Contributions to the tribute of Phyllis Lawson

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Rhoda Sule posted a condolence

Thursday, August 4, 2022

My family moved from Nigeria to Mississauga, Canada in November 1998. About 1999/2000 we received a small Christian Magazine flyer in the mail with a heading “SIM Canada”. That raised my curiosity because my husband and I, apart from being born into SIM families, we had our elementary school through Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) church. I was Curious because “SIM” as far as I know, stands for “Sudan Interior Mission” which was founded long before Nigeria became a country. Curious because a beautiful, happy and peaceful Canadian lady was my “Christian Religion Teacher” for the 5-year period I attended a government boarding school that was an equivalent of High School. The school wasn’t known as “Women’s Teachers College, Birnin Kebbi, now Kebbi State in Nigeria. Curious because that Canadian teacher was the most cherished among our “foreign teachers” that were English, Irish, Scots and Indians. Curious because she played some musical instruments during Sunday worship and taught us a number of Christian songs! Curious because most of us went through her to complete a Christian program known as the “Young Sowers League” where we read the Bible purposefully so as to be able to answer every question asked in relation to every chapter of the books in the Bible (Genesis to Revelation) and if successful, one was awarded a Bible Concordance. Curious as I wondered if there was a correlation between SIM Canada and the SIM in Nigeria that later changed its name to “Evangelical Church of West Africa. Out of curiosity, I made a phone call to the Publishers of the “SIM Canada” magazine in Scaborough ON. and told them that I was from Nigeria who had a Canadian Christian Religion teacher. I then asked if they knew her. The lady who picked my call asked if I knew the teacher’s full names and I said, yes, Phyllis Lawson. They asked for my email address and phone number and I gave the office the required contact information. Within a couple of days, I got and email from Ms Lawson! She said that she got an email from “Laura“ from their office in Scaborough but that she did NOT have a “Suleh” in her class. I gave her my maiden name and she confirmed remembering who I was. She later informed me that she moved from teaching in Birnin Kebbi to SIM/ECWA headquarters in Jos, Plateau State (Nigeria) where she focused on translating the Bible and other Christian literature from English to Hausa language. Hausa is the language mainly spoken in northern Nigeria as well in northern parts of West-Africa countries. She later mailed copies of Hausa Bibles and Hymns books to me and included some memoirs she had written. Whenever I called her, we would spend a good time talking about our experiences at Birnin Kebbi as well as current issues in Nigeria and Canada. I am forever grateful to God Almighty for bringing Ms Lawson to Nigeria. I believe the Christian foundation/values she reinforced in some of us right from age 13 to 18 helped in shaping our lives as her students. Popularly called “Mai Fara‘a” by the Hausas/Muslims she lived among, meaning “The cheerful one” Ms Phyllis Lawson was an embodiment of contentment and peace who lived a purposeful and accomplished life. I have communicated her transition to glory to some of her students in Nigeria and they send their condolences to her loved ones and family she left behind. Rest in perfect peace our very own Mai Fara’a/Phyllis Lawson.

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Olu Fadairo Posted Jan 26, 2023 at 9:31 AM

Oh......ever so sad to hear that "Miss Lawson" has passed on........even though she lived a good and long life. I knew her relatively well, back when she was in Birnin Kebbi. My mum was the Vice Principal of the Women Teachers College (as it was called back in those days). I used to go to her house quite a bit back then........riding on my 'pride and joy' - my Chopper bicycle!

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Olu Fadairo Posted May 1, 2024 at 4:55 AM

@Rhoda Sule.........interesting! Do you happen to be Rhoda (nee) Elue?

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Jeanette Porter posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

My deepest condolences to the family members of Phyliss Lawson; may God comfort all of your hearts. Phyliss was a dear friend of mine, who I grew to deeply admire and love. She was compassionate and generous and would help anyone who needed it. We lived in the same residence for many years, and I learned of her love for Nigeria and her desire to bring souls to Christ. She was a real Christian lady, who I never heard say an unkind word about anyone. I planted flowers with her, and some still remain at our apartment building that she had planted. I loved hearing her play her organ and sing....... She played the piano on Sunday evenings for the Pioneer Lodge; then at the Pioneer House, and the residents and I would sing Christian songs together, while Phyliss played the paino. Sometimes the staff would join in also. When she was moved to the Dr. Cooke, she still managed her playing. A visitor from BC remarked of Phyliss: "What a remarkable piano player she is for her age". I will really miss her, but I know the God has called this amazing lady with all of her talents, to be with Him forever in His heavenly kingdom. Jeanette Porter

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Jeanette Porter lit a candle

Monday, August 1, 2022

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Ethel Bentley Brooks posted a condolence

Sunday, July 31, 2022

Phyllis will be remembered for her ministry thru the years. I remember her at our house when my Mom, Edna Bentley did a lot of sewing for her before she went to Nigeria, and before each term thereafter. I also remember her leading singing with her accordian for kids meetings and telling them about life on the mission field. Now she is singing in the presence of the Lord. She touched my life.

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Donna Graham Engel posted a condolence

Sunday, July 31, 2022

It was dear Phyllis who caught our imagination with her stories and Bible Lessons when she would speak at Manitou Lake Bible Camp. Sending deep condolences and sharing with you in the joy of her Home Going.

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Collins posted a condolence

Saturday, July 30, 2022

What a wonderful lady who devoted her life to sharing the gospel. Eric and Wendy Collins.

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The family of Phyllis Lawson uploaded a photo

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

A Memorial Tree was planted for Phyllis Lawson

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at McCaw Funeral Service Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

Phyllis Lawson

1925 - 2022

Plant a tree in memory of Phyllis

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