EYO JOHNSON EKWERE's Obituary
Eyo Johnson Ekwere, age 74, returned to his heavenly home to be with his Savior on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at Baptist Hospital in Miami, Florida.
Eyo was born on April 10, 1940 in Ikot Osong, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria to the late Etidung Johnson Ekwere and late Madam Aggie Johnson Ekwere. He was brought up in religious teachings as a Christian in the Qua Ibom Church, where he was a member of the choir and a Sunday school teacher for many years.
Eyo started his primary education at the A.M.E. Zion School in Ikot Osong. He later transferred to Qua Ibom Mission Central School, Mbioto, where he completed Standard VI education and was awarded the Eastern Region of Nigeria, Ministry of Education, First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). After moving to Lagos in 1959, he was able to attend evening classes, and also started classes with the Rapid Results Correspondence College of London, in preparation for the General Certificate of Education (GCE). He passed the GCE examination, which paved the way for him to further his education in the United States, as a private student. Eyo was admitted to Miami Dade Community College in 1974, and he obtained his A.A. in Pre-Business Administration. He then went on to attend Florida International University, and graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In 1980, he graduated with a Master of Science in Management and Public Service, from Nova Southeastern University.
Eyo immigrated to the United States from Nigeria in 1974, and resided in Miami, Florida until the time of his death. He began working as a young man in Lagos, Nigeria for Mandilas Limited, as an Accounts Clerk, and then as Assistant Sales Manager from 1963 – 1973. After immigrating to the United States, he worked for a number of companies, including JCPenney, Commercial Bank of Kendall, Coral Reef General Hospital, and 7- Eleven (Southland Corporation). He then went on to work for the Miami Dade County – Department of Human Services, as a social worker for 27 years, until his retirement in March 2007.
Eyo will be especially remembered for his hardworking nature, his strong will and spirit, his sense of humor, as well as his deep love and devotion to his family and friends. He was an amazing man, and will be greatly missed!
Eyo is survived by his wife of 28 years, Eno E. Ekwere; three daughters, Ima-obong Eyo Ekwere, Ekaete Eyo Ekwere, and Uduak Eyo Ekwere of Miami, Florida; and his two brothers Udo Udo Johnson Ekwere and Imeh Johnson Ekwere of Nigeria. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives in Nigeria. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ufot Johnson Ekwere.
His viewing will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 6pm – 10pm at Van Orsdel - Kendall Chapel; 11220 North Kendall Drive, Miami, Florida 33176. The Service will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 1pm, at Van Orsdel – Kendall Chapel. Eyo will be at laid to rest in his birth country, Nigeria.
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