Sarah Baaba Djabatey

Sarah Baaba Djabatey was the third of seven children, made up of four boys and three girls, from the marriage of the Late Charles A. Quansah and his wife, Florence A. Quansah (now in her nineties). Baaba was born on 8th September 1960 at Chiraa in the Bono Region of Ghana, where her mother was working as a teacher in the Methodist Primary School. At the age of four she started her primary education at the Methodist School in Chiraa and then continued at Abossey Okai Methodist School in 1966, when her mother was transferred to Accra. In 1974, she sat for the Common Entrance Exams while she was in Abossey Okai 2 & 3 middle school. She passed the exams and gained admission to Accra High School (AHISCO) for her Secondary School education leading to the G.C.E. O’LEVEL Exams. When AHISCO started the G.C.E. Advanced Level Course in 1980, she was among the first batch to be admitted and was made the first Girls’ Prefect. After the A’ Level Exams, she gained admission to Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) (now UPS) for Diploma Studies in Accountancy.

HER EARLY LIFE:
As a young girl attending Accra High School, her early life was quite a difficult one. Growing up amidst a family of six other siblings, all of them attending school and depending on the mother’s meager salary and daily sales of doughnuts and pancakes from the business of a determined and hard-working grandmother for sustenance, was a big challenge. A typical day in the life of the Quansahs involved waking up at 4:30am from the sound of a bell or a sprinkle of water if one wanted to stretch their sleeping time. Then a committed Christian mother would lead her children in a morning devotion. Soon after that, grandma’s coal pot and other accessories had to be sent outside and made ready for the doughnuts or pancakes. After a breakfast of porridge, one had to wait patiently for pocket money to school which came from the early sales of passers-by. To avoid being late to school, Baaba occasionally had to walk all the way from Abossey Okai to AHISCO at Ridge. The return trip to the house from school, together with friends and classmates was a matter of course. The early hardships in life she experienced made her develop a compassionate spirit towards the deprived in society and a big generous heart for anyone who approached her for help.

HER CHRISTIAN FAITH:
As a result of the strong Christian foundation established at home by a determined mother, Baaba found it easy to deepen her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in the Scripture Union at AHISCO. Her zeal for the Lord made her join several Christian groups, including Calvary Road Inc., YAFCA, Girls’ Brigade in the Methodist Church, etc. Occasionally, she would bring her numerous Christian friends to the house and share with them her meal, some doughnuts, or pancakes. At Calvary Baptist Church, Adabraka where she used to worship, she was a Sunday School teacher and a marriage counselor, as well. Her last place of worship before she left for the US
was Grace Chapel International at Kaneshie, First Light. She served in the Children’s Department and was also a marriage counselor in the Family Life Department.

HER EMPLOYMENT:
Baaba was employed in October 1986 by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as an Assistant Inspector of Taxes in their Tax Examination Unit. In June 1999, she was transferred to the Kinbu District as a Principal Inspector of Taxes. In 2005, she was transferred again to the Kaneshie District as the Acting Head, a position she held until she resigned in 2008, to join her family in the US.

HER MARRIAGE LIFE:
Baaba got married to her best friend and working colleague, Eben Djabatey in March 1989. This union was blessed with two boys and two girls. The well-being of her family was her top priority, and she provided a pillar of support and strength to her husband, whom she esteemed highly in the fulfillment of this objective. When she joined her family in the US, they faced numerous challenges but with her steadfast determination, unwavering faith, and a deep commitment to prayer, and hard work the family persevered and rode through the storm. The bond of love and unity she wove into her family was so strong that they never gave up on her or
showed any sign of weariness when they had to care for her on her sick bed for more than two years.

HER LIFE IN THE USA:
In the US, Baaba exemplified a profound devotion to her Christian faith and boundless love and generosity to all manner of persons she interacted with. Within the walls of the Church, she found her calling in the Children’s Ministry, driven by an unwavering zeal to instill the teachings of Jesus Christ into the hearts of young souls. In her professional endeavors, she worked in various nursing homes, including National Church Residences, providing home care. Her genuine care for her patients forged unending bonds with their respective families. Apart from her professional and church commitment, she was an active member of AGLOW, a Christian fellowship of women and participated fully in their prayer meetings and conferences. With her experience as a marriage counselor, she offered support and wisdom to friends and acquaintances navigating the challenges of marriage life.

HER FINAL YEARS:
The final years of Baaba’s life were marked by a courageous battle with illness. Even in the depths of unconsciousness, Baaba’s resolute spirit was evident and she provided inspiration to all who witnessed her courageous battle. In the early hours of 3rd February 2024, the Lord called her home. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalms 116: 15.
Sarah Baaba Djabatey has fought the good fight. Baaba has finished the race. Baaba kept the faith.

Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, March 9, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).

Interment at Union Cemetery.