Dora Kai Okine, affectionately called Nanaa, was born on November 16, 1930 to Madam Atswei Akornor and Mr. Okine Mensah. Nanaa (In blessed memory) had six siblings, four of whom are deceased and two living. Nanaa was involved in a childhood accident that almost resulted in the amputation of her left leg. Her parents didn’t want her to go to school for fear the other children would make fun of her, so she stayed home to help with household chores. Nanaa married at an early age and gave birth to twelve children–six boys and six girls–four of whom are still living.
Nanaa went through many hard times and difficulties, but in all she never lost her faith.Nanaa was a petty trader who never came home empty handed no matter the circumstances at the market. She took Kenkey cooking as her profession. Nanaa was someone who disliked disputes and fights. Whenever she was present in such situations, all she would say was “Adzč,” meaning “let there be calmness.” She loved the Lord deeply and would often use the phrase “Nyame ye de” whenever she heard gospel music or received good news. Nanaa was a dancer. No party was complete until she took to the dance floor. Nanaa would be surrounded by the many amazed by the youthfulness of her movement. She came to the USA in 1991 to help take care of Joana (her granddaughter) and to learn the English language.
Instead of learning English, she became a teacher of the Ga language. She taught Joana Ga, which she now understands and speaks fluently. She brought her Kenkey business to Nashville and became known as “Grandma Kenkey.” Even though she couldn’t speak English, that did not stop her from working. She worked at Opryland as a kitchen helper for 5 years and was loved so much by her co-workers. Nanaa never kept a stranger in her lifetime. Everyone she encountered became a friend, forever touched by her lasting impact.
Her one wish was to become a U.S. citizen. Determined, she surprised us by studying all 100 questions, as she didn’t know which would be asked. She passed her test at the age of 79 and was forever happy. In this joyous moment, she remarked “with strong will and determination, you can achieve your goal.”Nanaa leaves behind four children, thirty grandchildren, sixty-three great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Rest well in eternal peace till we meet again. We will surely miss you.
Please keep the Okine family in your thoughts and prayers.
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