Omotayo Janet Anozie. MB BS, MPH
Prayer Warrior, wife, mother and physician.
'Tayo was born on June 25th 1971 to Joseph and Emily Falua in Lagos Nigeria. The fourth of six children, she grew up a brilliant, gifted and diligent child with adult responsibilities from early childhood.
She attended the University of Ibadan Medical school, Nigeria, where she graduated as a medical doctor in 1999. She worked as a physician at the Federal Medical Center and at the University of Agriculture, as well as at the Afonja Specialist Hospital, all in Abeokuta.
In 2004, I met and fell in love with “Tayo whilst on holiday in Nigeria. She came to the US in 2005 and we settled into a blissful quiet life in the foothills of Fresno, California, surrounded by wonderfully caring friends and family, to whom I will always be grateful. We have a beautiful, brilliant, happy son, Uzoma Olanrewaju, who is the spitting image of his mother.
We moved to Fullerton, California, so she could attend the university master's program in public health, which she completed in the spring of 2011. She insisted on walking the graduation stage, even though she was in pain from the cancer that she had been diagnosed with, and collected her degree. A typical testament to her fortitude and determination.
In Placentia, 'Tayo of course found a church we could call home at the first try, after all my fruitless searches. It turned out to be a true home full of angels and messengers that have nourished and sustained us through our journey; a journey we now have to continue without 'Tayo's physical presence. But we do not walk alone, I know.
On the day of the cancer diagnosis she told me “it is all in GOD's hands”, and we decided we were going to fight with both medicine and prayers. She never once complained, but fought with dignity and inner strength and a prayerful heart that has left me humble and in awe. She showed me what it means to “carry your cross; no one can carry it but you”.
From the day I met 'Tayo, I immediately realized the she was a devout believer in Jesus, but I had no idea how much of a “prayer warrior” I had married, until our first wedding night. 'Tayo got up at 3am and prayed till 5am in the morning, (not without my fruitless protestations), and she did so every blessed night, until Saturday May 12th 2012 when she could no longer speak.
On Sunday May 13th 2012, at 6.10am, the LORD called her home and she squeezed my hand (even though heavily sedated) one last time in response to my cries that “it is time to rest now darling, you have fought a good fight, you have been faithful to the LORD. Thank you for a beautiful life and a wonderful child. I will take good care of 'Lanre, it is time to rest my darling”
My angel has come and gone, but my love lives forever, in my heart and in the son she gave me, and as she always says “may we meet again in Jesus name.” The fight is now mine, to be worthy to be with her and the LORD.
Darling, our son and I will always sing our song: “We love our Mummy, our Mummy loves us, we are so happy and happy together, yeah!”.
Psalm 118:19,20,24
“Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter”
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it”
Ademola Adebanjo
I remember the years we spent together from UCH althrough Abeokuta. Your testimonies are still there as i informed FMC staff of your demise. The testimony of your husband is a call to all to prepare for eternity.
May the Lord keep the family and pray that the make it.
Adieu Tayo
Titilola Ibiyemi
My sister and friend Tayo was so simple and kind,loving' a real believer.Although we attended the same medical school and fellowship,we became very close while working together at FMC,Abeokuta. I'm still in shock, my husband is in shock,my mum and siblings who knew you are still in shock.My mum, especially, remembers your gentle and sweet smile,your black,shiny beauty, all she is saying is 'i cant believe she is gone'.I had plans to see you first thing whenever i visit the US, ah! see the news im getting now. I know the Holy Spirit will comfort your husband,son and all of us. Bye till we meet again.
Titilola Sarah Ibiyemi
Bayonle Ayanleke
Rest in perfect peace in the bossom of our lord.
John 14:3
Yemisi & Ayo Folasire
Tayo! It saddens my heart to write this at this age. It actually took me a while to come to say REST IN PEACE.I remember the happy and sad times we shared as roommate at UCH with Kate as our neighbour.You have always been a strong child of God,visualizing your posture at your corner often time praying or reading. Am happy Uzo could testify to this.I was trying to send back the roses you sent me as a special christian woman gift in April 2010.That was the last time we actually communicated.I still saw on my shelf the book you sent me on Evidence Based Medicine,that I will always keep dearly as a parting gift. I guess you never wanted to bother anyone but I had been wandering where Tayo is and who is still in touch with her. We will miss you, your cheerful smile and beautiful spirit.
Our prayers to Uzo and Lanre, He who begun the good work in you guys will complete it. He will comfort you and fill the void that Tayo has left. Tayo was a blessing and will remain a blessing. Tayo will remain celebrated. ADIEU dear, till we meet to part no more.
Sesan Oluwasola
Your smiles in the midst of challenges and difficulties remain evergreen. Rest in the bossom of the Lord till we meet to part no more.
Abimbola Iyanoye (Nee Otelaja)
It is indeed sad & a shocking news to hear of your passing dear Sister Tayo, as I often called you in our B96 group in UCH. Your husband's testimony is indeed very true....a woman after God's heart!!! May your family receive the strength & comfort from remembering what a wonderful person you were. Rest in God's Glory!!!
Samuel Adekolujo
Sister Tayo, though you were taken away so soon your memory lives on.
With your beautiful spirit, you touched every life around you. You were an example of a true follower of Christ. May God comfort your family at this time.
John Itakpe
Tayo,
It is a great shock to hear about your home coming. You had a gentle disposition while at UCH and always greeted everyone with a smile. I am certain that you have fulfilled your purpose here on earth and gone to be with the Lord, it is left for us to meet you at the Lords bossom some day. My prayers goes to your husband and your family members that God will give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Foluke Idowu (Nee Adeyinka)
This comes as a shock to me. I remember our days together at UCH, Ibadan, Nigeria. You were always so calm, gentle, humble and soft-spoken. I can still vividly recollect that charming and almost childlike smile.
I remember your words of encouragement and prayers for me in the reading room at Queens Hall when I was almost overwhelmed with the preparation for MB exams. Those words kept me going.
Reading what your husband wrote about you, I told myself, Sister Tayo (as she was fondly called in the fellowship) had always lived an exemplary life.
You really loved the lord and were an example of a true Christian.
You were beautiful in and out.
My husband and I hold you in high esteem because of your conduct.
May the God of all comfort comfort your loving husband, your son, your family, the entire Anozie family and all friends
Goodnight beloved. See you at the feet of Jesus.
AINA OLUWASEUN BAMIDELE
THIS IS NOT A GOOD NEWS AS I RECEIVE THE MESSAGE THAT THIS WONDERFUL SISTER HAS PASSED ON TO THE WORLD BEYOND. IT REMINDS ME OF YOUR GLORIOUS DAYS IN CACSA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN IN THOSE DAYS.
MAY YOUR GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE AND MAY GOD ALMIGHTY UPHOLD ALL THE PEOPLE THAT YOU LEFT BEHIND
YOU HAVE INDEED FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH
SLEEP IN THE BOSSOM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
ADIEU TAYO
Wole Fatunbi
What a testimony! Very good one..." Really successful life is never how long but how well. thank you Sister for making your mark in the dunes of history of the saint in light.
Kate Ogunsola (nee Ehiemua)
Tayo, Oh what is this news that I hear? I cry continously and cannot stop. But then I have to remember that I should not mourn as one of those with no hope. I take solace in the fact that you rest in Jesus's bossom.
I look back in retrospect at times past, our times of joy and struggles in medical school. The Lord saw us through it all. Even when it was unbearable, you stood strong and believed we would make it. And we did. You had poise, you were full of humility, quiet and calm. This is difficult for me to write but I have to do this. You have always portayed strenght in the Lord and I will too.
Then came our relocating abroad. We got married and would communicate from time to time. We talked about the families the Lord had blessed us with and our careers. I would ask about Lanre and his dad and you would do the same. It hurts me that I did not get to see you again in person especially since we both live in the States. We always thought the time would come. But this brings to realization that we do not own our time. We last saw in 2003 in Abeokuta.
You called me last year January to wish me compliments of the season. How was I to know that would be the last time I would hear your voice. I called back in May of the same year to wish you happy mothers day and see if you were done with your MPH program. Little did I know that you were battling with cancer.
I pray that the Lord will grant your husband and Lanre the strenght to go on without you. He will never leave nor forsake them. He will be a light unto their path and a lamp to their feet. The Holy Spirit will comfort them in Jesus name. Amen.
As I read your husband's testimony, I can hear you say 'it is all in God's hands' even in the face of diagnosis with cancer. That is how you lived your life, in total obedience to Him, always doing his will.
Our calls to each other were not very frequent, but they meant a lot to me, we were like 'silent supporters'. It still has not sunk in for me. Tayo I will miss you.
Rev Olufunso J. Omidiran
This camme to me as a rude shock indeed, but precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15). I can very much recollect Sister Tayo's devotion as a young undergraduate in the Prayeeer Band of our university Christian campus fellowship where I was their President in the early '90's. Her love and desire to know and serve the Lord was so unforgettable. This was reflected in her personal phone calls to me a couple of years ago, in which she expressed her desire to serve the Lord. In recent years I lost contact with her and hoped to get back in touch but never thought she would go so soon! May the Lord comfort her husband, son and loved ones. Tayo, rest in the Lord's bossom to we meet to part no more. Shalom.
-Omidiran O.J
Cecilia & Olu Oduwole
Janet, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Your father has called you back and we have to accept that. He wants you to sit beside Him and feel no more pain.
The Lord gave you to Uzo to hold for a while and when He was ready, He called called you home and I know that He will take care of your loved ones for you. He will give them peace and heal their hearts. The memories of you will stay with them for ever. Goodbye Janet.
Abiola Olusoji
To God be the glory, He knows the best and the reason why it has to be like this, but nobody can query Him, for He sitteth above and does whatever pleases Him. I remember vividly when we serve together in CACSAUI exco during our undergraduate days, she was our able treasurer. I thank God for your life and believe we will see at the marriage supper of the lamb where there will be no separation again. God almighty will be with the husband and the son, give them the grace to bear the irreparable loss of Sis. Tayo and uphold them till the end. Good night Dear Sister.
Deola Sonibare
It is with a heavy heart that my family and I received the death of a loving sister. We never heard about the diagnosis only that when I called her or whenever she called she told me to be praying for her. Tayo, you left too soon. I remembered the nice time we had together in F6 Obafemi Awolowo Hall, University of Ibadan, in CACSA Campus Fellowship, Foursquare Gospel Church Orogun, Ibadan and the wonderful time we had together when I visited you in Fresno CA in 2006. We shared happy moment together that reminded us of the old school days and I particularly enjoyed the blissfulness of your mountain home although did not get to meet your husband. I could see the bond between you and your son- Olanrewaju and your husband Uzo. You talked about him all the time. I thank God for the happy moments you shared together. We thank Uzo for being there for Tayo until the ponit of death. Our sincere prayer is that God will continue to uphold you and Lanre. We have no doubt in our mind that the Lord will grant unto you the grace to keep the promise you made in taking care of the gift of God between you and Tayo-Olanrewaju. It is well.
Dayo and Deola Sonibare
Seyi Olayemi
I don't expect this great loss will be easy to live with but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond that which you are able to bear. He will strengthen you, give and bless you with everything you need to be victorious.
I and my family have you in our prayers and have a firm believe that the God of grace will be with you every step of the way.
Love. . . Seyi, Calgary
Lamide & Tayo Alabi
Who are we to question God? He gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. May your beautiful soul continue to rest in peace. And may God give cousin Uzoma, Lanre and the rest of the family the fortitude to bear the loss. It is well in Jesus name
Pastor Jacob and Dele Akindele
How can we even talk about you Sis Omotayo Beautiful ,Brilliant, Borne to succeed ,a Prayer Warrior ,Strong Believer and an Outstanding Child of God .We will forever miss you,our prayers are with Uncle Uzo ,we still cannot come out of the shock but our consolation is in the Lord God Jehovah ,the Lover of our souls and Redeemer.The King of kings will comfort you Uncle Uzo and watch over Lanre ,he will grow in the wisdom of the Lord,he will fulfill his days and destiny .We hide Lanre in the Rock of Ages ,we put him in the Lord of Host and cover him with the blood of Jesus and decree that it is well with Lanre in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ .Uncle Uzo again the Lord will comfort ,uphold ,keep ,guide and guard you in Jesus Name .Our prayers are with you.Sister Omotayo please continue to rest peacefully.Ao pade lese Jesu ni ibi ti a ko ni yara wa ao rira wa ao yo mora wa Jesu ni yio se Alaga.AMEN
Sade Doherty
I have been a friend of the Anozie family for over thirty years. I knew quite a bit about Uzo, Tayo and Lanre; positive and upbeat stuff. It must be a sad, sad moment for Uzo/the Anozie family and Tayo's family as well. I pray that our Almighty Father will grant them all the fortitude to bear this tremendous and painful loss.
May the gentle soul of the Departed rest in peace. Amen
Yemi and Bimbo Asekun
Dearest Aunty Tayo,
We only got to spend a handful of times with you, but what stood out most was the quiet strength you had. Few as they were, those times will be looked back upon with great fondness. We thank you so much for being a part of our family, for making our Uncle happy, and for bringing a wonderfully bright and handsome son, grandson, cousin, nephew into our fold. May the Good Lord keep you, and watch over those of us you left behind. You will be greatly missed, Rest in Peace.
Olajumoke Rowaiye (Nee Ishola)
Omotayo Janet Anozie (Nee Falua), how do I even start? Way back in UCH, your calm disposition about everything,even at the most challenging of times made you stand out. Without make up, you radiated a beauty from within which only God gives. We met again briefly in the early 2000 after we left medical school and soon after we all relocated abroad but all attempts to re-connect with you didn't yield any result. I kept saying that it was so unlike Tayo not to keep in touch or say "hello" now and again. Now I know that in your characteristic manner, you didn't want to "bother" people . O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
(1 Cor. 15:55).
May the good Lord give your nuclear and extended family the fortitude to bear your change of address.
Goodnight Tayo!
Dotun Arifalo
You were a relative I never met, but the beautiful things I heard about you from my brother in the US endeared me to you. You had a beautiful and brave heart. You were blessed to have met those you met - your family, friends, especially, your husband and Lanre, your son, and enjoyed a rather full life as you did. Tho your body is gone, your spirit lives on! Beautiful hearts don't die, they only depart from this death- doomed and imperfect world.
As Christians, we have a hope that can't be destroyed! Death has lost it's victory! when Jesus died and rose again, He gave us life everlasting! Halleluyah!!!
Ms Tayo, until we see again, keep singing at the bosom of our Lord!
We will miss you.
Dotun.
The Anozie Family
Dear Tayo, yours was a brief time on this earth but you accomplished much. A loving wife, mother and sister, you fought a good fight, kept the faith and have finished your course. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Now you are with our Lord for eternity and at rest, but your memory will never leave us. Thank you for the beautiful memories and the joys we shared. We love you and miss you.
The Anozie Family
Titi Onagoruwa
Sis Tayo, your passing on to glory has left a very deep and significant mark on my spirit. You were kind, gentle, loving and a true example of a believer in Christ Jesus.
I learnt so many lessons from your life and they will always be present with me. You cannot be replaced in my heart. I pray that your lineage for generations to come will reap all the good works that you have sown in the Lord. The blessings of God will be upon them perpetually in Jesus name.
Rest on in the Lord.
Titi Onagoruwa
Sis Tayo, your passing on to glory has left a very deep and significant mark on my spirit. You were kind, gentle, loving and a true example of a believer in Christ Jesus.
I learnt so many lessons from your life and they will always be present with me. You cannot be replaced in my heart. I pray that your lineage for generations to come will reap all the good works that you have sown in the Lord. The blessings of God will be upon them perpetually in Jesus name.
Rest on in the Lord.
Toluwa Akingbade-Taiwo
"oh death where is thy sting! Oh grave where is thy Victory..........All thanks be to God who gives us victory through his son Jesus Christ"
Tayo, my sister, my friend. Ever since Bros G called, I have been thinking about your smile and your poise, You are indeed a perfect specimen of "oniwatutu" from our days at school when I would crash in your room to hang out with my bunch of loud friends and you will feed us all!. You always had a smile for me, always. A perfect lady with a perfect heart and the love of God shining through all the time. My heart hurts.................
May the Lord shine his countenance upon your soul and may you rest in perfect peace. (Amen)
Olayinka omololu
Youll be dearly missed. I will always remember your gentleness and kindness. Rest in peace. Amen
Lori Yamanaka
'Tayo, your friendship touched me deeply, and there are no adequate words to express the shock and sadness I feel. I was truly blessed to have known you, and I will always remember your warmth, your caring and kindness, and the devoted way you loved your family, your friends, and the Lord. You are still with us in all these things, and we can take comfort in knowing we will meet again.
Uzo and 'Lanre, my heart goes out to you. Please know that you have my love and my prayers for strength, courage and faith to carry you through this difficult time and always. May God bless and keep you both.
Jean Larsen
'Tayo was a shining ight - - always cheerful and positive, fun-loving, and a beautiful person inside and out. Her passing came as a terrible shock, but I will always remember her sitting at the base of Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite, saying very quietly, "This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen".
A very recent total knee replacement will keep me from riding to Long Beach to attend the service, but others of our family, who all loved 'Tayo so much, will be there.
Uzo and 'Lanre, you must now take care of each other, and know that the Larsen, Yamanaka, and Cowan families all love you.
Muyiwa Omololu
It was really a joy knowing you and sharing the brief time we spent together with family. Though painful that you have left us in this earthly realm, we are comforted that you are in a better place. The life you lived remains a testimony to your ideals as a Christian, wife and mother. May you gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Dolamu Fatona
Although I never met Janet Omotayo, I know she was a wonderful person.
To Uzo, my heart bleeds for you and I pray that the Lord God comforts you at this difficult time, Amen!!! May Janet Omotayo's soul rest in perfect peace. Amen
Lara DaSila
Like an Angel you came peacefully and you left in peace. May your peace continue to encompass both Uzo and Olanrewaju. Yes. you will be missed but God needs you more to continue his work through you.
Good night. May we meet again.
Sun re o.
Yinka Fatona
Janet, may your soul rest in peace. You were always a pleasure to talk to...you were a warm and caring person. I am really proud you achieved all your educational goals. I remember the discussion we had way back about the crazy requirements for doctors who have migrated to the U.S. It was a shock to hear of your passing...My prayer is a great reunion of you with your family in heaven.
May the good Lord continue to bless your family especially your husband and son (Numbers 6:24-26).
Yinka Fatona
Janet, may your soul rest in peace. You were always a pleasure to talk to...you were a warm and caring person. I am really proud you achieved all your educational goals. I remember the discussion we had way back about the crazy requirements for doctors who have migrated to the U.S. It was a shock to hear of your passing...My prayer is a great reunion of you with your family in heaven.
May the good Lord continue to bless your family especially your husband and son (Numbers 6:24-26).
Sola Ajayi
May your soul REST IN PEACE Amen.
Ade and Roz Adekunle
Our Dear Tayo,
We are so fortunate to have met and known you. You were a flash of bright light and although your visit was short, we shall always remember your smile and your warmth. An Angel, you came into our dear friend's life, took care of him and gave him Lanre, a beautiful boy gift you brought to him from heaven where you now have peacefully returned to. May you rest in peace.
Hakeem P. & Muftiat O. Fahm
Janet Omotayo Anozie will always be in our hearts and memories. Our prayers to you and the family. Please accept our condolences anyway and know that we are thinking of you.
Kanyin adenoji
My dear Tayo,
Your life has been a great testimony of faith. You never waivered in your love for God despite all you were going through.You would always say "olorun a se iyanu". You ministered to me even when you were down.I know of a fact that you are up there with him in a new and perfect body praising God.We will meet again.Goodnight my dear Tayo.
Love Kanyin
Iyabo Masha
You fought a gallant fight. RIP.
Pastor Ademola Oyerinde
It so painful to hear about your death, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, My condolences to your husband, son and your family members, may God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
