Mary Uyiosa Igunbor was born in Nigeria to the late Chief S.U. Ogunbor and Comfort Ogunbor and is married to Engr Godwin Igunbor over 20 years and blessed with 3 children. She was schooled throughout the districts of Nigeria. Young Mary had dreams of becoming a registered Nurse. To confirm her desire even more, her father was in an automobile accident that required constant care. Watching how the nurses cared for her dad with such compassion solidified her desire to give back to humanity. And once again, a devastating experience caused her to want to be a part of a profession that gave so much.
While in school, her cousin died from tetanus while delivering a baby girl by way of cesarean section. The child would be a challenge to raise but Mary took on the challenge, even as a young, single woman. Mary graduated as a registered nurse in 1980 and worked in various fields ranging from medical surgery to labour and delivery for 14 years before coming to the United States.
In 1994, Mary came to the United States; alone, pregnant and nowhere to go, she found herself at the Star of Hope Family Shelter. Determined to be reunited with the two children she left in Nigeria, Mary resolved to work hard and make her life fulfilling, in December 1996, she sent for her two children to come to the states, the site of their new four bedroom home in Katy, Texas.
In early 1998, Mary was given a charge that she believes was by God to care for orphans and widows in affliction. That was not what Mary had planned for her life so she ignored the calling. The more she ignored the calling, the more problems she seemed to face. With her life now in total disarray, Mary gave in and said “yes” to the call of God.
In November 1998, along with Evangelist Vera Thompkins, Mary returned to Nigeria to establish an orphanage. The first child they had the opportunity to rescue was a baby girl that had been aborted 32 weeks of pregnancy. The doctor that performed the abortion was coheresed into giving them the baby. Mary took the infant to a hospital and paid the bills in order to save her life, the baby was named Faith and was eventually adopted out to an American woman.
While in school, her cousin died from tetanus while delivering a baby girl by way of cesarean section. The child would be a challenge to raise but Mary took on the challenge, even as a young, single woman. Mary graduated as a registered nurse in 1980 and worked in various fields ranging from medical surgery to labour and delivery for 14 years before coming to the United States.
In 1994, Mary came to the United States; alone, pregnant and nowhere to go, she found herself at the Star of Hope Family Shelter. Determined to be reunited with the two children she left in Nigeria, Mary resolved to work hard and make her life fulfilling, in December 1996, she sent for her two children to come to the states, the site of their new four bedroom home in Katy, Texas.
In early 1998, Mary was given a charge that she believes was by God to care for orphans and widows in affliction. That was not what Mary had planned for her life so she ignored the calling. The more she ignored the calling, the more problems she seemed to face. With her life now in total disarray, Mary gave in and said “yes” to the call of God.
In November 1998, along with Evangelist Vera Thompkins, Mary returned to Nigeria to establish an orphanage. The first child they had the opportunity to rescue was a baby girl that had been aborted 32 weeks of pregnancy. The doctor that performed the abortion was coheresed into giving them the baby. Mary took the infant to a hospital and paid the bills in order to save her life, the baby was named Faith and was eventually adopted out to an American woman.
