Ghanaian Tradition Honors an African American Queen

Bolingbrook, Illinois — It wasn’t just a funeral. It was a radiant celebration of life, culture, and legacy. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the First Presbyterian Church in Bolingbrook transformed into a sacred space of unity and remembrance. The occasion: a final farewell to Madam Rosalyn Renee Bostic, lovingly known as “Puddin’.”

Madam Bostic, who passed on September 20 at age 69, was more than a matriarch. She was a pillar of love, strength, and grace. Her daughter, Latonya Afua Bostic, and son-in-law, Nana Kwabena Osei, Gyasehene of the Asanteman Association of Chicago, crafted a send-off that mirrored her vibrant spirit.

The sanctuary was filled with emotion and elegance. Family members gathered in reverence, joined by Ghanaian chiefs, queens, elders, and community members. Their presence was not symbolic, it was sacred. A living testament to the bond between two families, two nations, and a shared Black identity rediscovered.

The atmosphere pulsed with meaning. Chiefs wore regal kente. Attendees adorned black and white fabrics. Ghanaian drums echoed through music, weaving rhythm into ritual. Every detail honored Madam Bostic’s legacy and the cultural fusion she helped nurture.

“Puddin’” (1956–2025) received the royal treatment she earned. African American reverence met Ghanaian tradition in a ceremony that was both solemn and spirited. It was a reminder that love crosses oceans , and that a life well-lived deserves a farewell steeped in dignity and beauty.

We at Sankofaonline.com were honored to witness and document this unforgettable tribute. It was a celebration of family, tradition, and cross-cultural love at its finest.

View the full photo gallery of this moving tribute below.