James Ijjo describes Her Africanness, Mama Tifania, as a woman who “was independent in her thoughts and in the way she approached life.” She encouraged independent thinking, “yet at the same time, laid out a blueprint—often through her actions.” She helped with understanding “the simplest things, like the uselessness of hair, which could only serve for beautification, to the most complex systems, like religion and politics, both of which serve to govern and sometimes confuse life. She demonstrated how everything was interconnected, interrelated, and interdependent—from the simplest to the most complex.”  

Her timeless aura “was shaped by various life-changing experiences, like becoming a widow, which led her to approach life in simpler ways as she figured out the world for herself.”  With single motherhood, she “had to break the mold to create space to protect herself and her family.” This experience opened her mind and made her compassionate toward others and their struggles.” “It also pushed her to find new ways to establish an identity for herself and her family.”  She only paid “attention to those who uplifted and supported her. She ignored those who did not accept or respect her. She mastered the art of balancing her time, effort, and energy for those who loved her and never wasted anything on those who disliked her. She maintained a progressive mindset”. “Her experiences with conflict, civil war, rebel activities, and insecurity, along with her time in refugee camps, made her sincerely appreciate peace.”

She had “unwavering faith, drawn from her personal connection with the God of her ancestors, without relying too much on organized religion. She had direct access to God without the need for religious leaders, like priests, to represent her in the presence of the Divine. She had an unshakable belief that her God always knew what was best for her. She understood when to do her part so that God, too, could do His. She trusted God, even when she didn’t receive exactly what she requested. Often, she didn’t pray with words but with actions. For example, when she wanted God to provide food for her family, she would wake up early in the morning and go out to look for work in the fields, hoping to get hired for a day’s labor, either for cash or food. When she brought the food home, she would prepare and serve it, always with gratitude to God for providing it. She often prayed for the opportunity and strength to work. With such strong faith, she always received what she needed and had confidence that she would continue to receive something, even during uncertain times.”