Funmi was an incredible person. There are so many touching memories of Funmi. He visited me in May 2017 after his first chemo was terminated successfully. We went to New England aquarium where he enjoyed for a while looking at his favorite aquatic animal, turtles. We went to the Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA. I told him it is my favorite beach in this area. We sat on a rock looking at the ocean in peace. The water was freezing cold but when he posed for a photo he kept his charming smile and hid the freezing feeling he had in his feet. He joked saying ‘like models, no matter what the smile is there for a photo shoot.’
This photo is from the day I visited him in July 2019 in Syracuse. He hugged me and closed his eyes like we were melting in the moment of joy.
Azam Noori, Andover MA, USA
Dear Funmi, you are the only junior student at secondary school who I was so drawn to. Not because of my friendship with Femi, but because you were just so smart, likeable, and kind. I remember how we got to share the same twin bunk bed and us laying together on my bed in boarding school on those Saturdays to just gist. I remember how you put that keyholder, made from a wooden boat with a bracelet attached, into my hands when I graduated and was leaving PH. You said, “Egbon Ireti, this is a memento from me to you. When you look at this, always remember me.”
Even though we tried keeping in touch after you left Naija, a message now and then was what we sent to each other over the years. I have been crying, reminiscing, and just sad that you have left this physical space. However, I am comforted that you are in a better place. Memento or not, I will always remember your person, the charm and kindness you shared, just as I am inspired to be a better person daily. I love you Funmi Afelumo.
Temitope Iretiayo Ayodele, Abuja FCT, Nigeria
Stolen from Facebook:
“Right before this day, I told you I was nervous about my speech. You told me to speak from my heart and that I could never go wrong doing that. You then said, ‘or you can start crying with the speech, everything is more meaningful with tears. It’s my backup plan.’ We both started laughing.
Thank you for being such a great best friend to my best friend. You will be missed!”
Katina Brown
“I can genuinely say that my life was blessed by every moment I got to spend with Funmi. My memories are full of his laugh, his smile (which you can see in this pic of him at brunch), his dance moves, and the overall warmth of his spirit. Funmi, you were a one of a kind human who will be missed by anyone who knew you.”
Michaela Thorley
“I just lost a special friend of mine. He was the one who always pushed me towards finishing my undergraduate and PhD degrees. Reading through our texts, he was the one who always tell me not to give up and always checking in if I will be a doctor someday.
We always had the same undergraduate classes together. I miss the good old times where you always helped me study these hard classes like biochemistry and organic chem. Also, we are known as the people who doesn’t sleep since we study so much at ESF. You are the most hard-working guy that I ever know.
Rest in peace my best friend, roommate, lab mate, study buddy, and a person to lean on. Funmi, I love you my dear. I will miss you calling me Beva all the time.”
Beverly Jose Agtuca
Memorial Website for Funmi 