Obituary of George Abang Binang

George Abang Binang was born into the Catholic family of Michael Oyoung Binang, a court clerk, and Anna Kadem Bisong a full-time housewife both of Kakwagom, Boki local government area, Cross River State, Nigeria on June 13, 1952. He was the third of the ten surviving children of his parents: Maurice, Thomas, Michael, Paul, Christopher, John, Ste phen, Moses and Mary; Theresa died at the age of six and Peter died when he was just 10 days old. George started his primary school at St Patrick’s Primary School in his home town. He was a favorite of his father and followed his father to stations in many parts of the then Cross River State. When his father was posted to Nnung Ukim in now Akwa Ibom State, young George, a devoted altar server at Masses, entered the Preparatory Seminary at Asong in 1966 and proceeded to Queen of Apostles Minor Seminary at Afaha Obong Abak Local Government Are a of Akwa Ibom State in 1967 to study for the priesthood. Interrupted by the 1967-1970 Nigerian/ Biafran Civil War he temporarily continued his high school studies at Immaculate Conception Secondary School in Itak, Use Abat. He resumed his studies at the Queen of Apostles Seminary after the civil war in 1970 and finished his West African School Certificate in 1972. George was a hard working, honest and dedicated student with one of the finest handwritings at school. He was known for his neatness and was elected Sanitation Master on many occasions at the seminary. He also had a wonderful singing voice. He belonged to a “Special Choir” of twelve students. He sang both the Alto and Bass and played the trombone in the Seminary Band. The “Special Choir” won many trophies and represented Cross River State at national festivals with first prizes. He learned and spoke fluently the local Efik language and Ibibio / Annang dialects and was able to sing in choir from the vernacular folk songs to Handle Messiah pieces at state and national festivals. In 1972 he proceeded to Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, Nigeria to continue his studies for the priesthood and completed his studies in Philosophy in 1975 with a bachelor’s of Arts (De Iure) in philosophy and a bachelor’s of divinity in theology in 1980. At Bigard, George remained a model student, neat, honest, hardworking, prayerful and a member of the choir. Though not ordained to the priesthood, through no fault of his, he lived like one. From this time on he lived a very private life but he was very caring and a source of inspiration. He was proud of his faith, a deep spiritual dimension he shared with his students. He loved his family and those he worked with and would do anything to promote harmony and peace. He traveled to Michigan in 1983. He studied and earned four more degrees: a bachelor’s of Arts in clinical psychology; Master of Arts in Public Administration – North Michigan University, 1987; Master of Arts Religious Studies- University of Detroit Mercy, 1995 and Master of Science in Administration, Catholic School Lead ership – Madonna University, 2004. In addition, George had certification as a Catholic High School Religion teacher and he was accepted to a doctoral program in Education at Wayne State University. George traveled to Nigeria in July 2005, and left Nigeria on August 8, 2005. He was found dead in his apartment days later following his return to the US by the Dearborn Heights Police Department. From the autopsy reports, the Wayne County Examiner Office concluded that George died of a massive heart attack probably on the night of his arrival to the US. George is survived by aged parents, Michael Oyoung Binang (85) and Anna Kadem Bisong (81), eight brothers, one sister, thirty-one nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives. He will be greatly missed by all his friends at Ladywood High School, his students, colleagues, the Nigerian community and many other friends. May he rest in perfect peace. Amen. You touched our hearts And enriched our lives. You showed us how to enjoy each day. You taught us to accept the ups and downs of life. You exemplified love and acceptance of all. We loved you and though our hearts are broken We will remember you always. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the George A. Binang Scholarship Fund. Ladywood High School 14680 Newburgh Rd. Livonia, MI 48154 We ask that you join us in prayer as the Ladywood family celebrates the life of George Binang at his funeral liturgy. September 8th, 2005 at 11:00am Ladywood High School.