Tributes

This tribute was added by Charine John on September 1, 2020

Oh darling Jummy! This is so surreal! I still can't get my head around the fact that we won't be seeing you at our next class reunion. 

We've been invited by your amazing son - who is a credit to you, to share our thoughts and memories. So rather than cry about how bereft I am (and I am!) I want to share my most precious memory ...

In 1972, I was a scrappy 9 year old, newly arrived to join an already established class of 9-10 year-olds at Fourah Bay College School in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Our class teacher was one Miss Findlay. Approaching Christmas, Miss Findlay decided to stage a class play, and plumped for Cinderella. I was one of the only two mixed-raced girls in the class - or one of the only two ‘mallattahs’ as we were so fondly termed in that politically-incorrect environment. The other was Darrell Johnson, a bouncy, gregarious, curly haired pretty thing with an American accent. (I wonder what happened to her? ) Mademoiselle Findlay decided that she needed to appoint two girls to take the role of the ugly sisters, and who better than Darrell and I?! For reasons that will forever remain a mystery, she instructed Darrell and I to stand on our chairs so that the class could vote. I still don't understand the logic behind this. There were two vacancies, and two candidates, none of whom had any choice about the matter. But we were of a generation that did not question the will of our teachers. suffice to say, I was MORTIFIED. I still remember the icy feeling that ran down my back as I clambered up the chair. And once we were up on our chairs, Darrell went into an Oscar-worthy performance, grimacing and growling and acting the part while I stood on my chair staring at my feet. So of course, everyone voted for Darrell. I would have voted for her too if I had been afforded a vote. All except for one person. When Miss Findlay turned to the class and said ‘And who votes for Charine?’ one solitary hand shot up. And I mean RIGHT up. You’ve guessed it. The hand belonged to Jumoke. I spun round to stare at her and I will never forget the smile she gave me. I. will .never. forget. So warm. So reassuring. Please bear in mind - we were only little. And even though she was so young - 8 or 9 years old, Jumoke's face radiated empathy and kindness. At such a young age!!

I relate this because it shows that even before our characters were even formed, Jumoke was instinctively displaying the generosity, compassion and kindness that informed her character. It was just part of her everyday life, and came naturally to her. It's no wonder she went into such a selfless and caring profession (plus, of course, she had the brains for it!) To Jumoke, reaching out to support the underdog wasn’t anything special. In fact, she pretty much instantly forgot all about it. And years later - in fact over forty years later, when we were finally reunited, I reminded her of this act of kindness and of course she had no memory of it. To her, it wasn’t even significant enough to remember but to me, just at that moment, it saved me from feeling friendless and to that little malattah, it meant a lot. And so I will continue to treasure that memory.

Incidentally, we did go on to perform the Cinderella at FBC, and I still have a photograph of me, as one of the ugly sisters, instructing Cinders to my laundry. Cinderella was played by Khanyama Dixon-Fyle, who also left us tragically far too soon. I realise there's very little chance anyone will ever read this, but I would like to think that if Jumoke and Khanyama ever got to know of it they'd probably share a quiet giggle over just how much this silly incident meant to me. And for my part, I would like to ask you Khanyama, to please look after Jummy now that she is a new girl in your class. Although, I dare say that being Jumoke, in no time at all she’ll be surrounded by friends up there. Lots of love to you both, ladies. We miss you and I for one look forward to seeing you again.

Much love,

Charine

This tribute was added by Valerie Gilpin on August 31, 2020

I am terribly saddened by your loss, Jumoke. Our friendship spanned 51 years, ever since we first met in Class 3 at the Fourah Bay College (FBC) School in 1969. I will never forget your kindness, empathy, beautiful smile, delightful sense of humor, and marvelous laugh. I will always cherish our FBC Class 5 photo, taken in 1971, with me standing next to our teacher, Miss Findlay (Mrs. Nicol) and you standing right there, next to me (posted in the Gallery). In childhood innocence we looked into the camera and forward to a joint future our young minds could not even begin to fully imagine.

Sadly, you are gone now, as are some of our other classmates in that photo, but I have no doubt that those of us who remain will always remember you with the utmost fondness and affection.

It was a privilege and a blessing to know you, my dear friend. Thank you for your warm friendship and a lifetime of wonderful memories that will stay with me forever. 

Rest in Peace, Jumoke. 

My deepest condolences to your entire family.

Valerie Williams (Gilpin)

 FAMILY

This tribute was added by Cynthia Adekunle on September 1, 2020

I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Wright and Koso Thomas Families.
I'm still in shock since I received the news of my cousin's passing. I'm just numb and I can imagine what her husband, children, parents, and siblings must be going through presently.

I met Jumoke along with my other cousins in 1977 when they came to Lagos on holidays and she was my link to her mother who is my aunt. Whenever I was in London on a visit I had to call her so I could ask after her mum and dad. Jumoke had always been a pleasant cousin to relate with.

I know she's resting with The Lord. It is my heart felt prayer that the Holy Spirit will comfort every hurting heart and grant them all peace in Jesus Name. Amen.

Goodnight Jumoke.

Cynthia Abbey Jackson- Adekunle
On Behalf of the children of Late Cosmos Olasiji Jackson.

COUSINS

This tribute was added by Rita Lisk on August 31, 2020

Jumoke means ‘the child is loved by everyone’ and indeed Jumoke Wright was loved by everyone who had the fortune of knowing her.
My memories of Jumoke start with family lunches on Boxing Day and other significant events as our parents were very close and we grew up as almost cousins.
We met again when I was a medical student and she a Gynecology registrar in Newcastle upon Tyne and her grace, poise and unassuming brilliance in her profession was something I aspired to. I remember the parties in Newcastle and Afro-Caribbean social events we met at fondly.
We continued to keep in touch over the years and each time we would chat and catch up quickly on the time gone in between.
We met at a couple of conferences and had the opportunity to share experiences on medical matters.
Jumoke was always very friendly, caring, generous and sincere, showing a genuine interest in everyone she met. Her passing will leave a big void but we thank God for her life and all she was able to achieve. We know her legacy will live on through her family and friends.
We pray for God’s grace, support and direction to the Koso-Thomas and Wright families and friends at this difficult time.
Rita, Clifford Lisk and family 

RELATIVES

This tribute was added by Ebiduni Onie Williams on August 31, 2020

I came to know Dr Jumokeh in July 1994, through Dr.Effie Gooding, when I was expecting my first and only child. She said she needs a challenging case which I was having one. I was a very high risk patient suffering from very high blood pressure. Very difficult to stable. She will always say am not terminating your pregnancy because you have not got a child yet. At times they would have to call her on odd hrs of the nite to come to my aid. It was very stressful but she never gave up on me. It was on 13th August 1994, she came on her usual rounds and notice she must operate on me that day .she did all she could and decided to take me to the theater. The only thing she said to me was Ebiduni let's keep our fingers crossed. And to God be the glory my operation lasted for just 45mins.  Today Effion is a full grown man working. He was a premature child weighing about 2.6 kg. She nurse him with God's help. It's so hard for me to accept she is gone too soon, She will always send me gift for Effion. She will be greatly missed by my family. We love her but Jesus loves her best. 
SLEEP ON DR. SLEEP AND TAKE YOUR REST.

RELATIVES

FRIENDS

Valerie Williams (Gilpin)

As we all grieve and continue to share memories of our dear Jumoke, I’ve been reflecting on the start of our friendship and the almost incredible fact that we first met in Class 3 at the Fourah Bay College School in 1969!  I was looking through old photographs and pulled out this one taken in 1971 when we were in Class 5.  I’m standing next to our teacher, Miss Findlay, with Jumoke next to me, and Ngaio next to Jumoke.  I guess Jumoke and I were little “teacher’s pets” that day, as Miss Findlay had her hands around both of us.😀  A shout out to our dear fellow classmates too who are part of this group — Dawn towards the left and Avril towards the right!

FRIENDS