Words from her husband, Pastor Dr. Franklin Olusola Alao, for the wife, mother, and woman of God who slept in the Lord on September 1, 2009.
Psalm 116:15
It is with a heart filled with gratitude to God, yet deeply touched by the pain of separation, that I remember and honor the life and memory of my beloved wife, Mrs. Olubunmi Olufunso Alao, who slept in the Lord on September 1, 2009.
Though many years have passed since the day she departed this world, the passage of time has not erased her memory from our hearts. Her love, kindness, compassion, and sacrifices continue to live on in the lives of everyone who knew her, especially our children and family.
Olubunmi was a loving wife, caring mother, wonderful sister, and devoted woman of God. She had a heart that cared deeply for others. She gave of herself freely, often putting the needs of others before her own. Her presence brought warmth, encouragement, and comfort to those around her.
As my wife and life companion, she was more than a spouse. She was my partner, confidant, encourager, and fellow laborer in the work of God. Together, we were blessed with four wonderful children, who remain a lasting testimony of the love and life we shared. She loved our children deeply and gave herself wholeheartedly to their upbringing, welfare, and future.
One of the greatest legacies we shared was the establishment of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church of Jesus Christ in Bronx, New York. What began humbly in our living room in the Bronx became the beginning of a work that has continued to bless lives. We started with faith, prayer, sacrifice, and a commitment to serve God and His people.
Today, the church still exists and continues its ministry. Whenever I look at what that work has become, I remember that Olubunmi was part of its foundation. She was not merely the wife of the pastor; she was a co-laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. She shared in the prayers, sacrifices, challenges, hopes, and joys that accompanied those early days.
But our shared journey was not limited to ministry. Olubunmi and I were also co-founders of Solamart Inc. Together, we embraced the responsibility of building an enterprise and creating opportunities for our family and others. This was another expression of the partnership, determination, and vision that characterized our life together.
Olubunmi’s life reminds us that great legacies do not always begin in large buildings or with great resources. Sometimes, they begin in a simple living room, with a husband and wife who trust God enough to take the first step. Her life of love, service, and sacrifice helped lay a foundation whose influence continues even after her departure.
Although I deeply miss her physical presence, I am comforted by the assurance that she slept in the Lord. Her earthly journey came to an end, but her love and legacy did not. She continues to live through our four children, through our family, through those whose lives she touched, and through the ministry to which she devoted herself.
You loved deeply.
You cared sincerely.
You served faithfully.
You gave sacrificially.
You mothered wonderfully.
You stood beside me in ministry and in business.
And you left behind a legacy that time cannot erase.
As your husband, I will always be grateful to God for the years we shared. As the father of our children, I will always cherish the mother you were to them. As your fellow laborer in the Lord’s vineyard, I will always remember the sacrifices we made together for the work of God.
Our four children carry a part of you with them. Your love, your values, your memories, and the lessons you taught them remain part of who they are. Through them, your voice continues to speak, and your legacy continues to unfold.
Seventeen years or many years may pass, but a mother’s love is never forgotten and a godly woman’s legacy never dies.
Today, I remember you not only with tears, but with thanksgiving.
Thank you, Olubunmi, for being my wife.
Thank you for being a loving mother.
Thank you for being a caring sister and friend.
Thank you for standing with me.
Thank you for laboring with me.
Thank you for helping to build what God entrusted into our hands.
Thank you for the beautiful family God gave us.
And above all, thank you for the life you lived and the love you gave.
Until we meet again in the presence of our Lord, I will continue to cherish your memory and honor the legacy you left behind.
Sleep on, my beloved Olubunmi.
You are forever in our hearts.
Your memory remains a blessing.
Your labor in the Lord is not forgotten.
Your legacy lives on.
With eternal love and gratitude,
Pastor Dr. Franklin Olusola Alao — Husband and Fellow Laborer in Christ
Carry it forward. Support the programs that continue the work she loved most: helping people, creating opportunity, and restoring hope.
