Nkechinye Onyemalechi Chiedozi

October 6, 1970 – July 8th, 2022

TRIBUTE TO CHICHI

Nkechinye Onyemalechi Chiedozi known to most of us as Chichi and Chichi-ly was born on 6th October,1970 in New York City, USA. Two more siblings joined her as the years went by and she mothered them and became the rock we all relied on.

She started her elementary education in New York City and was a beautiful and bright child. She also attended University of Benin Staff School, Benin City, for her primary education and Federal Government College, Ilorin, Kwara State for her secondary education where she made some of her lifelong friends. She attended the University of Benin, Benin City briefly and transferred to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Economics. While at Ekpoma, Chichi found her love for God and joined the Believers Love World.

Chichi would soon relocate to the United States of America which become her new home.
She worked for Norfolk Southern Railway for many years and made friends from all works of life.
One day, she woke up and decided she wanted to care for sick people.
She disengaged from her place of work and went back to Nursing School.
She was so passionate about her patients I often wished she could come over to Nigeria to care for and nurse my patients.

She continued to grow in her faith and never forced it on anyone. She believed that through love people would come around. She never had a negative word about anyone, rather she always tried to see a different perspective that might explain people’s behavior or attitude. Having worked as a Nurse for a couple of years, Chichi decided to become a Travel Nurse, this way she could travel around as well as care for sick people. California had been on her mind for years even though we didn’t understand it. She moved out to California in January, 2022 and enjoyed working here.

As a family we are mourning our loss but because we know how much Chichi loved God, we rejoice that she is with her Father in Heaven. We will forever have her in our hearts but in her memory, we will ensure that we remain close to God and make it to heaven too; for this was the very essence of her life.

She was a daughter, sister, in-law, auntie, friend, prayer partner, confidant, among others, but above all she was God’s child.

Chichi we love you but God loves you most. Continue to rest in peace in the bossom of the Lord.

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.

ADIEU.

Nini Shagaya

A funeral will be held at 10am on Wednesday, August 10 at Allen Mortuary. Burial will follow at Ceres Memorial Park

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Condolences(59)

Selbien says
August 8, 2022 at 11:42 pm

Words can’t explain how much I miss you more and more everyday aunty. I love you but God loves you more. Rip aunty chichi
Uchenna Nwosu says
August 8, 2022 at 10:14 pm

Oh my dear ChiChi! I kept avoiding this because of the fear that it would bring me to tears but I need to share with the everyone what you meant to me and to others around you.

You were such a sweet, funny, happy, kind, positive, intelligent person and most of all a devout christian. I am so happy I got to meet you during our uni days and we built a solid friendship and sisterhood, you were a breath of fresh air. You had a funny perspective to almost everything and it was so hard not to laugh whenever you were around even in my angriest moment. ChiChi, you had a deep side to you with abundant wisdom which surprised some people who didn’t know you well, I am happy to have benefited hugely from your wise counsel on so many occasions; I remember how you had a way of using rhetorical questions to help me make decisions.

ChiChi, I remember how I used to tease you about telling me a full 1 hour long story when I needed only a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer to something that you did; I am laughing so hard now remembering those funny moments. You will be missed so much.

I remember the times when you would give all the money in your pocket to someone who was hungry or needed to pay for a bike ride to campus and to my shock there was nothing left for you to use. What a selfless human being!

I remember the play you organized at uni to help get people closer to Our Lord God Almighty and the roles we both played. What a rare gem you were.

Over the years when we reconnected after uni, you were still there for me to confide in. Your departure has taken us by surprise as we knew how strong you were but we cannot question Our Lord God Almighty for wanting you back with Him.

I feel blessed, honored and privileged to have known you ChiChi and you will always be in my heart. Rest in peace my darling friend, sister and confidant, I love you and always will.
Tony & Tolu Oni says
August 6, 2022 at 9:12 pm

Always will remember your smile and unique laugh! Really missed for the joy and light you shared so freely and gracefully in every season. Your faith and optimism a constant.

The brief phone contact on July 4, may have turned out our last on this earth, however, only for the time being, as God’s love and abundant grace, gives us hope, faith and the certainty that we will see you again someday at the bosom of Jesus Christ.

No doubt your life was impactful to all you crossed path with, including those who knew you well. You were a dear sister and a true friend to us…caring, loving, giving, and hospitable, just to name a few.

A couple decades ago, though feels like yesterday, when you ministered the song “Great is thy faithfulness” at our wedding in Atlanta. You touched our hearts then and you continue to even now, beyond your passing. We never hear that song without remembering you making that day extra special for us.

Our dear Sister Chichi, you will forever be lovingly remembered. Rest in Perfect Peace.
Grace Berezi says
August 6, 2022 at 6:39 pm

Sister Chicihi Rest In Peace i will miss you but I know you are in a better place where there is no pain I remember when you were teaching us songs in the Church choir and when we went to Houston for church programs you so sweet and kind to me
Iyamah says
August 5, 2022 at 2:45 pm

Dear Chichi, we will miss you so much. we are happy you are in paradise. May your soul rest in peace. Sir & Lady C Iyamah
Dad says
August 5, 2022 at 12:05 pm

Chichi, on October 6, 1970 when you
were handed to me just after you were born, I was greatly elated, for you had just made, for the first time, a proud father. Over the years, you remained a wonderful and loving daughter. You captained your siblings so well that we, your parents, were presented with the most caring and most considerate and the best children in the world.
It tears my heart to think that I am writing an obituary for you instead of you writing one for me. It fills my heart with tears and dismay trying to accept that you have joined the ancestors before us, your parents.
Good Lord, Our Creator, it is your Will to call Chichi home ahead of her parents, so I thank you for giving her to us for almost 52 years. Please Father, she went through some really difficult problems while on this side of life. With a firm trust in You, she overcame most of them. Please bring into your eternal garden of peace and happiness. Please give us her mourning family the healing courage to bear her passing away.
Chichi your memory will remain evergreen in our hearts.
Ada Chiedozi, kachifoa.
Grace Umejei says
August 5, 2022 at 6:47 am

Beautiful flower, beautiful bloom, short stay. Chi Chi hard to deal with, hard to believe you are gone but a solid reminder that this is not our home. I believe you are with The Father and you are finally free. Keep the praise on baby until we meet on resurrection
morning.
Kanene says
August 4, 2022 at 8:43 pm

Big sis, words fail me. You were such a beautiful person and I will miss you and our chats.
Rest in peace, Chichi.
ANTHONY NWABUZOR says
August 1, 2022 at 10:30 pm

Chichi my wonderful and ever cheerful Big Sis. Your passing on really shocked me and I will surely miss you. I can still remember our last conversation over the phone a few months back and how you prayed for me… May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace with the Lord. . Amen
Louisa Ojogwu says
August 1, 2022 at 10:05 pm

Gone way too soon!!! Chichi, may your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace with the Lord .

You will be missed
Aunty Tamuno says
August 1, 2022 at 9:56 pm

My dear Chi Chi.
The last time I saw you, a beautiful, exuberant young woman, was in Broad Street, Lagos, at the premises of the then Savannah Bank of Nigeria. That chance meeting was after many years away from Benin City, where we all lived and I would visit your mom and share meals with you and your siblings .

It was a huge shock to be informed of your passage

These three weeks I have been unable to resist asking the question “why”? albeit, a rhetoric question that offers no answers. It is not fair that you should be taken from us, beautiful soul, at the prime of your youth and beauty.

Our comfort is the legacy you left behind. You kept a perfect testimony that runs through the lines of the tributes paid to you, by those who were closest to you these last two/three decades of your life, — that you are “a child of God”. There is no argument about that.

We would have liked to still have you with us, BUT we submit, painfully, to the will of Father, to recall you at this time. Your memory leaves on in our hearts.

May your beautiful soul find its rest in eternal peace. We miss you and we love you.

❣️.
Anthony Nwaozomudoh says
August 1, 2022 at 8:51 pm

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints – Psalm 116: 15

Chichi dear, I never expected in my worst nightmare that I’d be writing this piece about you. I was in denial when I heard on the phone ‘Uncle Tony, brace yourself, my dad wants to tell you something sad’ and I was informed of your shocking exit. This morning, many days later, I thought that not writing this tribute could make it seem like you never really left, that you’re still here, and somehow all of this was a mistake.

When you sent Muna’s picture years ago and we celebrated, I assumed you would be around long enough to showcase your relationship with the Lord for her benefit.

I have kept a brave face in public since that phone call, but it’s been a different story in private these past three weeks. If God (Who loves you more than all of us) had sought our opinion on the matter, a selfish part of me would have kept you here still. Yes, I know where you have gone to, on the authority of scripture, but I actually wondered after the phone call, if we accepted the news too soon. You were a praying woman, Chichi. Could our prayers on behalf of a praying person not have made a difference? Who knows . . . ?

In the pain that we struggle with over your sudden exit, I am consoled that you ran your race well, and finished strong in the LORD. When the trumpet sounds, I expect to see you with no more health challenges, as we truly celebrate the ultimate victory on that day.

Rest from your labours, ada. It is well !

UncleTony
Wendy Adaeze Gregory Josephat says
July 31, 2022 at 11:54 pm

My dearest Chichi. I’m pained and really numb. I honestly don’t know what to write or where to start from but I miss u so much. I’ve wanted to call you so many times to tell you one thing or the other. I even wanted to tell you about you. Then it dawned on me again and again I’m comforted that you are definitely smiling and overjoyed being with Jesus. So much to say , Chichi. You are irreplaceable. Thank you for being. Thank you for the brief time you spent with us. Brief yet soooo impact-full. We will continue to relish in the memories we created while you were here (can’t believe I’m talking in past tense). Rest on Sis. I’m so glad CHICHI LIVES ON!
Aunt Patricia says
July 31, 2022 at 6:48 pm

Your demise shock me to the bones, its like a dream. Our Father Jehovah knows what happens to each and everyone of us. Rest in perfect peace in the bosom of our Father Jehovah. Adieu my Love, Chichilai.
George Onokwai says
July 31, 2022 at 7:18 am

Chichi, the news of your transition was very sad, unbelievable, devastating and heart rendering……you left indelible marks in the sands of time as all who knew you or have heard about you and what you represent are at pains to understand and accept the reality that you have left this sinful world. The pain is really hard .but as painful as it is, we cannot question but accept God’s will. May God be merciful to you, forgive you your shortcomings and grant you fair judgement. May He grant your soul peaceful rest in His bossom. May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace,Amen .
We are consoled by the legacy you left behind and pledge to uphold same.
We love you but God loves you more. ADIEU Chichi until we meet again on resurrection day. ( George O. Onokwai)
Jc nwariaku says
July 29, 2022 at 5:57 am

Wow, chichi.
This is unbelievable. I remember when we were fresh from NYSC and you were full of encouragement when we were job hunting. You took me to cell fellowship then and helped me get a new perspective on things. You were such an optimist. I stayed with you at stone mountain when I visited the states way back. Even though I was a friend to your cousin ,you treated me like your own friend. You were so bubbly and took setbacks with a comeback in mind. You indeed are a rare gem. Your optimism and love for prayer were so infectious. You are now in the blossom of our heavenly father, I am sure you are looking out for us. Adieu
Nkechi Agoh says
July 28, 2022 at 8:40 pm

ChiChi, may your soul rest in perfect peace with the Lord, Amen❤️

To the Chiedozi’s, the Lord is your strength
Uche says
July 28, 2022 at 7:24 pm

Dear ChiChi

I last saw you in Benin all those many years ago when as a young child. I would visit in company of my mum. You were beautiful through and through and had a smile that drew people in; a smile which I see remained through the years. I wish I were writing this under completely different circumstances but, I am thankful that in the midst of our sorrow and pain , we can find comfort in the fact that among your many accolades, achievements and relationships as a daughter, a sister, an aunty, a confidant and a friend; you were “…above all, God’s child”. Rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus, big sis, xx
Ronke Rufai-Olufowobi says
July 28, 2022 at 7:36 am

Chi-Chi,we love you but God love you more than us,may your soul rest in perfect peace. Good night.
Comfort ladong says
July 27, 2022 at 8:34 pm

Aunty, oh my dear aunty . You won the battle aunty. Today I thank the almighty God for your life and the beautiful memories you left with us. Rest well aunty until we meet again.
Dipo Rufai says
July 27, 2022 at 10:55 am

Hearing of your passing was heart breaking. You were not just a cousin to me, you were also a big sister too Remembering your NYSC days with us at Ikoyi, you were such a fun, caring and loving person and your love for God was not in doubt. I take solice that you lived for God and we know you are resting in his bosom. We thank the Lord for the time we spent with you and the impact you had in our lives. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord dear Chi Chi.
Iyabo says
July 27, 2022 at 6:12 am

I’m still in shock and can’t believe you’re gone from this world. I check your WhatsApp “ last seen “ date and that is now a constant reminder of the reality of your departure.
You were always so full of life,jovial and never a dull moment with you. You loved and doted on the family especially your nephews and nieces. You also loved the Lord and your faith in Him was unwavering.
Your last gesture to me was sending me a personalised gold neck chain during my 50th birthday. I was touched and moved by your kind gesture even though we hadn’t been in touch for awhile. Looking back now….. it feels like a last parting gift.
Chichi…. My dearest cousin and sister… I will forever miss you. You may be gone from this world but you’ll never be forgotten. Your memory lives on in our hearts and minds. Rest in the bosom of the Lord almighty.
Emeka Enechi says
July 26, 2022 at 4:10 pm

Ada Ojogu. The Surgeon’s Fingers. Intelligence is your name, were you born of Urhobo stock. Obi Dim, were it to be. Providence knew you were too good.

Your commitment to friendship. Your loyalty to love. Your resolve to love in blindness. Your ever will to help. Your sincerity, even in most difficult circumstances. Your patience and understanding. Your uncanny ability to forgive. Your laughter. Your wit.

Not even death can take these away from me.

While we are sleep in the here now, Congrats for waking up to the wonders of eternity.

I do not miss you, for you are not gone. You just traveled to await us in the City of Gold streets.

Thank you for the beauties you showed and gave. I know you will give even greater when we all gather in the city of gold streets.

Caesar no longer seeks praise, He has finally been buried. I can now smile, knowing you are laughing.
OlaSule says
July 26, 2022 at 9:09 am

What a loss!
ChiChi you brought so much joy back in the day when I lived with your cousins, Yinka, Iyabo, Dipo and Bisola.
I looked forward to holidays as I knew you’d be around and there would never be a dull
moment. From your lectures about skin care ( you really were a girl before your time!) to our silly dancing competitions.
Thanks for so many happy memories.
Rest in peace
Oppsy Adebola says
July 26, 2022 at 7:24 am

Chichi…..My dear sister from another mother. You are such a light bearer and a child of God. You helped me in my journey of life and impacted me in many ways. I can’t believe this because we still wished ourselves happy new month in July. God knows better and we cannot question him. You are a beautiful soul and I will miss you greatly. Your kindness is immeasurable and your word of encouragement is unquantifiable. I know you are in a better place. Rest on sister. Love you greatly