“Temidayo!” That’s how she usually screamed my name, most times to get me to pick up the phone from upstairs or to tell me my food is ready. Her number was on my speed dial, I always longed to hear her voice, share thoughts with her or get her to help me get some things done. You had to get used to Anita’s voice because she recorded mum’s voicemail (“This is Mrs Onita’s cell phone” -you’ll always hear at the other end). That was Anita Onita, a young and dynamic Financial Planning and Tax Officer in Houston Texas. 

 Bright, supportive, God-fearing, dedicated, selfless, inspiring and amazing like everyone other Onita You’ll ever meets. Sis Jenny on the other hand was so quiet and would always respond back to you with a smile. The Onita Quartet gave their all to Jesus. Sis Y would lead Praise and Worship, run to work and come back to be there for the family – so were all the ones after her, they gave their all to Jesus. Sis Jennifer was a former NASA employee working on her PhD in biomedical engineering whilst Anita,  at 23, had taken over the family’s tax preparation business and expanded it. She is one of the best entrepreneur Nigeria would have been proud of, Death didnt permit. 

 Anita was “ma bestie”—she would lend me her car, pick me up when necessary, cook for us, order pizza or Chinese or did I mention taking over her room after our sis got married. She was everything you ever wanted in a sister and friend – the humility beyond words. That’s what Dana Air took away. I remember all your trips back to Dallas for summer school just to ensure you had the best of results; moving to Denton…oh Death where is your sting, oh grave where is your victory.

 She had just come back from Puerto Rice with Sister Jenny and both of them were looking forward to coming to Nigeria. “Nigeria in three days… So international lol!!! Ready to see my love bugs!!” she said on May 21st …. “I’m in Nigeria, baby!” she goes on May 25th – happy and joyful to be back home. She had a great time visiting Grandma and other family members but the main event was the wedding of my friend – Nkechi’s cousin. If only I had the instinct to stop her from taking that flight after the wedding, or perhaps she should have missed the flight – Maybe the destiny of this University of North Texas student would have been saved.  

 Tears welling up in my eyes, and my heart heavy. We Miss You Anita, We Miss You Sister Jenny.

 I miss chasing after our dog “Her-She” with you, I miss having pizza with You, I miss sharing thoughts about the future with you, I miss teasing you, I’ll miss you setting up the Church equipment before service at JHT.  There’s so much to miss but remember you’ll forever remain in my heart, you’ll forever be treasured. Sis Jenny and Anita I will miss the arguments, laughter, your happy giggle after every comment, convention trips, calls, etc.

 We Miss you Anita… All the JHT Youth, SOTC, The Awofodu’s, Restoration Youths, The Agada’s, Pavilion Youths, Isaac Generatiion Youth, RCCG NA Singles, etc We all miss you but above all…

 I’ll always LOVE You Anita.

 Dayo Israel

Oluwapelumi