Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tunde Lemo, has been bereaved by the death of his mother-in-law, Deaconess Rachael Adediran Coker, a respected educationist, church leader and community matriarch.
She was 94 years old.
Deaconess Coker, whose life was marked by devotion to God, service to humanity and commitment to child education, passed on after a fulfilled lifetime of impact across family, church and society.
Born on 24 April, 1932, in Asigidi, Ijebu Igbo, to the family of Pa Abel Adekanu Osoyade and Madam Emily Adebowale Osoyade, she was the third of four children.
She began her early education at St Stephen’s African School, Asigidi, before completing her Standard Six education at St John’s African School, Oke Agbo, in 1948.
Driven by ambition and determination, the young Rachael moved to Lagos in 1949 in search of better opportunities.
She secured employment at J.A. Ajayi Brothers after months of persistent job hunting.
Her passion for secretarial work later led her to enroll at Olusola Commercial Typing Bureau, where she met Mr. Obadiah Olutosin Olusola Coker, who would later become her husband and life partner.
Following her marriage, Deaconess Coker devoted herself to nurturing young minds by establishing a Montessori school.
Her educational initiative later expanded into a private institute that offered daycare, nursery and primary education, as well as coaching services, earning her admiration as a disciplined teacher and mentor.
A devoted Christian, she gave her life to Christ during a revival service at a Christ Apostolic Church in 1968. She was baptized by immersion in 1969 and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the same year.
Her dedication to Christian service saw her serve as a chorister and Sunday school teacher before she answered the call into ministry.
She attended GAC Bible College between 1990 and 1992 and was ordained as a Deaconess in 1999.
In 2000, she was appointed Vice President of the Good Women’s Fellowship, where she played a key role in mentoring women in faith and service.
Family members described her as a disciplined, compassionate and prayerful woman who lived a life of integrity and unwavering faith.
She is survived by five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Christian wake will come up on Thursday, 28 May 2026, while the burial ceremony comes up on 29 May, 2026.
