On Saturday, August 6, 2022, the mortal remains of the Counsellor of Regent University College of Science and Technology and wife of the Founder and Chancellor of Regent University College, Lady Mrs. Florence Naa-Bessah Larbi, were laid to rest in a private burial ceremony at the Dominion Gardens in Larteh, in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
A funeral service was held at the Pentecost International Worship Centre in Atomic, Accra, and attended by loved ones, family, and friends of the departed Counsellor. In attendance were top-ranking clergy, traditional leaders, representatives from academia, Management of Regent University College, members of the University’s Council and Board of Regents, current and former Regent staff, students, and alumni.
The service began at 6.00 am, with a Lying-in-Repose, at the Lower Terrace of the PIWC-Atomic Campus, during which mourners lined up to view the guarded casket. During this segment, eulogies were delivered.
The casket was then carried to the church auditorium for the funeral service by a detachment of Airforce Cadets, and a funeral procession led by the Airforce Cadet Band.
In his remarks as the Chairperson for the ceremony, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, described the Late Florence Larbi as a “Great woman, and gallant soldier of the cross whom we have lost to eternity.”
He added that just as it is good to celebrate the life of a departed one, it is also important to mourn and go through the grieving process.
“We are not here just to celebrate life; we are here to mourn her departure. If you don’t mourn, you will not be comforted. So, we should learn to mourn, especially someone like this. I’ve known Mama Florence for many years. We have lost her to glory. Eternity has gained, but for us here on earth it is a loss,” the Chairman shared.
He added: “Some human beings are difficult to be replaced. Because you take many years to build such a life. Such a sweet mother that we had in this church”.
Sharing his testimonial about her Counselling ministry during his tenure of office as the Resident Minister of PIWC-Atomic, the Chairman paid glowing tribute to the Late Deaconess. “Every prospective couple would like her to counsel them, and they got stuck to her even in their marriage.”
He advised mourners gathered at the service to pay close attention to the tributes that would be read during the ceremony and to learn vital life lessons.
The Royal Vessels Incorporated serenaded her with some of her favourite Ga gospel songs and other Christian songs.
Delivering their tribute, her children, Godson Larbi, Jemimah Afua Karle Larbi, Benjamin Kweku Nettey Larbi, and James Kwaku Darko Larbi, described their mother as “a source of endless inspiration”. They fondly remembered how she saw greatness in all of them and reminded them of their greatness regularly.
In a touching tribute, her husband, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kingsley Larbi, described her as a ‘strong pillar’ in his life and ministry. “As a partner in ministry, she never wanted to take the front seat; she always preferred taking the back seat so that she could quietly take care of the tasks that might have been abandoned or needed some attention,” he reminisced.
A tribute was also delivered on behalf of Regent University College of Science and Technology, where the Late Mama Florence Naa Bessah Larbi served as the University Counsellor and a Founding Associate. In the tribute which was read by Rev. Dr. Josiah Andor, the University Chaplain, she was lauded for her ‘unmatched’ motherly love and unconditional care for all – students and staff alike.
“She was very resourceful for the university as a whole. She used her influence to seek various scholarship packages for both the university and students. At graduations, matriculations, and other university functions, Mrs. Larbi would ensure that all guests were served well …It will be an understatement to state that Mummy Larbi was an asset to the entire University community,” the tribute recounted.
“She would be fondly remembered for her ‘passion for the students and the mandate that birthed the university”, the tribute stated.
Using 1 Corinthians 15:3, as the foundational text for his sermon, the Head of the Santasi District of The Church of Pentecost, Rev. Kofi Antwi-Bosiako, stated that the topic of the resurrection is “key to the Christian faith”.
He noted that the death and burial of Jesus Christ are established in the scriptures and that Jesus Christ didn’t remain in the grave, but ‘in the fullness of time, rose from the dead.’
“Death is not the end of our story of human existence. The triumph of Jesus Christ over the grave is heaven’s guarantee to us that we too shall be raised. That is why Jesus Christ is referred to as the first fruit of them that are ‘asleep’”, he emphasised.
Rev. Antwi-Boasiako described the Late Florence Naa-Bessah Larbi as a ‘soft-spoken but strong woman on the inside’ who easily made friends. He encouraged mourners that death was not the final story of humanity, and that Christ is the guarantee of the resurrection of all of ‘God’s redeemed people.’
At the end of the service, the casket was carried from the church on the shoulders of the Airforce Cadets to the hearse for the private burial service in Larteh.
In attendance at the funeral service, aside from the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, were the former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, and his wife, the wife of the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Mrs. Rose Kumi Larbi, Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah, former General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Professor Ohene Kyei, Former Rector of the Pentecost University, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Anim, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Pentecost University, as well as Executive Council members of The Church of Pentecost.
Also in attendance were the former Archbishop of the Anglican Church of the Province of West Africa, Most Rev. Dr. Justice Ofei Akrofi, the immediate past Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Samuel Ayetey-Nyanpong, and his wife, Mrs. Lilian Ayete-Nyampong, the General Overseer of Jesus Generation Ministry, Rt. Rev. Dr. Nana Anyani-Boadum, and President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh.
Other clergies on hand were Bishop Dr. Susanne Nti, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Legal Services, Christian Action Faith Ministries, Rev. Dr. Justice Appiah Kubi, Filipino Family Church, Action Chapel International, Very Rev. Dr. D. Sylvester Dadzie, Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Church, Ashongman Circuit, Rev. Prophet Christopher Yaw Annor, Accra North Regional Overseer & Senior Pastor, ICGC Holy Ghost Temple, Adenta-Faafraha, and Rev. Morris Appiah, General Secretary, ICGC together with his wife, the Lead Pastor of Empowerment Worship Centre, Rev. Gideon Danso.
Also present were the former rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Professor Stephen Adei, Apostle Dr. Alfred Kodua, Apostle Professor Ohene Kyei, Apostle Dela Quampah, Apostle Anane Denteh and other CoP ministers. Also in attendance were Brigadier General Mike Akpatsu and Mr. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, the ranking member on the Education committee of Parliament (Government of Ghana).
From Regent University College were Prof. Ernest Ofori Asamoah, President of Regent, Min. Benjamin Zogbator, Registrar, Regent University College, and Mr. Albert Amonoo, Retired Senior Vice President of the University.
Traditional leaders who were in attendance included the Chief of Larteh Ahenease and Benkumhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Osabarima Asiedu Okoo Ababio III, the Queen Mother of Larteh and Queen Mother of Benkum Division of Akuapem Traditional Area, Nana Akua Darkoah Ampem I, and New Town Manyɛ, Naa Borkai Adomkropa I.
Other attendees included Director of Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, Pastor Eric Hymore of the United Calvary Church, Rev. Emmanuel Acquaye representing the General Secretary of the Divine Healers church, and a host of other ministers.
Lady Mrs. Florence Naa Bessah Larbi was born on 27 September 1951 at Amamomo in Palladium, Accra. Her father’s name was Mr. Ekem Parker, a businessman. Florence’s paternal grandfather was Mr. Theophilus Parker from Cape Coast. Her paternal grandmother was called Auntie Naa-Bessah from Akoto Lante, James Town, Accra. Florence’s mother’s name was Madam Sarah Sarku Nettey. She came from Shia Wulu in Amamomo, Accra.
To read the full biography and other tributes click here: https://bit.ly/LadyFlorenceBrochure
To send a tribute visit: https://bit.ly/MamaFlorenceWebsite
