Marie-Eve Carline Obayemi
January 21, 1975 – June 21, 2026
In Loving Memory of Marie-Eve Carline Obayemi
Marie-Eve Carline Obayemi entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 21, 2026, at the age of 51, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, compassion, and unwavering love for God and people.
Born in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, in 1975 to Kesner and Anne Thomas, Marie-Eve moved with her family to Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of nine. It was there that she developed the strong faith, determination, and compassionate spirit that would define her life.
Marie-Eve was a woman of unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and a servant’s heart. She dedicated her life to caring for others, both professionally and personally, always reflecting the love of Christ through her actions.
She attended the prestigious Boston Latin School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College in 1997. Driven by a passion for teaching and mentoring others, she later earned a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University.
Throughout her nursing career, Marie-Eve cared for patients with excellence and compassion while also investing in the growth of future nurses. She taught nursing students in the academic setting and served as a nurse educator, specializing in antepartum, postpartum, and newborn nursery care. She was deeply committed to helping nurses develop both confidence and competence in caring for patients and families. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom and hospital walls, touching countless lives through her knowledge, encouragement, and genuine care for others.
After leaving Massachusetts to pursue travel nursing opportunities, Marie-Eve discovered a love for Arizona and made it her home for twenty years.
Marie-Eve was a faithful and devoted member of Faith Christian Center under the leadership of Pastors Sean and Erica Moore, where she served with humility, love, and an unwavering commitment. She was actively involved in supporting the ministry; faithfully using her gifts to honor Christ. Her life reflected a genuine heart for God, and her dedication to serving others leaves a lasting legacy of faith, compassion, and service.
Marie-Eve married the love of her life, Femi Emmanuel Obayemi, on May 20, 2021. Together they built a Christ-centered marriage grounded in faith, friendship, and devotion. A faithful member of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Fountain of Life Parish in Mesa, Arizona, Marie-Eve joyfully served wherever there was a need. Whether through hospitality, prayer ministry, children’s ministry, mentoring others, or quietly serving behind the scenes, she lived out her faith through action. Serving was never an obligation to her—it was simply who she was.
One of Marie-Eve’s greatest gifts was her intentional love for people. She cherished meaningful relationships and made time for those she loved. Whether scheduling sister dates, meeting one-on-one with friends, offering encouragement, or simply listening, she made each person feel valued and cared for. Even during her illness, she continued to focus on others, often asking how they were doing and finding ways to encourage them despite her own challenges.
Marie-Eve loved reading, journaling, traveling, learning, and creating meaningful memories with family and friends. She approached life with grace, gratitude, and a desire to keep growing in her relationship with God.
In her final season of life, Marie-Eve’s faith shown brighter than ever. Though she faced a difficult battle with cancer, she remained anchored in God’s Word and confident in His promises. She met each day with grace, dignity, and unwavering trust in the Lord she loved so deeply. Even as she navigated her own challenges, she continued to encourage others, pray for those around her, and focus on the needs of family and friends before her own. Her life was a powerful testimony that faith is not just for the mountaintops, but also for the valleys. While she understood what the doctors were saying, she never stopped trusting God, knowing that He alone has the final say.
Marie-Eve is survived by her beloved husband, Femi Emmanuel Obayemi; her parents, Kesner and Anne Thomas; her sisters, Brunette Thomas-Remfort and Michelle Thomas; her brother, Claude Thomas; her niece, Brittlyanne Remfort; her nephews, Hansly Remfort, Winshell Remfort, and Coby Thomas; and a large extended family of relatives, friends, church family, colleagues, students, and loved ones whose lives were forever changed by knowing her.
In thanksgiving for a life well lived and a faith well demonstrated, a Celebration of Life for Marie-Eve Carline Obayemi will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10:00am at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Fountain of Life Parish 6330 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Interment will follow at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery 7900 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85207
Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the assurance that she is now healed, whole, and at peace in the presence of the Lord she faithfully served throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she influenced, the people she loved, and the faith she demonstrated.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
— Matthew 25:23
To God be the glory.
Photos
Monica D. 
Lesly badeau 
Michelle Ayala 
Joy M 
Jeff & Toni Riley 
Carla DeBro 
Tretessa Johnson 
ADEBAYO OLUWAFUNMILAYO RACHEAL 
Algre P Tatum 
Janine De Los Santos 
Tracy Debro-Rhodes 
Tunbi Obayemi 
Olaoluwa & Bola Salako 
Maurice Rigaud 
Daniella Falola 
Femi Obayemi 
Jerry Castor 
Florence Craig 
Ann S 
The Ade-Obayemi Family 
Sister Manzie Lohrey
Marie-Eve was a beautiful soul whose kindness, faith, and gentle spirit touched so many lives. I will always cherish our conversations, the laughter we shared, and the way she encouraged others with grace and love. She had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and cared for, and that is a gift I will never forget.
Although my heart is saddened by her passing, I am grateful for the memories we created and the friendship we shared. Heaven has welcomed a precious daughter of God, and I find comfort knowing she is at peace. My prayers are with her family and everyone who loved her. Marie-Eve’s love, strength, and beautiful spirit will remain in our hearts forever. ♥️♥️♥️ ~Monica
As a member of the Thomas’s family, my condolences and so are my wife Maïta’s condolences went to the rest of the whole families. May the almighty God, Jehovah give you all the strength to endure., she will always be remembered. May we all nourish the hope that we will see Marie- eve carline again one day at the resurrection. Love, peace and courage to you all🙏🌺
The news of Marie-Eve’s passing has left a profound void in our education team and in our hearts. She was more than a colleague; she was a beacon of light whose impact on us and the staff she supported and mentored is immeasurable. We will forever be grateful for her boundless faith, the grace with which she approached everything, her inspiring optimism, and her selfless dedication to others. Marie-Eve touched so many lives for the better, and her legacy will live on through all she taught us. My deepest condolences go to her wonderful husband, Femi, to her sister, Michelle, whom I also have the privilege of knowing, and the rest of her family. Please know how much she is loved and appreciated.
My heart is breaking over the loss of our beautiful Marie Eve.
I’ll never forget her bright smile and sunshine spirit. She was a true giver — kind, compassionate, and a woman of deep faith.
Marie Eve was a loving wife, cherished daughter, devoted sister, fun auntie, and the kind of friend we all pray to have. The world feels dimmer without her.
I’m so grateful for every memory we shared. I’ll carry them, and her love, with me always.
To her husband, parents, siblings, and everyone who loved her: I’m wrapping you all in prayer. May you feel surrounded by love and the strength of her memory in the days ahead.
Rest peacefully, sweet Marie Eve. You are already so deeply missed.
With love, thoughts, and prayers, 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗 Joy M
We the Riley’s are deeply saddened by Marie-Eve’s passing, our hearts go out to her family and loved ones, may they find strength and comfort in the love that surrounds them 🙏🏾
In my lifetime I have met no one like Mary Eve. She is such a kind and caring person who loves celebrating everyone. Her helpful demeanor has impacted the lives of so many. I am truly honored to know her.
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Marie-Eve’s passing. I remember the day we met helping a mutual friend with her booth at a Gluten Free Expo. Her light and sweet spirit was evident right away as she greeted me with a warm smile and a hug like we were never strangers. We too became fast friends and shared so many good memories together hanging out and serving at church. I pray for peace and comfort to all of her family and friends as they navigate this world without her presence. Rest well, Sweet Lady.
It is well with the husband and the entire family. May the peace of God that passes all understanding attend everyone’s heart in Jesus name.
Sleep on daughter of the Most High till the resurrection money.
Such a Beautiful Soul. Marie eve will be missed here in Phoenix AZ
I am deeply saddened about Marie Eve’s passing. She was beautiful (inside and out), smart, and kind. My heartfelt condolences to her husband and family ❤️
My heartfelt condolences to Marie Eve’s family and friends. I had the privilege of knowing Marie Eve through my Aunt Monica, and I am truly grateful to have known such a beautiful soul, both inside and out. Thank you, Marie Eve, for the love and care you showed not only to my Aunt Monica but to our entire family. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully. 💐
I am heartbroken by the loss of such a wonderful soul. Marie-Eve was so full of life, love, and purpose. Her kindness and warmth touched me and mine profoundly. I cannot imagine the heartache
Femi, Thomas family and those closest to her are experiencing: my heart iamd prayers are with you all. I’m praying that God grants us all the strength, comfort, and peace in this difficult time.
May her beautiful soul rest in the most perfect peace. 🕊️
Our words are not able to express our grieves and shocks on the passing of our beloved sister. We became good family friends during one of our visits to Arizona and have developed strong bonds ever since. She was warm and gracious. She was a lover of Christ and a true disciple. We will miss her and pray for comfort for our beloved brother Femi and her parents.
I just got the news and I’m still in shock. We shared so many great moments together as we were both navigating our young life. You came from a wonderful and blessed family that I had the honor to know and visit. It’s been a long time since I last cried, mama’s passing, and losing you as a dear sista did it for me. My good sista Marie you were full of positivity, laughter, smart, caring, and selfless. I’m going to truly miss you beloved and Rest In Power.
Words, time and space fail me to describe this beautiful soul, my sister and my friend, Marie-Eve Obayemi.
What a gift you were—to me, to my family, to your family, to the nursing profession, to the Body of Christ, and to the world! You gave. You loved. You served. You cared.
What a blessing it was to know you! What a privilege it was to walk and serve alongside you over these past few years. What a mercy from God that our paths crossed!
We met you as a sister in Christ, and before long, you became part of our family. I will smile through tears whenever I look up in our living room and see your photo, taken during one of the most beautiful seasons of our lives. You were there to hug us, love us, and hold our newborn in your arms while loving her siblings just as warmly. I will never forget how you wheeled me down to the parking lot after Gloria’s birth and shared our joy so cheerfully. You loved Gloria even before you met her. You showered her with gifts at our baby shower. You and Pastor Femi gave so generously and served so selflessly that day.
I miss your warm hugs, your smile, your voice, and your encouragement. No more planning prayer team retreats together. No more praying alongside you. No more carpooling to the women’s conference. No more welcoming hugs. Every year, I will miss hearing your birthday prayers and blessings over me, and I will miss wishing you a happy birthday the very next day.
You left your fingerprints on my heart, in our home, and in the lives of our children. Gloria will miss you. She will miss being held in your loving arms, taking funny pictures with you, eating grapes, and running around your living room.
Yet, in the midst of my sadness, I am deeply thankful to God for you. You have seen Jesus—the Lord whom you loved deeply and served so faithfully. What a glorious blessing! You are healed. You are breathing kingdom air. No more discomfort. No more pain medication. You truly were a woman of integrity, a woman of faith, a woman of prayer, a lover of God, a generous and cheerful giver, and a virtuous woman.
Although I can no longer see or hear you on this side of eternity, you remain alive in my heart.
While I grieve your absence, I look forward with hope to the resurrection morning, when we shall meet to part no more. There will be no more goodbyes, no more sorrow, no more crying, and no more separation.
Until then, sleep on, beloved sister. Your memory will forever be a blessing to us!
How do you say goodbye to someone as special as Marie-Eve? What do you say at a time like this? How do you explain in words the feelings when a part of you has been literally ripped out? It’s a hard place to be but for God. Thanks be to God for holding me up.
These past ten days, I have been consumed with a depth of introspection about all the good things about Marie-Eve, the great things she did and the grand ones that are simply unforgettable. That is all because Marie-Eve impacted my life and reshaped my world. She was simply “The best” as we often told each other, and she would respond with what became our standard response: “Jesus is the best.”
Marie-Eve Carline Obayemi IS God’s special child. Truly, she was “fearfully and wonderfully crafted” (Psalm 139:14). She was beautiful inside and outside. She had a heart of gold. I always told her again and again that she was “loving, lovable and so loved”. She was the treasure trove described in Proverbs 31 that I sought from and, thankfully got from Almighty God. Alas, for only a few years during which everyone in her life that I met (family, friends, church family, work colleagues, etc) had literally the same thing to say about her. Marie-Eve was just good!
While on this side of eternity, she was a carrier of God’s life, light, and love. And, SHINE she did! She shined these virtues all around for everyone to see everywhere. Her sweet smile said it all about Whom she carried and represented (The Father of lights). Whether at the airport, in the elevator or the hospital, literal strangers would walk up to us and say to her, “Do you know that you have the best smile ever?” This was a regular occurrence, and it made me just appreciate my “precious gift from God” personified in Marie-Eve. I truly bless the day that I found her after quite a search. She was well worth the wait. I found my own wife, my perfect match that fitted me so well. Still so very proud of her as I fearfully write this.
Marie-Eve was that person that you wanted in your life and around you. You wanted her on your team because of her unique qualities. She always sought excellence in everything that she had to do. Whether it was hosting a single friend, family of six or a party for dozens. The spirit of excellence in her drove our marriage as it did her parental responsibilities, family ties, extended family relationships, her secular jobs, church duties, “Mimi” times with her beloved godson, and several voluntary services. She took every thing that she had to do very serious and excellence reflected.
Marie-Eve was exceptionally selfless and extremely generous. She always thought of others first and never considered her needs were priority. It was always about that “other” person, that need for “someone”, the endless burdens for others while in the prayer zone, that sacrifice to make others get needed solutions and reprieve. She would go to very great lengths to make life good or better for anyone in her sphere of influence, be it family, friend, church member, work colleague or even a stranger. She never shirked from being involved in ministering to the needs of individuals, churches, ministries. She was an ardent giver and Kingdom builder. And she did it so well.
As my dearly beloved wife, Marie-Eve played all her roles perfectly well with excellence. She wore many caps and excelled as my friend, companion, confidante, lover, counselor, defender, cheerleader, encourager, fellow kingdom builder, co-minister, co-pastor, fellow traveler (we loved going on roadtrips and seeing new places together), burden sharer (my #1 prayer partner) and so on. She supported me solidly in ministry and in being a pivotal team member in laying the ground for pioneering work still in the pipeline which I commend to God.
Marie-Eve took exceptional care of me as a devoted wife in every literal way. I teased her about being my mum and sister when she said or did some things. Her smart “Marie-Eve comeback” was “then we would not be married” if she was either. She had so many loving and cheeky responses to almost all that I said and vice-versa which made us both laugh. We loved laughing together, and I will miss that so much. Marie-Eve never nagged, complained nor grumbled. She was always quick to forgive me for being hardheaded, petty or obtuse, etc. She always wanted to be understood when she felt she was not. She was a great communicator and always sought clarification about anything and everything. Her mantras included natural “Thank you, Honey” and “Honey, I’m sorry”. I miss hearing her voice. I always said to her that I’d score her 110% for each of her deliverables. She was a great resource and go-to person for sound counsel and ideas. She was a fountain of wisdom for truthful feedback and bouncing ideas. She never came short because of her brilliance and Spirit-filled heart.
Life without Marie-Eve, “my Babe”, “my MCO” (Marie-Eve Carline Obayemi) won’t be the same. To her “Mummy Felicia” (my mum), she was “my daughter” (as she was “my mummy” to her). All our nieces and nephews in Nigeria are already missing their “Mummy America”. My sisters and brothers and their spouses remain aghast and perplexed. Same goes for my family members in the US and in Nigeria who have met her. She graciously hosted and took care of several visitors from my expansive family right here in QueenCreek, Arizona. And they all appreciate and applaud her benevolence. She will be missed.
So, my beloved Babe, I will miss everything about you! I will cherish all that we had and shared. Thankfully, no one and nothing, by God’s grace, shall take the awesome memories our meeting and union created even for so short a time. I will always celebrate you and our milestones over the past few years.
My Babe…thank you for loving me. Thank you for accepting imperfect me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for making me believe and live in true love. Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for making things always better. Thank you for making room and space for me in your life. Thank you for making it so easy to love you incrementally. Thank you for loving all my family peeps. Thank you for the dreams that you made come true. Thank you for helping me serve God even better. Thank you for just being Marie-Eve! Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for making the world a better place.
“For in Him we live, and move and have our being;” (Acts 17:28).
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 2:7-8).
My MCO, it is goodbye for now. We shall have all eternity in Our Father’s House where we shall meet to part no more.
Your loving husband,
Femi Emmanuel Obayemi
Liline you will be never be forgotten ❤️. Courageous, strong and loved by everyone no exception. Rest peacefully cousin 🙏🏾
My beautiful sister as l fondly called you . You are a rare sister beautiful inside and outside. I cherish your sense of humor , wisdom , kindness , love and selflessness. I missed you dearly . I love you but God love you more . Sleep on and good bye for now
Sister Florence craig
May you rest in the presence of Jehovah peacefully cousin. ❤️
THE OBAYEMI FAMILY TRIBUTE
This is a short tribute to our sister, Marie-Eve Carline Obayemi (nee Thomas), a beautiful daughter of Zion, loving wife, beloved daughter, sister and aunt. An Angel …….
From the very moment, Femi, introduced Marie-Eve to us, it was obvious that there was something really special about her and this was reinforced over the course of time and our interactions with her. Whatever concerns or inhibitions we initially had, primarily due to perceived issues of cultural differences soon vanished. Her simple, selfless, caring, loving, godly and down to earth persona immediately put us at ease, endearing her to us. Despite the remote nature of our initial interactions, her sincerity and warmth fostered and nurtured a quick growth of genuine connections.
From the outset, Marie-Eve was obviously committed to understanding and relating with everyone in the family, and despite the physical distance and cultural differences, she was able to blend in and forge a loving, respectful, deep and impactful relationship with us all – including the young ones! This she did ever so gracefully.
Our relationship was further strengthened during her trip to Nigeria in 2022 when she spent time with our Mum and every one of Femi’s siblings across several cities. That was how much she cherished everyone. Thus, we experienced her loving and caring personality first hand. She physically acquainted herself with family members and friends and clearly visibly connected with us all. It was a particularly memorable time for the family. This would be the only time; some family members would meet her physically and we are truly grateful to God now for this opportunity. Other family members who later visited Marie-Eve and Femi here in Arizona attest to the fact that her nature was consistent – home and away.
• Marie-Eve was a godly woman – Deborah (though soft spoken, she was strong and courageous), Anna (an intercessor, consistent and faithful), Dorcas (ministry of helps), Ruth (wholly committed to Femi, his family and culture – cooking Nigerian dishes and learning Yoruba) and Priscilla (a devoted disciple and evangelist) all rolled into one!
• Marie-Eve was an extraordinary organizer and planner. Excellence was her creed and she hated tardiness in every form
• The light of Christ in her shone clearly as was evident in her speech, character and actions. It showed in her dedication and service to God, as a co-laborer with her husband in the Lord’s vineyard, in shared prayer sessions we had, in victories, in setbacks or challenges, and in the way she related generally with people. Even during the period of with health challenges, she would still reach out to check-up on us, follow-up on issues, encourage, send warm birthday and anniversary wishes.
• Her faith was deep and she held on to it, even till our last conversations with her.
We look back on our very short time with Marie-Eve with fondness and gratitude and will miss her tremendously – her radiant smile, ever cheerful voice, great warmth, her wit, thoughtfulness and generosity. But rather than mourn her, we choose to celebrate her life as an ambassador of the kingdom, a virtuous woman, an answer to our prayers for our brother, as a blessed daughter and sister. The family never considered her a sister-in-law; she was our sister in every way.
Oh, we stood in faith, fasted and prayed fervently that she might recover even to her very last breath. As, God decided to call her home. In our pain, we submit to the sovereignty of God’s will. He knows all things and we cannot question Him. In all these, our confidence and consolation is that she has gone to be with the Lord, whom she served with all her heart and all she had. She’s free from all pain and is standing whole and perfected in His presence.
Indeed, death does not have the final say in any way, Jesus does!!! In life and death, we win. We are thus consoled that she is resting with Him and that we shall surely see her again at the feet of Jesus. We pray God’s comfort, strength and peace to our brother Femi, the Thomas, Obayemi and church families, friends, colleagues and every grieving heart.
A o pade l’ese Jesu (we’ll meet at the feet of Jesus),
Ni bi ti, a ko ni yara wa (where we’ll meet to part no more),
A o ri ra wa (we’ll see one another),
A o yo mora wa (we’ll rejoice one with another),
Jesu yi o je alaga wa (all under the Lordship of Jesus).
Rest on dear Sis! We celebrate your life; we love you plenty plenty (as we say in Nigeria). Your memory lives on our hearts.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Marie Eve’s passing. We served together at RCCG Solid Rock in Phoenix. She was warm, friendly, compassionate and thoughtful. My deepest condolences to the family. May her legacy live on.