Biography

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. (Romans 14:7-8)

Early Life and Christian Foundation

In the image and likeness of God, Mrs Agnes Cole (formerly Agnes Akorkor Akwei Awah) was born a twin on 23rd April 1946 to Emmanuel Kwadjo Awah and Mrs Theresa Adokarley Awah all of blessed memory at Koforidua.

From the very beginning of her life, she was nurtured in the Christian faith. On 11th August 1946, she was baptised into the Catholic Church by the late Father J. O. Bowers at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Agormenya.

At the tender age of six, Agnes was sent to live with her father's elderly sister, affectionately known as "Antie," at Mangoase. Under her care, Agnes received guidance, discipline, and training in good manners and responsible living, values that would remain evident throughout her life.

Education and Early Career

In 1953, young Agnes affectionately called Akorkor as she was the younger twin began her primary education at the Roman Catholic School in Mangoase under the watchful supervision of Antie. She continued to grow both academically and spiritually. On 30th October 1958, she received her First Holy Communion at Oterkpolu Catholic Church under the benediction of the late Father Bernard Ato. Later, on 26th June 1960, she was confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Adwagyiri-Nsawam by the Late Bishop J. O. Bowers.

Her educational journey took her to St. Agnes Girls School, Koforidua, where she attended Forms One and Two from 1959 to 1961. She subsequently continued her studies at St. Theresa Girls Catholic School, Agormenya, from 1962 to 1964.

After completing middle school in 1964, Agnes joined the Workers Brigade at Okponglo, Accra, where she received training and worked as a driver. This achievement reflected her determination, courage, and willingness to embrace opportunities that were uncommon for many women of her generation.

Life in the United Kingdom

In 1977, following an invitation from her friend Margaret, Agnes travelled to London in search of new opportunities. During her time in the United Kingdom, she met and married the love of her life, the late Mr. George Ben Cole. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, love, and hospitality.

Auntie Aggie or Mrs Cole as many will call her in the Ghanaian community in Thamesmead London was widely known for her generosity and kindness. Her home became a welcoming place for family, friends, and many others who found comfort, support, and encouragement in her presence. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and share whatever she had with those in need.

Faith, Service, and Character

Agnes was a woman of deep and unwavering faith who loved God wholeheartedly. For over forty years, she was a devoted member of the Church of the Lord Aladura in the United Kingdom. Throughout her years of service, she faithfully contributed to the growth of the church in various capacities, including the Children's Ministry, the Mary Band, as a Deaconess, and eventually as a Pastor.

Her life was characterised by purpose, determination, hard work, and perseverance. She demonstrated the importance of setting meaningful goals, working diligently towards them, and placing God at the centre of every endeavour. Her exemplary life served as an inspiration to many.

Final Years and Legacy

In January 2023, Agnes returned to Ghana to spend her later years with her close family. Surrounded by the love and care of her family, she continued to inspire those around her through her faith, wisdom, and generosity until her peaceful passing in April 2026.

Mama Agnes Cole leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, love, service, resilience, and compassion. She will be fondly remembered by her family, friends, church community, and all whose lives she touched. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of many, and her example will remain a guiding light for generations to come.

May her legacy live on and may her soul rest in perfect peace.

Gallery

Tributes

• Tribute to a Sweet Mother Like No Other – By Duke Kofi Allotey Written by Rev. Duke Kofi Allotey
Tribute to a Sweet Mother Like No Other – By Duke Kofi Allotey
The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. (Isaiah 57:1-2)
I thank God for a life well lived.
Agnes Aggie, as I would affectionately call you—words, space, and time will never be enough to fully express the indelible mark you have left on my life.
You left the shores of Ghana for the United Kingdom when I was barely three years old. Yet, as destiny would have it, I joined you there almost two decades later. From the moment we reunited, it felt as though those twenty years had never existed. The love, bond, and connection we shared were immediate and genuine.
Like many others who passed through your home, I was blessed by your generosity and sacrifices. Under your roof, I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in England in record time because I did not have to worry about paying rent or taking on excessive work to survive. You created an environment where I could focus on my goals. We always had so much to talk about. My joy was your joy, and my pain was equally your pain. That was not an exaggeration—it was real, tangible, and evident in everything you did.
One of my fondest memories is our daily dinners together in London. Sharing meals from the same bowl was almost a sacred tradition. We took turns cooking depending on who was available. I can still vividly remember our special banku and pepper garnished with fried red salmon cut-offs from Brixton market. Those simple meals became some of life's greatest treasures.
I also remember the days when mobile phones were not commonplace. Whenever you were late returning from work, I would anxiously wait for you at the bus stop. The moment you arrived, I would ask, "Why are you late today?" and you would jokingly respond, "Eeih Papa, na meyɛ wo yere anaa?" ("Papa, am I your wife?"). We would both laugh and continue our short walk home.
The weekends I spent accompanying you to work at Belsize Park remain priceless memories. Those trips always came with a reward—a hearty English breakfast and delicious grilled spare ribs. Looking back, I now realise that the food was only a small part of the reward; the real blessing was the time we spent together.
When I got married to Anita and decided to move out, you were deeply saddened. You insisted that I keep a key to your house so I could come in whenever I wished. Because of our closeness, I chose to live nearby, where I could literally see your house from my window and continue to keep an eye on you, as I always had.
There was hardly a day when we did not speak or exchange text messages. Your memory was remarkable. You never forgot the birthdays of those you loved. In fact, weeks before my birthday, you would already be talking about it and asking what I wanted for the occasion.
Mama, you were exceptionally hardworking, disciplined, goal-oriented, and prudent. Once you set your mind on accomplishing something, nothing could deter you. Your resilience and determination were truly remarkable.
One of your greatest desires was to honour the memory of your late father by constructing a building at Oterkpolu in his honour and unveiling it this year to mark forty years since his passing. After overcoming many obstacles and making several attempts, you eventually completed the project to the best of your ability. Though you did not live to witness its unveiling, your vision was fulfilled.
Above all, you were a lover of God and a woman of prayer. Midnight prayers were a regular part of your life. You rarely missed church services and never ceased to praise God for His goodness. Truly, His praise was continually in your mouth. You often testified that God had blessed you with good health and strength throughout your working life.
You were also a no-nonsense woman. At times, people misunderstood you because you confronted wrongdoing and stood firmly against injustice. Yet you never compromised the truth, regardless of the consequences.
Sweet Mama, as we prepare to lay you to rest in the manner you desired, my heart is filled with many emotions. It is filled with gratitude for the privilege of being your chosen son, your darling boy, and the one you lovingly called "Medofo."
Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your encouragement and the confidence you instilled in me. Thank you for your sacrifices, your unwavering support, and your countless prayers.
 
My heart is also full of memories—memories that time can never erase. It carries the silent ache that comes from losing someone so precious and irreplaceable.
Mama, a few months have passed since you went to be with the Lord, yet that Saturday morning remains vivid in my mind—sharp, unquiet, and unforgettable. Sleep often comes in fragments, and grief returns without warning.
They say it gets easier with time. Some days, it almost does. Then suddenly, the ache returns.
You were my guide, my confidante, my counsellor, and my friend. Tell me, Mama, how do I continue without you, my Lady Pastor?
Yet even in your absence, you live on—in every lesson you taught, every kindness you showed, every life you touched, and every expression of love you left behind.
I will greatly miss your loud and infectious laughter that often ended with your famous "O lalaa!" I will miss our conversations, the stories, and the deep spiritual insights we shared.
Mama, with God's help, I promise to uphold every instruction you gave concerning preserving your legacy.
Until we meet again, keep resting peacefully in the bosom of your maker whom you loved to often refer to as ”Me Nyame Obaatan pa”.
Farewell, Sweet Mama.
You will forever remain in my heart.
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