Homegoing Service Program Celebrating Our Matriarch Odester “ObiDiya” Nchege Processional Master of Ceremony
Deacon Egwuonwu Kalu Ume (EK) Celebration in Song: “The Goodness of God” Atlanta West Pentecostal Worship Team
Prayer of Comfort
Pastor John Scott Christ Culture Church
The Scriptures
Bishop Connally Dion Hill Old Testament & New Testament
Obituary
Kindly Read in Silence
Reflections
Mrs. Charlotte Marion-Sanks Charisse Adanna Nchege Mrs. Pamela Njoku-Obi Emege Kalu Nchege Celebration in Song: “WayMaker” Atlanta West Pentecostal Worship Team
Eulogy
Pastor Darrell Johns Atlanta West Pentecostal Church
Recessional
Obituary Odester “ObiDiya” Nchege Odester “Obidiya” Nchege (nee Brown) was born on February 28, 1943, to Luanna and Tommy Mack Brown in Hurtsboro, AL, where she grew up and created countless cherished memories with her grandmother and other family members. She peacefully departed this life surrounded by her devoted children on January 24, 2024, at the age of 80. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, the Honorable Dr. Kalu Ndukwe Nchege (D:2023); her parents, Luanna and Tommy Mack Brown; her sisters - Eva Marion (Robert), Bobbie Daniels (Arthur), Susie Woods, Patricia Brown, and Elizbeth Brown; her brothers Howard “Hot” Brown, Tommy Mack Brown, Jr., and Frank Brown. Odester was truly a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She devoted her life to her family and close friends, nurturing and supporting them with boundless love and devotion. Her kindness, compassion, encouragement, and gentle spirit left an indelible mark on all she crossed paths with. Her journey with her soulmate, Dr. Kalu Ndukwe Nchege, began on May 26, 1958, at Tuskegee University (formerly Tuskegee Institute), where they met. Their love story, marked by “love at first sight”, blossomed into a lifelong partnership. On June 6, 1966, Odester (Obi) and Kalu were united in marriage, creating a bond that endured for 56 years until February 23, 2023 when precious Kalu passed away. In 1967, Odester graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She began her professional career in Nigeria as a Chemistry teacher at Holy Ghost College(High school in Nigeria). She was then promoted to Assistant Principal where she guided and helped to mold young men in general. In time, a new school was created and
Odester was offered the position of Founding Principal. She was charged with starting and building Imerienwe Girls Secondary School, in Umu Nam, Ngor-Okpala local government area of Imo State, Nigeria. Her contributions to the field of education were immeasurable, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and excellence that continues to inspire. The school still stands and operates today. While in Nigeria, Odester joined a group of women who, like her, were married to Nigerians. The group was called Friends Abroad and was made-up of women who came from all parts of the world. They developed a friendship that truly became a sisterhood, where they shared their thoughts, their fears, and their customs. They were a support group for each other. Odester loved and supported each member as they supported her. When Odester returned to the United States in the mid 80’s, she worked at several places including Crawford Long Hospital, AT&T and Alltel Communications, until her retirement in 2002. In her leisure time, Odester found joy in cooking, crafting, sewing, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her infectious enthusiasm uplifted those around her, and her passion for making a difference touched countless lives. Odester leaves behind a loving family, including her four children: Nnena Ugo Nchege, Chinyere Odester Atiba (Greg), Onyeka Ndukwe Nchege (Yulanda) and Emege Kalu Nchege (Stephanie); ten grandchildren: Charisse Adanna, Christopher Ikenna, Kalu, Aderounke, Nnenna, Chetachi, Adewunmi, Adesewa, Onyeka Connally and Askia; three great-grandchildren: Noel Obiuto, Nikolas Obinna, and Naomi Ogechi; one God-daughter: Arisa Moses Ashley and a host of nieces, nephews, great friends and colleagues. While she may no longer be with us in body, her memory will forever reside in the hearts of all who loved her. May Odester Obidiya Nchege rest in eternal peace, knowing she was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
Family
Griends Abroad
Grandchildren
Ma & Daddy
Umuaka
Testimonials
Hello Nchege family, I met Obi and her family around the late 70’s in Owerri, Nigeria. Remembering Odester as a very learnt person, a wonderful conversationalist, a homemaker, and a loving mother. Obi and others were instrumental in starting Friends Aboard bringing our families together for many awesome activities and support for American/Nigerian wives and their families. Obi, I will miss all our phone conversations past and present. You will always be loved. You earned your wings. Rest In Peace Lara Nkume Flint, Michigan I adored Obi for her wisdom, her humor, and her kind acceptance. I absolutely love her, and I always will. It will take a whole month to write what she means to me, so I’ll stop here. Nikki Nwosu Columbus, Ohio Some of my favorite memories with Obi were the times we took our children to the swimming hole down behind the Claretian Seminary in Nekede. Neither Obi nor I were much interested in swimming, but I thoroughly enjoyed our time together on the beach while our children and others tubed down the river. I so admired Obi and loved her for her graciousness, her advice, her smile, her laugh, and her friendship. Ijeoma, Obi. Geri Torti Madison, Wisconsin I am enjoying a fond memory of Obi’s unfailing kindness and unwavering wisdom that helped guide me during our days in Owerri, Nigeria. RIP! Dr. Carolynn Brown Ukpaka Arlington, TX
I am grateful to God for meeting Obi in Nigeria. She played a crucial role in making my transition smoother by offering consistent support, encouragement, and inspiration. Obi’s humor, loyalty, and thoughtfulness were truly remarkable. Some of my fondest memories of Obi included our potluck dinners and holiday celebrations. Obi’s love for her family, children, husband, and close friends was truly admirable. While we pray for strength and comfort for her family, we find solace in the belief that she is reunited with her husband, Kalu. As mentioned in the scripture: “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down, we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” (2 Corin. 5:1 NLT) Gratitude fills our hearts for the time spent with Obi, and her absence will be deeply felt. To Nnenna and the family, please know you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We send our love. Mary Anyaehie & Family, Middletown, DE. “It is what it is”, Obi was fond of saying about life’s setbacks, and “We know what can’t be changed must be endured.” The truth is we are hurt by your death but sweet memories of you linger on for you left us a legacy of love. May God enfold you in his arms for you belong to him and was on loan to us. Thank you, God for her! PS I hope you and Kalu are eating fruit food in heaven. Renee Egu Maryland My heart aches this A M. But I’m very happy I had the opportunity to spend quality time with your Mom - almost every morning on the telephone with Obi. There was a song I sang to Obi, entitled, An Evening Prayer. by C M Battersby (An old song but we loved it.). (My regret is I never had the opportunity to record it and send that song to Obi, as she requested). “If I have wounded any soul today, If I had caused one foot to go astray, If I had walked in my own willful way, dear Lord, forgive.” Such a beautiful song. Obi loved hearing me sing that song. As I sing it daily, going from one room to the other, as tears roll down my cheeks, I always think of my friend, who has gone on to glory. She has done what each of us living souls has yet to do. Let us not procrastinate. I did, but Obi understood. That was who she was, one who didn’t judge, one who understood a friend who may have forgotten what she had promised. I’m missing my friend, but one day, I’ll meet her on the other side. Keep the faith, my nephews and nieces. If I can help the family in any way, please let me know. Love each of you, Aunt Dee Delores Ibeh-Parker & Family
*OBI DIYA: FARE WELL AND REST PEACEFULLY* You were truly OBI DIYA. *Oso Di E’pie Ofįa* This great woman followed her LOVE to a very remote part of Africa - Amangwu; at a time of relative darkness in the continent; and very little development in the community. She joined her husband in lighting up Amangwu. They invested hugely in agriculture. They built a modern farm estate, AMANCHEGE FARMS, in Amangwu, the very first of such modern farm estates within the Ohafia axis and neighboring towns. The project created jobs for the average adult resident in Amangwu and Ohafia at large. This boosted the economy of the community. She was supportive of her husband’s political pursuits which saw him being elected into the then Imo State House of Assembly. This elevated the political profile of Amangwu and projected the community positively all over Ohafia and beyond. (That has so far been the highest political height Amangwu has attained). That was the extent of Obi Diya’s love, strength, and commitment to the community of her heartthrob, Dr. Kalu Nchege; This was their story until Nigeria happened to them. Wò sòdįkwa kpakpa fįfį_ We were young, but we admired you, Obi Diya. That admiration inspired us. At the right time, am sure, Amangwu will most honorably remember you. Farewell, Obi Diya Kalu Nchege. Lerua anya, *Oso Di E’pie Ofia*! Dike, COO Amangwu Community Development Union
Acknowledgements Your words have comforted us… Your support has strengthened us… And your love has sustained us. Thank you for your kindness during our deepest sadness. It is sincerely appreciated and will always be remembered. With love from the family of Mrs. Odester “Obidiya” Nchege
Interment Sunday, February 18, 2024 2:00 pm CST | 3:00 pm EST Saint Paul A.M.E Cemetery 3 Alabama 51 Hurtsboro, Alabama 36860
Pall Bearers
Flower Bearers
Uwem Akpan
Peggy Sue Daniels
Dexter Bridges
Robbie Daniels
G. Raymond Diguei
Maureen Ihejeto
Barry Marion
Timolyn Welch Jeter
Bartholomew Njoku-Obi, Jr.
Coanna McGee
Chukwuemeka Kenneth Okehi
Shavon McGee
Okoto Ufere Torti
Moya Montgomery
Ume Kalu Ume
Sharan Okehi Stella Uche Luanna Woods
Services Entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home and Chapel, Inc. 907 Church Street Ext. N.W. Marietta, Georgia 30060
Interment Services Entrusted to Stovall Funeral Home 605 Main Street Hurtsboro, Alabama 36860