“For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8
The death of our dear sister, MRL Sis. Janet Edith Mmieh was a great shock to the Marshallan fraternity particularly coming in the wake of her active involvement in many Grand Court activities including the recent elevation of 46 new Past Grand Ladies during which she acted as the Grand Sentry. We take consolation that it is the Lord who gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21b.
In our various encounters with our late Sister, she exhibited commitment, vibrancy and drive in all matters affecting the Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall. Her greatest admonition to Sisters and Brothers wherever they found themselves was to be disciplined at all times and to put prayers at the centre of their lives.
As a professional Nursing Administrator, she believed that every Catholic Professional should put his / her services at the disposal of his / her Parishe, Diocese and the Church as a community of Catholic faithful and render financial support where necessary.
This view is very well expressed in one of her speeches; “We need to do more through the recognition of our special responsibilities as responsible members of the Church who strive to be involved in the productive, social and religious ventures in our country and the world at large, whilst we also strive to uphold the dignity of man in our actions, activities and attitudes.”
Her views about the role of Marshallans as soldiers of Christ should serve as an example to future generation of Marshallans as very well captured in the following extract from one of her speeches; “We, as disciples and soldiers in the Church should hear the voice of the Lord, clearly resounding in the depths of each one of us who through Faith and the Sacraments of Christian initiation is made in the likeness of Jesus Christ. We are expected to keep a watchful eye on our country and the world, with its problems and ill defined values, its unrest and misconceived hopes, its defeats and triumphs; a country whose economic, social, political and cultural affairs pose problems and grave difficulties. This is the vineyard; in which we are called to fulfil our mission; to be the salt and light of the world.”
When the history of the Noble Order of Knights and Ladies of Marshall comes to be written, her name will be written in letters of gold and she would forever be remembered for her discipline, commitment, punctuality and zeal to make the Noble Order a better society for future generation. She would also be remembered for her strong character who despite obstacles, she initiated the acquisition of land at Parkoso near St Gregory Major Seminary for the Secretariat project of the Grand Court. Today, the Ladies of Marshall have a magnificent building as the Grand Court Secretariat at Parkoso in Kumasi, the construction of which took place during the tenure of office of MRL Sis Margaret Yirenkyi.
To us in the Noble Order, the life of late MRL Sis Janet Edith Mmieh, could be described as one of service, discipline and commitment. We thank God for a life well lived.
May Her Gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace
Fare thee well!