Memorial Service of Betty Vitenu-Sackey

On 8th April, 2016 while Betty my cousin was being buried in the UK, her relatives and friends in Zambia held a memorial service in Lusaka. This was held first in Mapepe at the home of Mary Hubbard, her elder sister and at 14 00 hours the memorial shifted to 31 Mataba Street in Libala Stage 4B. Sekuru (Unlce) tennyson in his tribute mentioned that Betty was born in 1969 and that he used to look after her when her mother was working at night shifts. He also mentioned that Betty was a sociable young lady will be missed. Sekuru Tennyson told the gathering that when Betty got a liver transplant, she was advised not to do heavy jobs, but because of Betty’s love for working for others she would work very hard.

Other tributes were by Betty’s nieces, Lilly and Linda. Lilly mentioned that Betty was encouraging and encouraged her and others to seek God. Linda observed that Aunty Betty was outgoing, fun and friendly. “She was a strong woman who encouraged us to seek God” Linda added.

The sermon was delivered by Bishop Nathaniel Banda, who was close to the late Betty and the surviving husband Albert. Bishop Banda said:

We need to be prepared to meet with God.
Betty loved God. Her life was all about God. We need to take a leaf from her.
The Bible tells us if any man is in Christ, the old is passed away and the new has come. God made Christ to become sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God (1 Corinthians 5:21)
The passing on of Betty gives us an opportunity o examine our lives and see if we are ready to meet with God. We can only be ready if we confess our sins and turn to Christ for salvation.

Earlier some of the songs sang were: Mumbule ifyo mdi (Take me as I am), Wakanaka Mwari (God is Good) and Tubalemye ba Yahweh (Let’s honour/praise God).

In concluding the memorial, Evans Phiri, nephew to the late Betty noted that Betty exemplified love and hospitality. Betty was always improving herself.

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