Jonathan Idem Essien's Obituary
Mr. Jonathan Ata Idem Essien was born to Late Mr. Idem Akpan Akpan Essien (retired Senior Accountant) and Late Mrs. Jenny Unwa Essien (Business Woman and Farmer) as the sixth child in a family of seven children. He hailed from Ndon Obodom in Mkpat Enin LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.For his educational career, he attended the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, Abule- Oja, Lagos; Regina Coeli Secondary School, Essene; Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State (Higher School Certificate) and the prestigious University of Ibadan, Nigeria. At his age in the University he had already demonstrated philanthropic tendencies, was very social and belonged to the Nucleus Society, the then foremost social club in the University of Ibadan.After graduation from the University of Ibadan (UI) in June 1986, he underwent the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, serving his nation in Benue State, Nigeria.After his one-year National Service in 1987, Late Jonathan worked at the Obasanjo Farms before he joined the Nigeria Airways. In search of greener pastures, he traveled to the United States of America in 1997.In the United States of America, he had a child Joelle Ataessien, got married to Claudia Lott in 1999 (who then had one son Mitchell Barker) and thereafter had two daughters, Angela Uyai-Abasi and Rebecca Idorenyin.For twelve years, Jonathan worked in Microsoft Corporation in Euless, Texas as a Senior Support Engineer earning awards and recognitions while in service. In addition, he won the Microsoft DSC Table Tennis Championships Award in 2009. He also spared some time to serve in the church as an usher.Jonathan had a passion for health care and consequently enrolled for training in Nursing at Collin College in 2014. He obtained the RN license and started practice in May 2017 until April 2nd, 2018, when he passed on to be with the Lord despite all medical attention, help, care, and prayers.It is so disheartening that he left us at the time we most needed him. His departure has left us startled, crippled, and speechless- but God knows better. There is an emptiness in the lives of particularly his family members. At this moment, he is no longer in excruciating pain and worries. His soul is now and forever resting in the bosom of the Lord. He may be gone, but his memory will live with us forever.For us who have survived Jonathan, we are strengthened by the word of God in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do bot be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”, and Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.The visitation for Jonathan will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, May 14, 2018.The funeral service for Jonathan will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in the Restland Memorial Chapel.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243, (972-238-7111).
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