Blessings Erewa Atse Awani was born in Ajamogha, Warri, Delta State. Nigeria on Monday, 4th November 1940. He was the second of seven children. He was born to the family of Mr. Anthony Erewa Gold Awani and Mrs. Christiana Wowonu Dorti. He attended Warri urban District Secondary Modern School where he obtained his Secondary Modern School Certificate. At School, he was a member of the Boys Scout organisation. He was also a lover of sports and was actively involved in sporting activities during his secondary school days. He played soccer and athletics. He commenced his public service career at a young age of 22 years with his appointment as a Clerical Assistant by the Western State Ministry of Works and Housing Ibadan in November 1962. He later moved to the then Mid-Western State of Nigeria from November 1963 where he worked with the Finance Ministry. Blessings Awani, though young impressed his colleagues and leaders with his diligence and eye for details. He later proceeded to Auchi Polytechnic in the then Bendel State Nigeria where he obtained a National Diploma in Accounting. He went on to complete numerous management and accounting courses during his time with the civil service. He progressively rose through the ranks to a Chief Executive Officer before he retired from Delta State Public Service, having served for 35 years. He enjoyed arable farming and animal husbandry as he got involved with agricultural and other business ventures while he was in Nigeria.
Blessings Erewa Awani emigrated to the United States of America and lived in Dallas, Texas until his death. Upon arrival at the US, he worked briefly with Parkland Health and Hospital System Dallas before he had to leave for health reasons. He enjoyed watching American football. He kept active touch with his ever-growing family spread across Europe, US and Nigeria.
Blessings Awani was a kind and compassionate man who loved God and was committed to his family as a husband, father and grandfather. On getting to the United States, he turned over his life completely to God and regularly attended Church before he had failing health which made it impossible to continue to attend. His charming and amiable personality endeared him to several people who came close to him. He opened his home to several people who visited the US from Nigeria even when they were not direct members of his family. His love for Africans, Nigerians and particularly Itsekiri people is unwavering. Blessings actively rallied the Itsekiri community in Dallas around him and promoted peaceful co-existence among them. His life is remarkably characterised by his keen interest in charitable works as he touched the lives of many people who turned to him for help. He provided a safe haven and succour for the underprivileged and the needy. He will be remembered for building and fostering unity and development among his children. As the family grapple with his demise, we know that Heaven has gained eternally another saint from the earth.
Blessings Awani leaves behind his two wives, Mrs. Muriel Uknortoritsemofe Awani and Mrs. Clara Uyinmwen Awani; children, Miss. Alero Hilda Ifeajika-Awani of Asaba , Nigeria, Mrs.Mirabel Eregua Owa of Abuja, Nigeria, Mrs. Bemigho Momoh of Republic of Ireland, Dr. Tuoyo Gold Awani of Northern Ireland, Mrs. Oritsebawo Tracy Aghedo of Republic of Ireland, Mr. Eretoritsedawumi (Wumi) Gold Awani of Texas USA, Mr. Tojuoritseagha (Toju) Nosa Awani-gold of Republic or Ireland, Engr. Oritsegbitsekirimi (Itse) Gold Awani of Texas USA, and Mrs. Tina Gold Uyinmwen of Texas USA; son-in-laws/daughter-in-laws, Barr. Olugbenga David Owa, Prince Razaq Churchill Momoh, Mrs. Fiona Martin-Awani, Engr Onyeka Aghedo, Mrs. Blessing Ukamaka Awani, Mrs. Sophie Bodunrin Awani-Gold, Dr. Abieyuwa Awani, and Mr. Osuyi T Uyinmwen; grandchildren, Nwamaka Paula Ifeajika, Oluwatosin Zuriel Owa, Ugochukwu Gerald Ifeajika, Oluwakemi Maranatha Owa, Stephanie Momoh, Chukwunwieke Nicholas Ifeajika, Mary Nne Aghedo, Justin Awani, Olorunsola Jason Owa, Idanesi Momoh, Jeremiah Ekperem Aghedo, Khafu Momoh, Andrew Awani, Daniel Chukwuemeke Aghedo, Gracious Momoh, Emmanuel Chukwuedum Aghedo, Damiloju Zoe Owa, Taliyah Gold Uyinmwen, Carla Awani, Peter Nwakaego Aghedo, Isabel Sisanmi Awani, Oritsebeneweno Chimagozikam Gold, Israel Chukwuka Aghedo, Ogie-Joshua Momoh, Amelia Awani, Isaac Ojirioritsemofe Awani-Gold, Jasmine Ofeoritse Awani, Oritsedere Chukwudumebi Gold, David Oritsetemisan Awani-gold, Elizabeth Oritserowoli Awani-gold, Zechariah Esosa Uyinmwen, Judah-Amos Oritsemajemite Awani-gold, and Hannah Ewooritse Awani; brothers/sisters, Mr. Justice Gold, Mr. Funmi John Egbejule, Dr. John Wasami Okoro (MD) and Mrs. Elizabeth Obente Onovo; also survived by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. He will be greatly missed.
A “come and go” visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing.
In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, only a limited number of guests will be allowed to attend the Funeral Service.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas, and will also be live streamed on the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Facebook page and a recorded video will be available following the funeral service Blessings’ obituary page.
However, when the maximum number of guests are reached, those who would like to honor Blessing and show their support to his family may remain at the funeral home in your vehicle, where you can watch the live streamed service on your personal device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) or listen through a designated FM radio chan
Live Service Viewing link
https://jdmediatv.myportfolio.com/live
Facebook Livestream https://www.facebook.com/TurrentineJacksonMorrow/videos/422587035351073/