To mark the first anniversary of Nollywood actor, Junior Pope Odonwodo’s untimely passing, his widow, Jennifer Awele, has shared a poignant tribute on Instagram, reflecting on the profound loss and the enduring impact on their family.
Accompanying her heartfelt message was a family photograph featuring Jennifer and their three sons, Jason, Jaden, and Jamon, standing beside a large portrait of Junior Pope.
This visual representation underscored the void left by his absence and the family’s attempt to navigate life without him.
In her emotional post, Jennifer expressed the relentless nature of their grief.
“It’s been one year of standing in the face of our unimaginable loss, and not a day has gone by without a thought of you. Your love still surrounds us, your laughter echoes in our hearts, and your presence is felt in the quiet moments when we miss you most.”
Jennifer Awele
She candidly shared the challenges of maintaining strength amidst overwhelming sorrow
“You have no idea how tough it’s been, trying to stay strong for each other even as the world around us seems to be falling apart. The grief remains heavy, the absence left a void that words can never fill, but through it all, we look up for strength from heaven as a guiding light.”
Jennifer Awele
Jennifer also recounted the heart-wrenching questions from their children, highlighting the difficulty of addressing their young sons’ expectations and promises made by their father.
“I still don’t have the right words to respond to Jason and Jaden wanting to know if Daddy will fulfill his promise of taking them to a proper football academy and be present at their first official match. They said, ‘Daddy told them he wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world.’ Then the littlest one (J papa as fondly called by daddy) Jamon, keeps asking when daddy is bringing the big toy car he promised him.”
Jennifer Awele
She extended gratitude to those who have offered support during this challenging period: “Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude for your love and support towards us,” she wrote.
Jennifer concluded her tribute by reaffirming the family’s enduring love and remembrance of Junior Pope.
“To our beloved, you did not only leave us, your family, but so many who loved you and loved your works. It is so difficult and unbelievable to say these words, but still, continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty. You will always be in our hearts and our thoughts, and your memories and legacy will live on forever.”
Jennifer Awele
Junior Pope Odonwodo tragically lost his life on April 10, 2024, in a boat accident on the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a movie set.
The incident also claimed the lives of four others and prompted widespread mourning within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
As the family commemorates this somber anniversary, Jennifer’s reflections serve as a testament to the enduring love and cherished memories that continue to sustain them in the face of immeasurable loss.
Rita Edochie Marks First Anniversary of Junior Pope
Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, went down memory lane while marking the first death anniversary of her colleague, whom she called her dear son, Junior Pope Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope.
In a long post on Instagram, Edochie labeled her post the agony of losing a child, as she disclosed that the incident seemed just like yesterday.
According to her, her heart was shattered into pieces as she remembers the day Junior Pope died.
She pointed out that no parent deserves the pain of losing a child. She added that the tears she shed in the last year were enough to fill an ocean.
Rita Edochie also added that the tears kept on coming after she remembered the memories they created, the vibrant life he lived, and the laughter they shared.
Also in the post, Edochie wished she could turn back the hand of time and bring Junior Pope back to life again.
The woman, who has shown so much support for May Edcohie, prayed that God would comfort the late actor’s wife and children.
She shared how much she loved the actor and what he means to her. Rita Edochie also shared a video they recorded on a movie location before his death.
In the clip, they both shared a playful kiss as they had fun together on the film location.
Edochie also mentioned that Jnr Pope would continue to live in her heart, as she wished that he continue to rest in peace.
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