In Memory of My Dear Sister Jessie Motuba
I first met Jessie in 2012; she was visiting her daughter in Corona, California, about a 20-minute ride from my place. Before then, we had been talking on the phone, after being introduced by Mercy Idahosa¬¬– Jessie’s neighbor in Atlanta. The day I met Jessie, it was as though we had been friends for a long time. Due to her friendly nature we became close.
Jessie was warm, she had a radiant personality; she was kind, generous, caring, appreciative, funny. She was a wonderful friend. Jessie loved everyone around her. During our friendship, I never saw her sulk; she was always joyful, and easygoing. She was honest and full of energy.
Jessie enjoyed photography; she liked to capture events on photograph. When I first visited with her, she welcomed us with wide-open arms and proceeded to take pictures. We were entertained to a Cameroonian dish, which was very delicious.
Never short of words, Jessie told us stories, one after another. With Jessie, I always felt happy and enjoyed being with her. Even after she returned to Atlanta, and then back to Cameroon, we kept in touch, continuing our friendship on the phone. Last year, when Jessie came back to California, she made sure we met before I left for London. I had only a few days remaining before my trip; so early one morning, her son-in-law brought her to my house. She and her grandchildren spent the entire day with my family and me. We had lots of fun: eating, drinking, and dancing to music from a video of my birthday party. Jessie brought me a lovely Cameroonian Native outfit. After I’d worn it, she said I looked like a woman from Cameroon because of the way I fixed the headscarf around my head– her granddaughter captured the entire visit on video.
Jessie liked crossword puzzles and word search games. She was the type of woman who carried happiness with her. Any home she entered was brightened by her presence; she was like a ray of sunshine. My family loved Jessie.I will never forget Jessie. She was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. I will neither forget her children, because I know she would like me to continue with the legacy of our friendship.
Jessie wanted to visit me in Nigeria; we were going to make it happen next year. Little did I know that her visit to my home was going to be our last time together. I will miss Jessie very much.
Her Sister, Gladys Ineh, California