Matthew Udo Ekong of Richardson, Texas passed away January 9, 2021 at the age of 66. He was born on September 21, 1954 to Udo Ekong and Obot Umo Akpan in Ibam Ikpe, Ikpe Annang, Nigeria where he grew up and taught young people as a professor. Matthew married Grace Essiet on July 31, 1979 in Nigeria. Matthew was hopeful and forward thinking. That’s why in 1981, he and his wife moved from Nigeria to the United States where he pursued his college education, started a family, and embarked on a new career as a nurse in the North Texas area, where he worked for many years. At work, Matthew was a dedicated and caring professional. When not at work, he was a handyman, jack-of-all-trades-creative expert, and a regular Mr. Fix-It around the house. His hobbies included working on puzzles, cooking, traveling, and collecting cars.
Matthew loved God, his family, and the countries he represented. His love for his wife Grace Ekong led him to have four beautiful children that he cherished dearly: Almastella Ekong, Emmanuel Ekong, Imalda Ekong, and Edidiong Ekong. He is survived by his wife, children, his brother Gregory Ekong, his beloved niece Janet Okon, and many relatives in the United States, United Kingdom, and Nigeria.
Though Matthew’s body has gone to its rest, his soul will live on in those he has left behind. To his wife Grace, he left immense joy, love, and happiness. To his first-born daughter Almastella, he left his sense of adventure and ambition. To his first-born son Emmanuel, he left his ability to be very patient and his gift for finances. To his second daughter Imalda, he left his capacity to take initiative and his jack-of-all-trades, creative abilities. To the baby of the family, Edidiong, he left his tenacity and love of puzzles.
Matthew was very spiritual and religious. Therefore, it was fitting he was born on Sunday and nicknamed “Sunny” for short. He will be remembered for his integrity, ambition, selflessness, compassion, and creativity.
A funeral service will be held in his honor at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 11, 2021 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 South Floyd Road, Richardson, Texas 75080. Immediately following the service, he will be laid to rest at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, TX 75013.
A “come and go” visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing and masks will be required.