Story & Photo By Thomas Ellis II
On March 4, a funeral was held for slain Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice K. Dwumfour at Bethany Baptist Church. Dwumfour was a native of Newark, who was gunned down while sitting in her car in front of her Sayreville home. She was the first African American woman elected to that city’s council.
There were so many family members, friends, dignitaries and clergy on hand, hailing from all over: Ghana, Nigeria, California, New York City, and more. Among those in attendance were former Essex County College President A. Zachary Yamba, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Newark councilmembers LaMonica McIver, Pat Council, and Louise Rountree, who presented a proclamation from the city to Dwumfour’s family. There were songs, words of encouragement, and hugs by many.
Brother Elijah Dwumfour and other family members read her obituary. Hew younger sister spoke about how much she admired her big sister, how much she meant to her life, and how much she would be missed dearly. When she performed the song, “When We Go to Heaven,” there was not a dry eye in the building.
When her mother Mary and father Prince Dwumfour came to the podium, emotions were already high. People were sobbing and wiping their eyes. A lot of tears were shed at this funeral.
Her 12-year-old daughter Nicole spoke, and said how much she loved her mother and looked up to her. She told everyone how proud she was to be her child, and how her death left a void in her heart, but she would remember her forever.
Eunice’s husband Eze gave a moving speech, and talked about their wedding, family, and her accomplishments as a mother. He said that he was still in shock over the whole thing.
Mayor Baraka gave some encouraging words to the family, friends, and community.
“Be an upliftment not only to yourself, but an upliftment to the community. You have an angel watching over you now,” said Baraka.
When the casket was taken out, there were more tears as it was loaded into the Hearst leaving the church.
It’s really sad when we lose someone with a great future to gun violence. Eunice K. Dwumfour was just 30 years old. There was one detail that made the occasion even sadder than usual, as the funeral was held on what would have been her 31st birthday.
