Biography

Deaconess Victoria Badejoko Lawoyin (née Ogunniyi) was born on June 5, 1924, in Aiyetoro, Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria, to Towobola Anike Olaogun and Alade Ogunniyi. She received her education under the Baptist Mission at Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, where she completed her studies through Teacher Training College.

She dedicated her life to the noble profession of teaching, beginning her career at Reagan Memorial Baptist Primary School. For many years, she taught the Infant One class, where her patience, kindness, and natural gift for nurturing young minds endeared her to countless pupils and their families. Through hard work and in-service training, she rose to the position of Headmistress and was later posted to Kadara Primary School, where she faithfully served until her retirement in 1982.

A devoted Christian, Deaconess Lawoyin was among the second set of Deacons and Deaconesses of Yaba Baptist Church, Commercial Avenue, Yaba, Lagos. She was also one of the church’s foundation members when it began as a preaching station under the leadership of Deacon Adeniran. Following her relocation to the United States, she continued her faithful service as a Deaconess at UCM Minnesota. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she moved to Maryland, where she lived with her beloved daughter and son-in-law. While in Maryland, she became an active member of the Anglican Church of the Messiah. As her mobility had gradually declined, she was not able to attend services, but her devotion to God remained unwavering. In a beautiful demonstration of pastoral care, the Canon faithfully visited her at home to administer Holy Communion, ensuring she remained connected to the life and fellowship of the Church.

Beyond her professional and church life, she was a foundation member of the Women Workers Union and was deeply committed to humanitarian service. She was an active member of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and generously supported Christian missionary work. In her leisure time, she found joy in sewing and solving word puzzles.

Deaconess Victoria Badejoko Lawoyin will be fondly remembered for her unwavering faith, humble spirit, gentle disposition, and peaceful nature. She lived a life of service—serving God, her family, her church, her community, and generations of children whose lives she helped shape through education.

She peacefully transitioned to glory on July 19, 2026. She leaves behind a rich legacy and is lovingly survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many relatives and friends whose lives were touched by her love, wisdom, and quiet strength. Her memory will forever remain a blessing.