The life and legacy of the late Dorothy Etogokwe Etoke Atabong, fondly remembered as “Mami Dorothy”, were celebrated in Mutengene at the weekend with the launch of a biography chronicling her remarkable journey and the unveiling of a foundation established in her honour.
The events formed part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of her passing and brought together religious leaders, family members, community stakeholders, friends and admirers whose lives were touched by her generosity and commitment to service.
The celebrations included a visit to her graveside in Soppo, the launch of the book The Legend of a Super Ordinary Woman: Dorothy Etogokwe Etoke Atabong (A Woman Who Gave Her All), authored by Sr. Dr. Jacqueline Manyi Atabong and Archbishop Emeritus Cornelius Fontem Esua, as well as the unveiling of the BEE Foundation. The foundation has been established to preserve and advance her legacy of selfless love, service and compassion, with proceeds from the book launch earmarked to support its activities.
Reviewing the book, Gender and Development Specialist, Prof. Christiana Abonge, described it as “a powerful piece about womanhood transforming society”.
“Sacrifice, compassion and faith defined Ma Dorothy’s life,” she said. “This book is a testament to the sacrifices an extraordinary woman made in the community away from the public space.”
Prof. Abonge noted that Dorothy Atabong was a strong advocate for women’s dignity and consistently placed the welfare of children above her personal interests.
“She put the needs of children, not only her biological children, before her own. She successfully balanced family engagement and public engagement, making her an inspiration and a celebration of Cameroonian womanhood,” she said.
She challenged participants to keep the deceased’s values alive by confronting the social issues she would have opposed and promoting the causes she championed, particularly healthy family values, and empowerment of those in need.
A second reviewer, Fr. Michel Tchoumbou, highlighted Dorothy Atabong’s devotion to the Church, recalling that she spent Saturdays cleaning and decorating the church.
“I am transformed simply by reading about her life,” he said. “The book is so well written that readers can personalise aspects of Ma Dorothy’s life in their own experiences.”
He added that her extraordinary story deserved wider recognition. “A movie should be made about her life,” he suggested.
Speaking during the launch, co-author Sr. Dr. Jacqueline Manyi Atabong described the publication as “a labour of love”.
“As I wrote, I felt the spirit of my mother come back to life,” she said.
She recalled the overwhelming grief that followed her mother’s death at the age of 68, noting that many mourners wept as though they had lost their own parent.
“People testified about how she paid their school fees and supported them in ways even we, her children, did not know about,” she said. “Our home had an open-door policy. People came at any time and some even lived with us.”
Sr. Dr. Atabong explained that the book was completed 23 years after her mother’s death and portrays a woman who was both strong and humble.
Archbishop Emeritus Cornelius Fontem Esua, co-author of the book, said it was important to document Dorothy Atabong’s story because it demonstrated how perseverance and support can transform lives.
“She was born into very modest circumstances in a remote area and lost her father shortly after beginning school,” he said. “The Church supported her education through primary school, teacher training and university. She never forgot that help.”
According to him, her experiences inspired a lifelong commitment to helping disadvantaged children and vulnerable families.
The newly launched BEE Foundation seeks to continue that mission by creating opportunities for young people and women facing difficult circumstances. Sr. Dr. Atabong said the initiative was inspired by her mother’s belief that a single opportunity can change a life.
“Since that opportunity changed her life, we believe we can also help change the lives of others through this foundation,” she said.
Organisers expressed satisfaction with the strong turnout and generous donations received, describing the launch as a fitting tribute to a woman whose legacy of faith, compassion and service continues to inspire a new generation.
