The Redemption Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Chicago was transformed into a sanctuary of reverence and radiant gratitude on April 25, 2025, as the Ghanaian community gathered to celebrate the extraordinary life of Obaapanin Janet Kwartemaa, who completed her earthly journey at 95.
What unfolded was not merely a funeral, but a moving tapestry of faith, unity, and the enduring strength of Presbyterian fellowship across state lines.
Under the steady leadership of Presbyter Christiana Osei-Owusu, the service opened with a solemn grace that set the tone for the evening. Yet it was the soaring voice of Lady Bee, her spirit-filled renditions of “Blessed Assurance” , “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, and others that lifted the congregation into a place of comfort and holy reflection. Her ministry in song wrapped itself gently around the bereaved family, especially Douglas Akrasi and Gifty Wayoe Akrasi, offering a balm words alone could not provide.
The gathering became a living portrait of Presbyterian unity. Because Douglas Akrasi had long been a pillar of the Ohio District, his former church family traveled in impressive numbers to stand with him. Their presence, led by Rev. Dr. Frank Addo, was a powerful reminder that in the Ghanaian Presbyterian tradition, distance does not diminish devotion. The prayers offered by Rev. Addo anchored the family in God’s peace and underscored a truth the diaspora holds dear: in times of sorrow, no one stands alone.
The spiritual high point of the evening came through the message delivered by Rev. Sam Okyere-Mireku, Chicago District Minister. With pastoral clarity, he wove together Scripture and life’s fragile beauty, urging the congregation to embrace the divine call to holiness in every season. Drawing from Numbers 20:12, he reflected on Moses’ moment of human frailty and reminded all present that God’s mandate remains unchanged, He manifest His holiness whether in joy or in grief. From John 2:1–2, he lifted the congregation’s gaze to Christ, the eternal Intercessor who pleads, forgives, and secures the hope of resurrection. And echoing the timeless truth that “all the world’s a stage,” he invited the living to make their earthly act count before their final exit.
As the commendation began, the atmosphere shifted from mourning to gratitude. Ninety-five years of life, rich, resilient, and God-guided, were celebrated as a divine gift. The pastoral blessing that followed was tender and resolute, committing the family into God’s hands with a plea for unity and strength. The congregation was encouraged to honor Obaapanin Janet’s legacy not only with words, but with lives that bless their families and communities, just as she had done for nearly a century.
By the close of the service, one message lingered in the hearts of all who gathered:
Examine your walk with God.
Hold fast to the hope of resurrection.
Stand with one another as one family in Christ.
Obaapanin Janet Kwartemaa has taken her final bow from the earthly stage, but through the faith she nurtured and the unity displayed by the Chicago and Ohio districts, her light continues to shine across generations and across states.
Also in attendance were distinguished leaders whose presence underscored the weight of the moment: Reverend Gideon Barden, President of the Council of Ghanaian Churches in Chicago; Dr. Mark Kutame; Dusime Fia ( Rt.Wing Chief) of the Ewe Association; former President , Ghanaian Community Association of Columbus.; former Vice President of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago; and the former President of the Ewe Association of Metropolitan Chicago.
Following the service, the traditional funeral rites were performed with reverence and cultural dignity.
Rest in Perfect Peace, Obaapanin.
