughts and prayers always with you dearest sister.
December 9, 2011
Just thinking of dear Tola this morning and how she touched my life with her kindness, love, and Godly spirit.
May you three adored children find blessings that she so desired for each of you.
Candace Strickland
KSU
Dolapo K
December 8, 2011
Joke, Bukky and Yinka:
Your family was on my mind today and on searching for a combination of your names found this page. I am so sorry to hear of your mum's passing. I know it has been over a year but please accept my condolences as I am sure she remains in your thoughts. May her soul rest in peace and may GOD continue to give you everything you need to be the amazing individuals she always wanted you to be (Amen)
- Dolapo K
(Not sure you remember but we used to car pool to primary school together in Onike, and I can never forget this song "Frankie" that your mum always seemed to have playing on the radio. Miss you all.)
September 27, 2011
Almost a year is gone now and it all still seems like a dream. Coming to terms with your demise is difficult but it's what we must do. May the Almighty grant you peace. Joke, Bukky and Yinka i pray God gives you the strength to go on. Do make her proud where ever she is. Rest on Sister and God bless the family you have left behind.
Amen
Awobode Titi
Folashade Awosanmi
September 26, 2011
Dear Anty Tola, it was a great shock when Wale told me . I remember how my Husband told me how you came looking for him during Ango Abdullahi riot in ABU Zaria, how worried you were to making sure he was safe not even minding the risk among rioters and armed officers with tear gas and you were pregnant then. My few interractions with you also was a memorable one when you entertained us greatly at your home in Onike in the 90s. By your virtues and good deeds and the numerous ways you have touched so many people positively, I pray the good Lord will receive you in His arms and take care of your children and loved ones amen.
Omobolanle Ajayi
May 3, 2011
What I have been feeling for the past few months since I heard this news is so hard to put into words.
My parents especially ‘Uncle Lanre’ as you fondly called him, haven’t come to terms with this loss.
To say you were selfless and nice is an understatement.
My husband who never had the opportunity to meet you in person was always on about how he wished there could be more people like you in the world!
We will never, ever forget when we had our first son; you sent us everything we needed from diapers to playsuits, toys, feeding items etc .... the list is endless!
And we were like ‘who does this?’ You were indeed a saint and too much for us to comprehend.
But by His Grace, the Lord you served will always light the path for Joke, Bukky and Olayinka!
Rest In Peace Aunty!
Love always
For the Odede Family
Winnie Gbemudu
December 27, 2010
Oh my God! I cannot believe this bad news. Joke, Bukky and Yinka I love you all. I was trying to find a way to contact Tola since I cannot find her phone number. I thought of the internent - find a person - when I stumbled on this news on my dear friend. I remember Tola and all of you and I'm sorry for the loss of your dearest mom. May God give you peace and the fortitude to bear this loss. Tola, how sweet, how loving, how kind, how gentle you are; may your soul rest in peace. Extend my sympathy to Bisi.
Winnie Gbemudu
Phoenix, Arizona
Stella Opara
October 27, 2010
Joke, Buki and Yinka,
I remember you everyday in my prayers, that almighty God will give you the fortitude to bear this loss.May Tola's gentle and sweet spirit rest in peace.
Stella Opara
bukky akinjobi
October 27, 2010
Always in my heart, always with me...I love you more than words could ever say
arc. olawale sikiru awosanmi
October 27, 2010
with a heavy heart i say rest in peace beloved sister. you touched my life in so many positive ways. you were most selfless person i knew. may GOD grant you eternal rest. amen
Patricia Ogbiti
October 19, 2010
Tola, You fought the good fight of faith, you are one of the saint's in heaven pray for your children to love and serve God in all areas of their lives and don't sleep until they are able to do what you did not finish here on planet earth in Jesus Name Amen. Rest in Peace until we meet again.
Patricia Ogbiti
Markham Ontario
TEMISAN.ROSE. EGBE
October 18, 2010
Tola dearest u finally returned to ur maker may u find everlasting peace in the bossom of Abraham.My condolence goes to ur lovely children joke, buky and yinka i know u ar a star in heaven and u will always look out for them when they need u.God bless rest in perfect peace tola
Temisan.Rose.Egbe
London
Michael Okeowo
October 15, 2010
Sister Tola, may God grant you eternal rest and comfort your loved ones Amen.
October 8, 2010
With great regards to God for a life well spent.
I hope, from my heart, that your pain will decrease,
that your spirit will gain strength again,
And I pray that your faith will create inner peace
And that God will send blessings--Amen.
May you find strength,in the love of family,
and in the warm embrace of friends.
Say not, in grief, that mum has gone But give thanks that she was yours.
Remember God's garden is beautiful,He always takes the best.
Deepest Sympathy -- Jide & Bethel Akinjobi & Family
Bola, Eniola & Tomi Awobode
October 7, 2010
With a very heavy heart we offer our condolences to you - Joke, Bukky & Yinka. We are still struggling to accept that sister has finally left us. We pray that the Spirit of the living God shall continually abide with you, rest upon you and shield you all the days of your life.
You were so so good to us Sister Tola and we loved you but God loves you most. Rest in perfect peace Sister!
mrs sade Egbeleye nee Akinjobi
October 7, 2010
With great shock i received the news of Tola's demise on Oct 1st 2010.I still cannot get over it that Tola has left us for real. I remember the good old days when we shared words of wisdom together. Tola had fought a good fight and had ended the race very well. I am sure that she is resting at the bossom of the Almighty. Rest in Perfect Peace, TOLA till we meet to part no more.
Joke, Bukky and Yinka, accept my symphathy and I declare that it shall be well with you and all that concerns you, you will all excel beyond expectation In Jesus Name. Love always,
Mrs Folasade Egbeleye, nee Akinjobi
Kathy Parker
October 6, 2010
Joke,Bukky and Inka,
I am thinking of you today. Hoping that you are finding strength amongst eachother and remembering how your mom would want you to be strong and move on in life to be the unbelievably good stewards that she knows you will be. Keep her strength and unconditional love with you every day as you heal!
I love you kids and miss your mom dearly. I will always have the wonderful memories that her and I shared together and will pass them down to her god daughter for I know Jordan will be a better person for knowing everything she can about a truly remarkable human being!!
God Bless you kids and stay strong!
Love you,
Auntie Kathy
October 5, 2010
My dear sister and friend,
I am so lost for words to express my feelings at this time you are the kindest person i have ever met. May your gentle soul rest in peace amen. Stella Opara
Funmi
October 5, 2010
Sister Tola, rest in perfect peace. You were my role model. I will miss you.
Tina Okunpolor
October 4, 2010
Dearest Tola,
Adieu! Adieu!
May the Good Lord welcome you into his arms and may your soul rest in peace....Adieu
The Okunpolor family
TONY AWOBODE
October 4, 2010
i can still remember every visit to your home as a kid, your kind nature.was proud of you, having a tv celeb as an aunt.Just few weeks back i did a review of great tv icon on my radio programme and proudly told the millions that that great star was my aunt little did i know...well, What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget...TONY ADEDAYO AWOBODE
Pat & Hakeem Oyawoye
October 4, 2010
Words can only be spoken at times like this but it is only God that will grant the ones you left behind the fortitude to bear the loss. May God grant you (Tola) eternal peace.
oluremi ajose-adeogun
October 4, 2010
Dear Ibijoke,please allow me to extend my commiserations to you and your siblings at this very sad time in your lives.A small episode which brings back fond memories of your mother was was when I drove down to Zaria Aviation School, where your parents were in 1985, to attend what I recall was your first birthday party. I was in the company of Yomi another old school chum of your father's and were serving as youth corpers ,in Kano, fresh out of college .We arrived rather unannounced to surprise your father and despite being uninvited guests your mother was a wonderful host , so much so that we spent extra day in Zaria.She was a very friendly and congenial person for the short time I met her and she will be sorely missed . Stay blessed as a family and remain strong , gods speed in all your undertakings.
MIKE NNAKENYI
October 4, 2010
WHAT WE CANNOT DEBATE ABOUT IS THE WILL OF GOD. LADY TOLA HAS BEEN CALLED AND SHE ANSWERED, NOW SHE IS IN THE BOSOM HAND OF THE MOST HIGH GOD RESTING. THE ONLY AND THE BEST PLACE TO BE. SO, MY YORUBA BROTHER, YOU TAKE HEART WITH THE CHILDREN AND MAY THE GOOD LORD COMFORT YOUR FAMILY.
MIKE NNAKENYI & FAMILY.
Temi Martins
October 3, 2010
Aunty, on the occasion I met you when I first visited Georgia with my mummy, I always knew you as one of her longest and good friends. Aunty My You Rest In Perfect Peace xx
October 3, 2010
"The Watila Family in Nigeria have known Tola (Lady T to many of us) for well over forty years. She and my older sister, Hyelmo Watila, were classmates at Queen Amina College, Kaduna, Nigeria in the late '60 and early '70's. My sister remembers Lady T as a lover of books and would read till daybreak when she lays her hands on a good book. She got many detentions for being up after 'lights out' reading or for using flashlights under her bed covers to 'quickly' finish the book or novel she was reading. Queen Amina College was a very strict Catholic boarding school. A very brilliant woman indeed, a very good actress, and hard worker, and would've been a wonderful leader for Nigeria had Nigeria been ready for her. We have lost a good one, and my family hope and pray that we are blessed with other like her. I and Lady T were very close friend and she married my college roommate and best friend. I have great respect for her strength, foresight and her hospitality. She and family family were always there for me in my times of need. I will always be grateful for her and her her family's friendship, love and support. Rest in Peace Lady T." Simon Watila, for the Watila family, Nigeria.
Dupe Martins
October 3, 2010
Sisi Tola I can't afford to be speechless for long because for you there is so much to be said. And so I will start off by saying that I feel blessed having had the opprtunity to know you. It's not just the knowledge but also the fact that when we became very close post ABU, you became a friend , a sister and at times even a mother. Can I ever forget such memories of someone who kept the reassurance of life constantly going? Never. "Dupe, hang in there, don't give up" I listened and am doing just that. What more you lived by example. Sun re o sisi Tola. I will miss you dearly. Dupe
October 2, 2010
May the good Lord take His child Tola into His bossom. May He give solace to and uplift the spirits of those she left behind. Amen. She was a good soul who made others happy.
Salihu Bappa
Ex Colleague, ABU Zaria
Liisa Williams
October 2, 2010
Wishing you all God's peace and blessings at this sad time.
Soji Awobode
October 2, 2010
MAY YOUR BEAUTIFUL SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE. AMEN & AMEN You will be missed by all, you were exemplary in everything you did, a star in your country, a marvelous and caring mother, an asset to the rest of your family, highly talented and won best actress award for the film "A Moment of Truth"amongst others such as the drama series in Nigeria "Cock Crow at Dawn" and I remember you never failed any examination always first and passed university with distinction and as a result gained ABU award for research studies. Highly influential and have used your connections to help others. "Truly this world is not your home. May you reign with him in glory and may God take care of the loved ones you left behind. Soji Awobode
Franka & Bunmi Williams
October 2, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bunmi & Franka Williams
October 2, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Awobodes
October 2, 2010
You were our pride, our joy, our love. Daddy proudly talked about you to all who came around, friends and every Nigerian proudly looked forward to watching Lare in cock crow at dawn. Mummy misses you greatly, we all miss you and wish you are still here with us. We love you but God loves you more. Adieu Omotola Winifred Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin,Niece and Friend.
October 2, 2010
Dear fam Akinjobi, in this hard times, our thoughts are with you all. What Tola has given each and everyone she has known is what we would remember her for and the good times we spent together! Her laughter and words!!! Blessings. Fam. Sedenu and Kolagbodi
Lina Okakpu
October 1, 2010
"Tolistic" that's what I always called you. Who will share my pain with me when I am down, who will laugh with me when we talk about our "Coming to America?" Tola, I will miss you greatly. How can I ever forget your visits with me even in your pain just to spend a day in my bedroom. Tola, I look at the chair where you usually sit and I remember your smile, your advices, your pain and all that we shared. We promised to take care of each other but the hands of death snatched you away. I am convinced and happy that you are resting in the bossom of our lord Jesus Christ. Adieu, adieu, my friend and sister. May God be with you untill we meet again... love Always!!!
Adesoji Adesugba
October 1, 2010
Rest in Peace my dear sister. I remember those years past and all the gist and laughter in your eyes. Take care till we meet to part no more. "Lare" a real star is gone, Nollywood where art thou tears.
Akin and Lilian Akinjobi
October 1, 2010
To some, a wonderful Mother,
To others, Family
To many, a special Friend,
To millions, an unforgettable Thespian Talent
To all, Tola, you are infinitely missed
May your Soul Rest In Perfect Peace
Titilayo Awobode
October 1, 2010
'Aunty Tola'. I am lost for words to express my shock at the news of your death. Your words to me before you left Zaria was 'read hard and make a mark'. I never forgot and i have held on fast to them. I looked forward to at least telling you how much impact you made in my life. I thank God i had you as a sister, I am sad we did not spend more time together. God grant you eternal rest big sister.
Harold & Cheryl Fairweather
October 1, 2010
May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. With deepest sympathy,
Candace Strickland
September 30, 2010
Tola's gentle demeanor and beautiful quiet spirit made her a unique person.
Her smile was always a ray of sunshine, as she encouraged me to trust the Lord with my concerns. When I'd ask about her children, she beamed as she recounted their many accomplishments; so very proud of each one.
I loved Tola, and will remember her forever as a gift from God in my life.