2. OFFICIANTS
Rt Rev. Samuel Ofori Akyea, the Diocesan Bishop, Tema Diocese
The Very Rev. Ebenezer Popeson Adjei, Synod-Tema Diocese
The Very Rev. Major Daniel Ebo Ephraim (Retd) Supt Minister, Tema North Circuit
Rt Rev. Samuel Aidoo-Bevell, Past Bishop, Fosu Diocese
The Very Rev. William Empery Gyekyi, the General Director of Ministries, Methodist Church, Ghana
The Very Rev. Robert Allotey Pappoe, the Supt Minister, Prampram-Ningo Circuit
Rev. Divine M. Opata, Circuit Minister, Bethel Society
Rev. Dickson Otchere Darko, The Church of Pentecost, Sahara District (Dansoman, Accra)
Rev. Desmond Anderson, Assemblies of God Church, Community 8, Tema
Circuit Evangelist — Evang. Joyce Takyi Aboagye
Circuit Steward — Bro. R. R. Amponsah
Society Stewards — Sis. Gladys Esi Entsuah
— Sis. Diana Arthur
— Bro. Nanabanyin Dennis
Choirmaster — Bro. Ebenezer Nuertey
Organist — Bro. Michael Andoh
— Bro. Charles Wilson
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3. Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
Part I: PRE-BuRIAl SERVICE – 7:00 A.M.
1. Entering of Body MHB 611
2. Prayer
3. Hymns MHB 110, 478, 647, 371
4. Tributes
5. Hymns MHB 498, 517, 422, 432, 235
6. Filing past
7. Hymns MHB 528, 517
8. Covering of casket
Part II: BuRIAl SERVICE – 8:00 A.M.
1. Scriptural Sentences
2. Announcement of purpose
3. Hymn MHB 679
4. Prayer
5. Hymn MHB 50
6. Biography/Tributes
7. Anthem/Song Choir/Singing Band
8. Bible Lessons:
a. 1st Lesson – Psalm 90: 1 – 12
b. 2nd Lesson – John 14: 1 – 6, 27
9. Hymn MHB 615
10. Sermon
11. Affirmation of faith
12. Offertory
13. Hymn MHB 831
14. Thanksgiving and Commendation Service
15. Prayers & the Lord’s Prayer
16. Announcement
17. Closing Hymn MHB 215
18. Benediction
19. Departure MHB 651
Part III: AT THE GRAVE SIDE
1. Sentences & Prayer
2. Hymn MHB 948
3. Committal
4. Prayers
5. Vote of Thanks: By a family member
6. Hymn MHB 976
7. Benediction
Order of Service
02
4. Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
Biography of Diana Koshie Lamptey
D
IANA Koshie lamptey was born in Accra on
Thursday, 17th January, 1935, to George
lamptey Mensah, a local preacher of the
Methodist Church and a carpenter by profession, and
Madam Abeley laryea, a trader.
The family resided at Aayalolo in the Ashiedu Keteke
Sub-Metropolitan area of Accra. She was the first of
seven children of the parents, and, therefore, had to play
a motherly role to the siblings upon the separation of
the parents when she was quite young. She started
formal education at the age of six at Amamomo
Primary and Middle School, now Amamomo '3'
Primary in Central Accra.
She got married to Samuel Kwei Sowah (now
deceased) in 1957, and moved to join him in
Teshie where she began a fish business.
Later on, her passion for cooking led
her to start operating a local eatery in
Teshie, selling local delicacies,
including fufu, kokonte and banku, until
the family relocated to Tema in 1968. The
relocation to Tema happened at a time the city was still
under construction, so she took advantage to start a new
eatery at Community Seven for workers engaged in the
construction of Datus Preparatory School. She later
started cooking and selling rice at Community Eight also
for TDC construction workers building TDC houses.
Later on, she restarted her fish business, this time
shuffling across the purchasing point at the Tema Fishing
Harbour, smoking them at home and selling the fish at
Agormanya in the Lower Manya Krobo District in the
Eastern Region. She then returned from her fish
selling trips with fresh foodstuff for sale in Tema.
With her industry in trading, she provided support
for her husband to take care of their eight
children in school, especially when
official work duties compelled the
husband to relocate to Takoradi for
about eighteen (18) years.
In the course of time, she dropped
the fish business and concentrated on
trading in foodstuffs across major
03
5. 04
markets in Bawjiase, Kasoa,
Nsawam, Asesewa, Juapong
from where she bought
foodstuffs for sale in Tema. In
the mid-nineties, she passed on
the business to her eldest
daughter, Ayorkor, when health
and age took their toll, and she
could no longer cope with the
rigours of constant long
distance travels that the
business demanded.
Aunty Koshie, as many called
her, and her husband, S.K. Sowah, gave birth to nine
children in all, six boys and three girls. Unfortunately,
the first daughter Atswei, died very early. The surviving
children are: Emmanuel Adjei Quaye, Esther Ayorkor
Quaye, Rev. Daniel Sowah Quaye, John Mensah Quaye,
Joseph Annan Quaye, Rebecca Jackson, Michael Quaye
and Samuel Akrong Quaye. She was very protective of
her children, but would also not compromise on
discipline. She supported the husband to give the best
of formal education and training to all their children.
She actually sacrificed her comfort for the welfare of the
family, and as a result made her home a house of refuge
for all, accommodating
and caring for extended
relatives and family
friends, along with her
children.
She was a staunch
Methodist from infancy till
her last breath. She was
very committed to the
church and especially the
Ga Class. Even in her old
age when she could no
longer walk the distance to
the church regularly, she found comfort in the lines of
her favourite Methodist hymns whenever she was alone.
Her favorite hymn was the Ga version of MHB 99:
“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's
ear!”.
On the 15th of April, 2023, she passed on at the Tema
General Hospital after a short illness. She is survived by
eight children, seventeen grandchildren and five great
grandchildren.
May her soul rest in perfect peace till we meet again.
Mmaa, Yaa Wo Ojogbann
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
6. 05
W
E pay glowing tribute today for the
immense love for God, the family and
for mankind of our dear and departed
mother, Diana Koshie lamptey, affectionately
called Mmaa. A generous, glamourous and
glorious angel given to us in the form of a
mother.
We grew up seeing our mother on daily basis,
travailing to put food on the table. She did various
jobs to support our father to take care of us. She
had an extraordinary business mind, and,
therefore, recognised business opportunities as
they presented themselves. She sold smoked fish,
wele, Kako (stock fish), foodstuffs, operated
eateries, among others. Mmaa and our departed
father always involved us in their dawn prayer
sessions.
As we pay tribute to her, we recollect her role in
feeding and keeping us safe and secure during the
dreadful 1983 famine. It was a time she stepped
up her motherly role by assisting our father to
preserve the family when people were starving
and others perishing out of hunger. When things
were difficult and no one knew where the next
meal would come from, she had an idea.
She hardly rested and was always on the move
just to make sure everyone was comfortable.
Anytime she travelled, you could feel her absence.
In fact, we realised that something went amiss.
She was our physician anytime one of us was
indisposed. As our folk tales teller, she shared with
us some stories, which impacted our lives
positively. She combined this with traditional
songs of old, which my voice will not permit me
Tribute by Children
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
7. 06
to sing. She was our counsellor, and
would volunteer a piece of advice
when she was in a position to do
so.
She took particular interest in our
formal education with the view
point that her children should climb
the academic ladder to the fullest of
their powers. So, when it became
critical, she disposed of her assets
to support the payment of our
school fees or to help to provide for
an urgent need of the family. In her
old age, she made sure that anytime
we visited her or had any family
gathering, she would cook a
sumptuous meal for us.
Even in her old age, she was still
delightful and dependable. She did
not care just about us, but always
cared and supported our children
and spouses whenever the need
arose.
Mmaa was a strict disciplinarian
and would rebuke and straighten
you up if you went the wrong way.
A stern look from her was
always enough to send her
message across.
Diana Koshie Lamptey
was very industrious,
caring, hospitable,
diligent and a
quintessential mother
who loved cooking
and also protected
her family regardless
of the circumstances
she found herself in.
She was very hard
working and lived a
fulfilled life. She made
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
8. 07
family, faith, and friends the core of her
existence. We will miss her for her
boldness, candour and fortitude. We shall
also forever remember her for her
immense culinary skills, love and
protection for the family, devotion to God,
industrious nature, promotion of peace
and strict adherence to discipline in the
family. We will also remember her for her
love for us.
Lastly, our confidant, counselor, and
heroine is no more with us. Nonetheless,
we are in agreement with Martha that “she
will rise again at the resurrection of the last
day” (John 11:24).
Today, we admire and celebrate a life
well lived, a desire for God worth
cherishing, a generous spirit worth
emulating, and a love for the family
without boundaries who has gone to be
with her maker, the only one who loves
her more than we do.
We believe some might have lost a
friend in the person of our dear mother. To
others, a mentor and a counsellor has just
passed on. But to us her children, a
mother, friend, an inspiration, counsellor, a
great cook and matriarch has crossed the
river of life to the other side never to
return. We are left with great memory of
her and a void which cannot be filled by
any mortal. We are, however, also
comforted by the fact that when the
trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time
shall be no more, and the morning breaks,
eternal, bright and fair; when the saved of
earth shall gather over on the other shore,
and the roll is called up yonder, she will be
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
9. 08
Children
• Emmanuel • Esther • Rev. Daniel • John
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
10. 09
Children
• Joseph • Rebecca • Michael • Samuel
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
11. 10
Tribute by In-laws
O
uR departed and loving mother-in-law,
Diana Koshie lamptey, who we all called
Mmaa, received and accepted each one of
us into her home and showered us with love and
affection.
She was like a biological mother to us in every area
of our marriage lives. Her love and affection towards
us was so infectious that we had no option but to
reciprocate with frequent visitations to her home. We
confided in her every challenge we went through over
the years, and were blessed with her invaluable pieces
of advice and support at such crucial times. Indeed,
she was always in our corner regardless of the issue at
stake.
Mmaa was a woman of few words, caring, selfless,
altruistic and a good mother who always sought the
welfare of others, and did not keep malice. She
showed no sign of discrimination and would not
hesitate to rebuke you for any wrongdoing regardless
of who she was dealing with. Even with the barrier in
language for some of us, she was still fun to be with.
Mmaa would always welcome you with a smile
even when she was not well, and would not hesitate
to invite you to eat when she cooked her sumptuous
meals. On festive days, she didn’t fail to prepare
kpokpoi. The last one she prepared for the family was
a lesson time for us. Little did we know that that
would be her very last time for preparing the festive
meal for us. We will miss you Mmaa.
Who will welcome us when we visit again?
Who will make us feel at home? Who will offer us
sumptuous meals again?
Who will prepare and teach us the festive dish of
kpokpoi and others?
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
12. 11
She took great care of her daughters, sons, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and
grandchildren. She loved us all from the very start with her warm, kind, and loving heart.
Thank you, Mmaa, for being strong, while trying to teach us right from wrong.
Although she is gone, we are not alone, and never shall we be. For the precious
memories of the bond of friendship we shared will never depart from us. Her love
surpassed the ups and downs,
and helped us along the way. And that same love will give us strength for the journey
ahead. Therefore, fare thee well, our dear mother-in-law, and may the Lord you served
grant you peaceful rest till we meet again.
In-laws
• Mavis • Abena • Patricia • Robert • Victoria • Mavis
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
13. 12
• Aunty Koshie and S.K. Sowah with
some of their grandchildren
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
14. 13
• Husband and wife with
their grown children
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
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Tribute by Grandchildren
“T
e oyɔɔ tɛŋŋ”? This was the familiar
greeting we met anytime we went to visit
"Mmaa" as we fondly called her. You would
often hear us murmur something under our breath in
response to this question. This was always met with her
alluring chortle.
As a grandmother, she was the epitome of love and
generosity. She took delight in giving her grandchildren
gifts, always thoughtful and tailored to each individual's
interests. The girls received dolls, and the boys, cars. Her
gifts brought immense joy and happiness to her
grandchildren, and they always looked forward to her
visits, eagerly anticipating what surprises she would
bring.
But her love for her family went far beyond material
possessions. Mmaa Diana Koshie Lamptey's devotion to
her family was apparent in the smallest gestures. Even at
an advanced age, she would sit behind the soup pot,
ensuring that every member of her family was served
before sitting down to eat herself. Her selflessness and
caring nature were ingrained in every aspect of her life.
Mmaa Diana Koshie Lamptey's memory will forever
live on in the hearts of her family and those who knew
her. She was a light that shone brightly, bringing warmth
and love to everyone around her. Her passing leaves a
void that can never be filled, but her legacy of love and
generosity will continue to inspire and guide her loved
ones for years to come.
Altruism, warmth, magnanimity, these are words you
could associate with ' Mmaa's' personality. We were
never hungry nor dull in 'Mmaa's' household and as
such, we always looked forward to visiting her.
'Mmaa's' demise shouldn't be a cause for low spirits,
but should be a celebration of her life. Why?, you say.
Her presence gave us the opportunity to learn valuable
lessons, many of which we still apply in our everyday
lives. Mmaa was a beautiful soul who touched the hearts
of everyone she met. Her kind, loving nature and
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers”-Proverbs 17:6
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
16. 15
• Darley • Adjorkor
• Paul
• Adjeley
• Paa Nii • Justice
• Joana
• Kai
Grandchildren
selflessness made her an
extraordinary person, and her
impact on her family will
never be forgotten.
'Mmaa' Diana Koshie
Lamptey, was a woman whose
kindness knew no bounds, her
love reached far and wide, for
she was not just a mother to
her own, but a mother to all.
Words would fail us in
expressing how grateful we
are to you for the many times
you’ve given us financial
support, life advice as well as
ensuring peace and unity. You
lived a fulfilled life here on
earth and now you’ve gone
ahead of us, called into the
glory of our Lord till we meet
again.
Rest in peace, dear Mmaa
Diana Koshie Lamptey. Your
kindness, love, and
selflessness will always be
remembered and cherished.
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
17. 16
• Michelle • Perez • Mensah
• Ablorh
• Adjetey
• Gina
• Eben Kwaku • Danny
• Elliana • Philip
Grandchildren
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
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BETHEl METHODIST CHuRCH
Tribute by Ga Class
S
ISTER Diana lamptey joined the church in the later part of the 70s. She
was subsequently assigned to the Ga Class. She was regular at class
meetings and contributed to class discussions.
She was quite a humble and unassuming person who had a ready smile for
everyone. Though she was seen to be reticent, those who got closer to her saw the
fun side of her.
Aunty Diana had a sense of humour and will use her life struggles and victories
to testify about the goodness and mercies of God. Over the years, age caught up
with her and she could no longer come to class and church services regularly.
She yearned for the fellowship of church, but the ravages of old age would not
allow that.
As a result, members of her class occasionally visited her at home to share
fellowship, which she really enjoyed.
Sister Diana, rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in
Jesus will God bring with him (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
20. 19
Tribute by The Bethel Methodist Church
Community 8, Tema
T
HE news of the home call of our sister,
mother and fellow soldier in the
vineyard of the lord was received with
sadness even though we knew she was old and
this day would come one day.
Our human heart felt very heavy with grief,
and we could agree with the scriptures that
“The LORD brings death and makes alive; he
brings down to the grave and raises up” (1
Samuel 1:6).
Our departed sister was confirmed into full
membership upon her baptism and subsequent
confirmation by Rev. Joseph Clegg, now of
Blessed Memory (the then Superintendent
Minister of Accra Circuit), at the Freeman
Methodist Chapel, Bukom-Accra, where she
remained a member till she got married and
relocated to Teshie where she became a
In Memory of The late Diana Koshie lamptey
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which
die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their
labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
21. 20
member of the Jordan Methodist Church.
Our sister Diana Koshie Lamptey joined
Bethel Methodist Church in 1978 from
Jordan Methodist Church in Teshie during
the stewardship of Rev. Victor B. T. Nartey
Tokoli, and remained a committed member
till about four years back when old age
somehow hampered her mobility and
reduced her regularity in church.
She remained loyal to her maker and the
church till her last breath. Diana Lamptey
was full of life and faith, and we believe
she kept the faith, finished her course and
fought the fight of life.
She proved to be a real mother and wife
due to her commitment to her family and
devotion to her maker.
Aunty Koshie was also a committed
member of the Ga Class and made sure she
fulfilled all her obligations to the church
and the class. She always kept a smiling
face and was always ready to offer a
helping hand to her friends in the class
whenever she could.
Aunty Koshie, as a staunch Methodist,
really upheld the words of Charles Wesley
in MHB 578 stanza 1: “A Charge to keep I
have, A God to glorify, A never dying soul
to save, And fit it for the sky”.
We believe she has played her role as a
church member, servant of the Lord, mother
and wife so well, and it is the time for
another phase of her being. To everything
there is a season: a time for every purpose
under heaven.
Madam Koshie Lamptey, Rest in perfect
peace.
Yaa wo odjsogban. Amen
Burial, MeMorial & Thanksgiving service of
Diana Koshie Lamptey
22. 21
MHB 679
1.PLEASANT are Thy courts above,
in the land of light and love;
Pleasant are Thy courts below,
In this land of sin and woe.
O my spirit longs and faints
For the converse of Thy saints,
For the brightness of Thy face,
For Thy fullness, God of grace
2.Happy birds that sing and fly
Bound Thy altars, O Most High!
Happier souls that find a rest
In a heavenly Father's breast
Like the wandering dove that found
No repose on earth around,
They can to their ark repair,
And enjoy It ever there.
MHB 50
1: THE Lords my Shepherd, I ll not want,
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
2: My soul he doth restore again,
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
Een for His own names sake.
3: Yea, though I walk in deaths dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill:
For Thou art with me, and thy rod
And staff me comfort still.
5: Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me,
And in Gods house for evermore
My dwelling-place shall be.
Hymns
3.Happy souls I Their praises flow
In this vale of sin and woe;
Waters in the desert rise,
Manna feeds them from the skies.
On they go from strength to strength,
Till they reach Thy throne at length;
At Thy feet adoring fall,
Who hast led them safe through all.
4.Lord, be mine this prize to win:
Guide me through a world of sin;
Keep me by Thy saving grace;
Give me at Thy side a place.
Sun and shield alike Thou art;
Guide and guard my erring heart:
Grace and glory flow from Thee;
Shower, O shower them. Lord, on me
Amen.
23. 22
Hymns
MHB 615
1. GUIDE me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven!
Feed me now and evermore.
2. Open Thou the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream shall flow;
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through;
Strong Deliverer!
Be Thou still my held and shield.
3. When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction.
Lead me safe on Canaan’s side;
Songs of praises
I will ever give to Thee.
MHB 831
1: GIVE me the wings of faith to rise
Within the veil, and see
The saints above, how great their joys,
How bright their glories be.
2: Once they were mourners here below,
And poured out cries and tears:
They wrestled hard, as we do now,
With sins, and doubts, and fears.
3: I asked them whence their victory came
They, with united breath:
Ascribed their conquest to the lamb,
Their triumph to his death.
5: Our glorious Leader claims our praise
For his own pattern given;
While the long cloud of witnesses
Show the same path to heaven.
MHB 215
1: THE strife is o’er, the battle done;
Now is the Victor’s triumph won; Now
be the song of praise begun: Alleluia!
2: The powers of death have done their
worst, But Christ their legions hath
dispersed; Let shouts of holy joy
outburst: Alleluia!
3: The three sad days have quickly
sped; He rises glorious from the dead;
All glory to our risen Head: Alleluia!
4: Lord, by the stripes which wounded
Thee, From death’s dread sting Thy
servants free, That we may live and sing
to Thee: Alleluia.
24. 23
Hymns
MHB 651
1: HARK! hark, my soul! Angelic songs are swelling
O’er earth’s green fields and Ocean’s wave-beat
shore:
How sweet the truth those blessèd strains are telling
Of that new life when sin shall be no more!
Refrain
Angels of Jesus, angels of light, singing to welcome
the pilgrims of the night!
2: Onward we go; for still we hear them singing:
Come, weary souls, for Jesus bids you come;
And through the dark, its echoes sweetly ringing,
The music of the gospel leads us home.
3: Far, far away, like bells at evening pealing,
The voice of Jesus sounds o’er land and sea,
And laden souls, by thousands meekly stealing,
kind Shepherd, turn their weary steps to Thee.
5: Angels, sing on, your faithful watches keeping;
Sing us sweet fragments of the songs above,
Till morning’s joy shall end the night of weeping,
And life’s long shadows break in cloudless love.
25. 24
MHB 948
1: ABIDE with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
2: Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
3: I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
5: Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!
MHB 976
1: NOW the labourer’s task is o’er,
Now the battle-day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last
Refrain:
Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now Thy servant sleeping.
2: There the tears of earth are dried,
There its hidden things are clear;
There the work of life is tried
By a juster Judge than here.
3: There the Shepherd, bringing home
Many a lamb forlorn and strayed,
Shelters each, no more to roam,
Where the wolf can ne’er invade.
6: Earth to earth, and dust to dust!
Calmly now the words we say;
Left behind, we wait in trust
For the resurrection day.
Hymns
26. Appreciation
The entire family of the late
DIANA KOSHIE lAMPTEY
expresses profound gratitude to you for mourning
with us and for all the assistance you offered
before and during the processes to bid her a
befitting farewell.
May God richly bless you.