Pastor Mercy Akpan

Pastor Mercy Etim Oku-Akpan entered the outstretched arms of the Lord, Sunday, April 6th 2014 with the family she loved gathered by her side. She was 64 years of age. Mercy was born in Ibiaku Ikot Oku, Nigeria, a daughter of Chief Otu Etim Oku and Nkoyo Udo Ekong Udoette; and immigrated to the United States in 1971. Mercy graduated Manga Cum Laude from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK. She is survived by her devoted family; her husband of 47 years, Essien Akpan; her two sons, Emem Akpan and his wife Hanh Do-Akpan of Westborough, MA, Otu Akpan and his fiancé Brooke Correa of Newton, MA; her four grandchildren that she cherished, Zo, Elijah, Madison and Eden. Mercy also leaves two brothers, Edmond and Otu Etim Oku, nieces, nephews and extended family members in Nigeria and the US. Mercy dedicated her life to uplifting, counseling and strengthening others through faith based teaching. She did extensive work at the PIP Shelter, a homeless shelter located in Worcester, MA, as well as coordinating and leading several homeless feedings and clothing drives in the Worcester area and in her home country of Nigeria. She was commemorated in Nigeria for her mission work with those afflicted with leprosy. She was an ordained minister and founded Shield of Faith Ministries located in Worcester, MA. Prior to establishing Shield of Faith Ministries Mercy was the chairperson for the support group Christians Fighting Cancer. Mercy lived a selfless life of service, aiding others through life's troubles and providing inspiration due to her unwavering faith and devotion to spreading the gospel. Friends and relatives are welcome to visit with the Akpan family Tuesday, April 15th from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME and CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester, MA. Funeral services will be held Wednesday April 16th at 11:00 am in the First Assembly of God Church, located at 30 Tyler Prentice Road, Worcester, MA. Burial services will be conducted privately in Pine Grove Cemetery, located in Westborough, MA