Lucretia Hannah Modupe Domingo
In Loving Memory
1937 – 2026 · Lagos, Nigeria
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. — Proverbs 31:25
Their story
Lucretia Hannah Modupe Domingo was born on the nineteenth of November, 1937, and was called home on the twenty-second of June, 2026, having lived a full and gracious eighty-eight years. Hers was a life measured not in years alone, but in the love she gave, the faith she kept, the discipline she embodied, and the countless lives she touched along the way. A daughter of Nigeria and a devoted matriarch, Mama Modupe carried herself with quiet strength and unmistakable elegance. She was the steady heart of her family — a woman of deep prayer, warm hospitality, and laughter that filled every room she entered. To know her was to be welcomed, fed, prayed for, corrected when necessary, and loved without condition. She doted on her siblings and remained a strong pillar of strength, discipline, and care to those around her. Professionally, she lived a life of rare distinction. Brigadier-General Lucretia Hannah Modupe Domingo rose to become one of the pioneering women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, serving with courage, dignity, and excellence in an era when the path for women in military leadership was narrow, difficult, and often uncharted. Known in some records as Lucretia Hannah Domingo, Lucrezia Modupe Domingo, Laureta M. Domingo, and affectionately remembered by many as “Dupe Soldier,” she carried every name and title with grace. Her Yoruba name, Modupe, meaning “I give thanks,” beautifully reflected the spirit with which she lived. She was grateful, resilient, purposeful, and deeply devoted to service. In uniform, she was disciplined, principled, and resolute. At home, she was tender, prayerful, generous, and deeply present. These were not separate lives, but one whole life: a woman of command and compassion, strength and softness, duty and love. General Domingo’s military career unfolded during a defining period in Nigeria’s post-colonial history. At the time, women in the armed forces were often limited to support roles and rarely seen in senior leadership. Yet she rose through those structures with excellence. Her achievement as a Brigadier-General was more than a personal milestone; it was a powerful statement of possibility for the generations of women who would come after her. She helped expand the imagination of what women could contribute to national defence. Her life and service stood as a reminder that competence, discipline, courage, and commitment - not gender - are the true measures of leadership. In a profession that demanded toughness, she showed strength without losing warmth. In institutions shaped by tradition, she represented progress without losing her values. Beyond her public service, Mama Modupe’s deepest legacy was her family. She was the beloved mother of Jinmi Thomas, an accomplished architect and businessman whose life and work reflect the excellence, discipline, and quiet resolve she embodied. Jinmi is married to Moni Thomas, and together they are part of the loving family that surrounded Mama with honour, affection, and gratitude. Brigadier-General Domingo was also blessed with wonderful grandchildren and a wider family who cherished her deeply. She was not only admired for her rank or remembered for her achievements; she was loved as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, matriarch, and friend. Her home, her words, her prayers, her laughter, and her presence became part of the foundation upon which many lives were built. Those who knew her encountered a woman who could be firm yet gentle, dignified yet approachable, accomplished yet humble. She understood responsibility and carried it faithfully. She understood family and protected it fiercely. She understood faith and lived it quietly. Her life was a testimony to the beauty of service — service to country, service to family, service to community, and service to God. Her story is one of enduring grace. She stood firm in a world that did not always make space for women like her, yet she did so without bitterness. She broke barriers without losing her tenderness. She carried honour without arrogance. She commanded respect without demanding attention. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy that cannot be measured by title alone. Brigadier-General Lucretia Hannah Modupe Domingo will be remembered as a pioneer, a soldier, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a matriarch, and a woman of uncommon grace. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable earthly journey, but not the end of her influence. Her memory lives on in her son Jinmi, in Moni, in her grandchildren, in her siblings, in her loving family, in all who knew her, and in the institutions she served with distinction. May her memory remain a blessing. May her life continue to inspire courage, gratitude, discipline, faith, service, and love.Life timeline
- 1937 — Born into Grace
On 19 November, a daughter is born in Nigeria — the beginning of a remarkable journey. - · · · — A Family of Her Own
Add the story of her marriage, her children, and the home she built. - · · · — A Pillar of Faith & Community
Add her work, her church, her service, and the legacy she gave to those around her. - 2026 — Called Home
On 22 June, surrounded by love in Lagos, she entered into eternal rest. Forever in our hearts.
Service details
Service of Songs
Thursday 23 July 2026, 16:00 · The Podium, 124 T. F Kuboye Road. By Marwa Bus Stop, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki 106104, Lagos.
Lying-in-state
Friday 24 July 2026, 08:00 · Williams Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ago-Ijaye. 1, Ondo Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
Funeral Service
Friday 24 July 2026, 10:00 · Williams Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ago-Ijaye. 1, Ondo Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
Tributes
Dear Mummy Jinmi, Your memory is indelible in our hearts. You were a very very special soul. Outside, you were the General, a leading light, a Military Commander, a star. You achieved great heights and yet once you got home, you were just Mummy. You taught us to be humble, to treat everyone with grace and dignity. Always giving us a second chance. A sweet mother to all of us, your adopted children were way too many to count or name. You taught us, reprimanded us, always wanting the best for all of us. You gave us your very best, always with love and a discipline that one never forgets. You will always remain dear to me. Thank you Mummy for everything. Your sacrifices and labours of love are not in vain. The Good Lord God has blessed all that concerns you. Rest in perfect peace, amen. Kayode Ogunsola
— Kayode Ogunsola, Son (adopted)
Auntie Dupe, you were one of the golden people in this world. Growing up, I always looked up to you and admired your kindness, warmth, and strength. You were a wonderful example to me, and I will always be grateful for the love and guidance you showed throughout my life. I will always treasure the memory of your smile, your caring nature, and the way you made everyone welcome and loved. Thank you for being such an important part of my life. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. Adieu, dear Auntie Dupe
— Stella. (Alara Cohort), Honorary Relative
A Tribute to My Beloved Cousin, Lucretia Hannah Modupe Domingo — "Dupe" Family was written into our blood long before either of us drew breath. Our roots reach back to the late Pa Joseph Shyngle of Banjul, The Gambia — father of my great-grandmother, Fanny Shyngle, and father also of Patience Maclean née Shyngle, Dupe's grandmother. But blood alone did not make us close. Love did. And Dupe loved deeply, freely, and without condition. I will never forget the tenderness she showed me in one of the most important seasons of my life. While she was away in England training as a nurse — giving her life to the care of others — she still found time to think of me. She bought my wedding dress. and the outfits for every one of my bridesmaids. And she mailed them, with her own hands and her own heart, all the way to Lagos, because even from a distance, she made sure I felt her presence on my special day. Her home in Ketu became more than a house; it became a second home for me and my children whenever we came to Lagos. Two of my children held a special place in her heart, and she in theirs. One of them lived under her roof for quite a while and was married from her home, surrounded by the love she poured into all of us. The other stayed with her throughout Law School and always returned there whenever in Lagos. She was kind to everyone who crossed her path. She was caring. She was hospitable in the truest, most Christlike sense of the word — the kind of hospitality Scripture honors when it says, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2). Dupe entertained more than strangers; she welcomed family and friends, and anyone in need of a place to belong, and she did it with joy. Scripture also speaks of a woman such as this: "Strength and honour are her clothing… She openeth her mouth with wisdom… Her children arise up, and call her blessed" (Proverbs 31:25, 26, 28). That was Dupe. That will always be Dupe. My dear cousin — Dupe, as you were fondly called by all who loved you — we held you dear, but our Father in Heaven held you dearer still. And so we do not say goodbye forever. We hold instead to the promise of Christ Himself: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). We hold to the hope that a day is coming when "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying" (Revelation 21:4). Till we meet again, never to part anymore — rest well, my beloved cousin. Your affectionate cousin, Sarah R. Wachuku, née King
— Sarah R Wachuku, Cousin
“'Aunty Dupe' as we fondly called her was a warm and wonderful woman. After my grandma, her older sister 'Mummy Lagos' passed, she made sure we still had someone who did all the grandma things - stuff you with food, give you infinite cuddles and advice you. Growing up, I always looked forward to going to Ketu because Aunty Dupe would be sitting by her window, drinking her tea and offering you food until you couldn't move. During my university years her home was always open to my friends and I for short or long stays. She told us fascinating stories of her time in the military and her life in general. When my father died, she immediately flew down to Kaduna to be with us and provided much needed comfort and peace at an extremely difficult time. Aunty Dupe, you lived a wonderful life and impacted the lives of SO many people positively. You may not be physically here any longer, but your legacy, impact and memory is deeply etched in our hearts. I love you so much Aunty. My comfort is that to be absent from the body is to be present with our Lord. Rest on in His perfect peace. Love, Mimi.”
— — Mimi Ojo-Medubi (nee Akuse)
Aunty Dupe, Grandma Dupe- words that evoke joy, peace and love. You were special- you ARE special and we still love you and miss you.
— Dupe Akuse nee NYLANDER, Niece
Darling auntie we will surely miss you. Thanks for being there for us. For the times we sat and went down memory lane. We love you. Love Tubosun and Margaret
— Tubosun and Margaret Ashiru, Nephew and Niece
Tribute to My Beloved Aunty Dupe — A Life of Honor, Service, Mercy, and Strength As I remember Auntie Dupe, my heart bows in deep gratitude. Auntie Dupe was a beloved aunt, like the second mother who helped shape the course of my life. No. 1 Fadiya Street, Ketu was always a home to me — from law school to my years in practice in Nigeria. Auntie Dupe was a woman of discipline and compassion, a leader in uniform and a refuge at home. Her life was a rare blending of duty and tenderness, and we who were blessed to know her carry that blessing like a lamp in the night. I remember Auntie’s rule when I first went to stay with her: “Rotimi, I want to see anyone who comes to my house to visit you. When you go out, make sure you tell me where you’re going.” I strictly adhered to her instructions, and so enjoyed a tremendous relationship with her. Whenever anyone came visiting, our first port of call was always upstairs — to see Auntie. Interestingly, due to her rule, she got to know all my friends, male and female. And till date, I don’t go anywhere without telling someone in my home! From the barracks to the kitchen, AuntieDupe led with dignity. “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” — Proverbs 31:25. That verse lived in her walk. In uniform, she commanded respect; in the family, she commanded love. She taught us that courage is not only in battle but in the quiet, steady choices that keep a family whole. When I was in law school, it was she who opened her home and table to me. Without any hesitation, she housed me, fed me, transported me, and gave me the peace I needed to face my studies. Her generosity was not a favor but a sacrament — a daily lesson in what it means to give without counting cost. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” — Philippians 1:3. Those words are mine for Auntie Dupe, for her kindness changed the shape of my future. When I faced the pain of rejection from my in laws, Auntie Dupe stood like an unshakable rock. She spoke truth, she interceded with wisdom, and she refused to let love be defeated by pride. Though a full Colonel in the Army at the time, Auntie Dupe went on her knees before my mother in law, pleading on my behalf. Because of her courage and counsel, the path to my acceptance became easier. She taught me that family is not only blood but the hands that lift you when others close their doors. Auntie Dupe’s life was a testimony to faith. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1. She trusted God in seasons of triumph and in seasons of trial. Even in sorrow, she offered comfort; and in victory she offered humility. Her prayers were a shelter for us, and her faith a map we could follow when we were lost. We mourn, yet we also celebrate. “But those who wait upon the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles …” — Isaiah 40:31. We hold to that promise as we commend her spirit to God. Auntie Dupe’s legacy is not only the prestigious rank she earned or the honors she wore, but the lives she fed, the doors she opened, and the dignity she taught us to carry. To Jinmi & Moni (and her adopted children), nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and all who loved her: may we all find comfort in the memory of her laughter, in the echo of her counsel, and in the countless small mercies she scattered through our days. Let her life be a standard for us — to serve with courage, to give with joy, and to love without reserve. Farewell, Dearest Granny Lagos (as my children call her), my teacher, my second mother. You sheltered me, you defended me, and you loved me into the man I am. I will carry your memory with honor. I have and will continue to tell your story to my children and theirs. Until the resurrection, rest now in the arms of the One you served with all your heart. With deepest gratitude and abiding love, Rotimi (Vidal) Wachuku
— Vidal (Rotimi) Wachuku, Nephew
My Aunty Dupe was a gem among women and a diamond among relatives. She always welcomed you with the heartiest laugh, warmest hugs and tastiest food. Following the passing of her sister, my grandmother, she stepped into the role of Grandmother to me and my siblings with such grace that we indeed did not feel a void. She was a warm place for all of us and one of the reasons we looked forward to visiting Lagos. God bless our darling Aunty Dupe We love you and you will be dearly missed
— Terfa, Grand nephew
