Elizabeth I. Adeoye

Please click here to view the services of Ms. Elizabeth Adeoye on January 24, 2025 at 11:00am.

Elizabeth Iyabode Adeoye JP

Born on Wednesday, June 6, 1931, Elizabeth Iyabode Asake Adeoye was the third and last child of Lady Lydia Adeoye Osanyibi who was married to Pa Ezekiel Adeoye Osanyibi. Though she was the youngest among her direct siblings, she was fortunate to be the first to move to Lagos and learn a trade.

She began her apprenticeship in Lagos under the family of Candido Da Rocha, who, at the time, was one of the wealthiest men in Nigeria. At just 18 years old, she ventured out on her own and started importing Holandis Ankara and Ace headgear. With modest success, she diversified her business ventures, importing shoes, ladies' purses, and jewellery. Her entrepreneurial success enabled her to build two houses in Lagos, making her one of the first women to own a home in Ijesha, Surulere.

Against all odds and with a singular vision, Elizabeth devoted herself to empowering her loved ones in her hometown of Eye Kanse. She took on the formidable task of recruiting and relocating her kinsmen to Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital and Africa’s largest market. She provided them with housing, secured jobs for them, and often offered seed capital. Over 200 people benefitted from her benevolence in this regard.

Her life stands as a testament to grit, love, and charity. A woman of deep faith and an ardent believer in the gospel, Elizabeth memorized all 66 books of the Bible and could recite them by heart in Yoruba, her native tongue. Similarly, she committed numerous hymns from the Anglican and Baptist hymnals to memory. She served in various capacities in her church community, including as Iya Ewe, Iya Adura, and Mother-in-Israel, across the denominations she attended. Beyond her religious contributions, she was recognized with numerous honors and commendations from various groups. She was the oldest member of For Christ Evangelical Ministry (FCEM), USA where she worshipped until she was called to glory.

In 2015, Elizabeth relocated to the United States and eventually became a U.S. citizen. She ascended to glory on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 8:25 a.m., surrounded by her loving family.

Elizabeth was married and blessed with five children. She is survived by her five daughters, 20 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and countless loved ones. Her legacy of faith, perseverance, and generosity will live on in the many lives she touched.