"Cry, grieve, and do what you have to do. Just know that I don’t want a lot of sadness. I just want happiness and joy. I want people to dance and I want people to celebrate because that is what life means to me." - Risikat Okedeyi
We invite you to join together in commemorating the life of Risikat Iyabo Okedeyi, a woman whose impact on our lives was profound and will forever be cherished.
Your presence would mean a great deal to her family as we unite to honor Risikat's memory with a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life, as per Risikat's request.
We kindly ask that you review the FAQ section below before confirmation.
*All ages are welcome.
Your presence would mean a great deal to her family as we unite to honor Risikat's memory with a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life, as per Risikat's request.
We kindly ask that you review the FAQ section below before confirmation.
*All ages are welcome.
Memorial Service
January 6, 2024
Doors: 12:00PM EST
Start: 12:20PM EST - 2:30PM EST
Capital Turnaround
700 M STREET SE
WASHINGTON, DC 20003
Doors: 12:00PM EST
Start: 12:20PM EST - 2:30PM EST
Capital Turnaround
700 M STREET SE
WASHINGTON, DC 20003
Celebration of Life
January 6, 2024
8:00PM EST - until
Party featuring DJ Stylus & Jahsonic
Eaton DC
1201 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON DC, 20005
*Light fare reception 6:00PM EST - 8:00PM EST
Eaton House (Enter through Eaton Hotel lobby)
8:00PM EST - until
Party featuring DJ Stylus & Jahsonic
Eaton DC
1201 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON DC, 20005
*Light fare reception 6:00PM EST - 8:00PM EST
Eaton House (Enter through Eaton Hotel lobby)
It Takes a Village
We would like to thank all of the family and friends who lent a helping hand to make this celebration as dynamic as our beloved Risikat.
A special thank you to Capital Turnaround and Eaton Hotel for providing the physical space for us to grieve and rejoice.
A special thank you to Capital Turnaround and Eaton Hotel for providing the physical space for us to grieve and rejoice.
CURATED BY
Risikat Okedeyi/Lil SoSo Productions
PLANNING COMMITTEE
Olutoyin Washington
Patrice Billups
Oluwale Muhammad Okedeyi
Evelyn Bandoh
Andrea Thompson
Anika Hobbs
Omolola Adele-Oso
Jamie Cheyenne
Hadiya Williams
DESIGN + VISUALS
Hadiya Williams: creative direction, program + announcement design, production
Anika Hobbs: creative direction, web design
Madia Willis: special Iyabo elements pattern (stage), production
Eddie Smith: stage video production
Jamie Cheyenne: photo/audio editing, original photo in program cover art
Patrice Billups: obituary
Evelyn Bandoh: copy editing
Andrea Thompson: copy editing
Odeana Kramer: copy editing
Jen White-Johnson: collage art (DJ t-shirts, queen’s stroll print)
Damola Omotosho (Cardcraft.io): apothecary card and large photo printing
CSI Printing (Alexandria, VA): program
Risikat Okedeyi/Lil SoSo Productions
PLANNING COMMITTEE
Olutoyin Washington
Patrice Billups
Oluwale Muhammad Okedeyi
Evelyn Bandoh
Andrea Thompson
Anika Hobbs
Omolola Adele-Oso
Jamie Cheyenne
Hadiya Williams
DESIGN + VISUALS
Hadiya Williams: creative direction, program + announcement design, production
Anika Hobbs: creative direction, web design
Madia Willis: special Iyabo elements pattern (stage), production
Eddie Smith: stage video production
Jamie Cheyenne: photo/audio editing, original photo in program cover art
Patrice Billups: obituary
Evelyn Bandoh: copy editing
Andrea Thompson: copy editing
Odeana Kramer: copy editing
Jen White-Johnson: collage art (DJ t-shirts, queen’s stroll print)
Damola Omotosho (Cardcraft.io): apothecary card and large photo printing
CSI Printing (Alexandria, VA): program
DAY-OF VIDEO + STAGE PRODUCTION
Elise Perry: video direction/production Jamie Cheyenne: video production
Eddie Smith: tech + video production
Kellie Wallace: artist liason, video prod. asst.
Anika Hobbs: run-of-show
Goldie Patrick: stage management
RECEPTION + CELEBRATION
Mercy Chikowore
Sheldon Scott
Nina Brewton
Omolola Adele-Oso
Hadiya Williams
Rhome Anderson Eddie Smith
Kortnee Anderson (Kort’s Kreations):
balloon installation
Kingsway (Laurel, MD): reception cuisine
PARTY ROCKERS
Rhome Anderson (DJ Stylus)
Jamil Hamilton (Jahsonic)
Kellie Wallace (DJ Cleveland Browne)
DJ Ausar
Jabari Exum + Amadou Kouyate: percussion
Elise Perry: video direction/production Jamie Cheyenne: video production
Eddie Smith: tech + video production
Kellie Wallace: artist liason, video prod. asst.
Anika Hobbs: run-of-show
Goldie Patrick: stage management
RECEPTION + CELEBRATION
Mercy Chikowore
Sheldon Scott
Nina Brewton
Omolola Adele-Oso
Hadiya Williams
Rhome Anderson Eddie Smith
Kortnee Anderson (Kort’s Kreations):
balloon installation
Kingsway (Laurel, MD): reception cuisine
PARTY ROCKERS
Rhome Anderson (DJ Stylus)
Jamil Hamilton (Jahsonic)
Kellie Wallace (DJ Cleveland Browne)
DJ Ausar
Jabari Exum + Amadou Kouyate: percussion
PHOTOGRAPHY
Oluwale Muhammad Okedeyi
Ralston Smith
Maurice Bland
SITE SCOUTING
Melani Douglass
Kimberly Douglas
Anika Hobbs
VOLUNTEERS/SUPPORT
STRŌB Apothercary: Kat’s tea blend
Adrienne Fikes
Monica Fikes
Candace Mickens
Gail Upchurch
Muneera Fontaine
Gerald Watson and more...
ALTAR
Omolola Adele-Oso
Andrea Thompson
Planning committee
Original photo in announcement, courtesy of John F. Kennedy Center
Oluwale Muhammad Okedeyi
Ralston Smith
Maurice Bland
SITE SCOUTING
Melani Douglass
Kimberly Douglas
Anika Hobbs
VOLUNTEERS/SUPPORT
STRŌB Apothercary: Kat’s tea blend
Adrienne Fikes
Monica Fikes
Candace Mickens
Gail Upchurch
Muneera Fontaine
Gerald Watson and more...
ALTAR
Omolola Adele-Oso
Andrea Thompson
Planning committee
Original photo in announcement, courtesy of John F. Kennedy Center
FAQ
Is there a dress code for the Memorial Service or Celebration of Life?
While there is no specific dress code, attendees are encouraged to wear a hint of purple and attire that is reflective of their relationship with Risikat.
Is this where I pay my respects?
The Memorial and Celebration of Life do not include a funeral service, however, we welcome you to pay respect, say prayers and positive intentions, and greet Risikat's family.
Is there parking and public transportation to/from the locations?
Capital Turnaround: Metered parking is available on M Street SE in front of the building and the adjacent streets. For public transportation, take the Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark and walk 10 minutes east on M Street or take the Blue, Orange, or Silver Lines to the Eastern Market station and walk 11 minutes south along 7th Street. There are also several bus stops close to the campus. Consider using rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft for a more flexible and direct option.
Eaton DC: Metered parking is available on K Street NW in front of the building and the adjacent streets. Valet parking with in-and-out privileges for $55 per night + tax. For public transportation, take the Orange Line, Silver Line, or Blue Line to McPherson Square Metrorail Station. Walk diagonally across Franklin Park for 7 minutes to K Street. There are also several bus stops close to the hotel.
Eaton DC: Metered parking is available on K Street NW in front of the building and the adjacent streets. Valet parking with in-and-out privileges for $55 per night + tax. For public transportation, take the Orange Line, Silver Line, or Blue Line to McPherson Square Metrorail Station. Walk diagonally across Franklin Park for 7 minutes to K Street. There are also several bus stops close to the hotel.
Will there be an opportunity to share memories or stories about Risikat during the memorial service?
Given the size of Risikat's community, specifying a time during the memorial service is challenging. We encourage everyone to upload photos on the RSVP page that may be shared during the service and share memories on her CaringBridge page.
Is the Memorial Service and Celebration of Life open to everyone including children?
Yes, everyone is welcome including children are welcome to attend both the Memorial Service and Celebration of Life. Please note, alcohol will be served at the Celebration of Life.
Why do I need to RSVP?
Registration serves solely to estimate anticipated attendance and does not guarantee seating. This platform allows us to contact you with any updates via email or text messaging.
Can I bring flowers or gifts in memory of Risikat? Where can I send flowers or gift prior to Memorial Service?
In place of flowers or gifts, the family has asked for donations to go to ANDTOP CHARITY FOUNDATION, a US-based foundation that bridges the achievement gap in Nigeria through educational opportunities. Use the Donation link at the top of the page to support their Scholarship Programme. If you’d like to send flowers, cards, or gifts before the Memorial, please mail them to the address below no later than 12pm (noon) January 5, 2024 at 6:00PM EST:
Patrice Billups
c/o Risikat Okedeyi
104 Essenton Dr.
Upper Marlboro MD 20774
Patrice Billups
c/o Risikat Okedeyi
104 Essenton Dr.
Upper Marlboro MD 20774
Will there be a designated time for reflection during the Memorial Service?
Yes, there will be a moment of prayer and reflection incorporated into the Memorial Service.
Is there a designated area for condolences or a guestbook at the Memorial Service or Celebration of Life?
Will the venues have accessibility features for individuals with mobility challenges, hearing impairments, and visual impairments?"
We kindly request that you indicate any specific accessibility requirements by checking the corresponding box under 'Accessibility Needs' when you RSVP. This will help us ensure that we can provide the best possible support for your needs.
What COVID-19 safety measures will be in place during the Memorial Service and Celebration of Life?
We will follow local health guidelines, including encouraging mask-wearing and providing hand sanitizing stations to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
Who can I contact for questions?