EULOGY FOR LADY CHRISTIE UZODIKE
OUR PEACEFUL DOVE
GOD’S ANGEL IN DISGUISE
Though gone from our sight, not from our heart!
I have the honour and privilege to pay tribute to an incredible and irreplaceable Lady in our lives, my beloved Sister-in-Law, Christie. Oh Chris, amiable daughter of Zion, daughter of the renowned Traditional Ruler of Aku, His Royal Highness, Late Chief Anyika of Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area. Wife of our beloved late Dr. Ben. C. Uzodike, Mother of five amazing children. A piece of beauty and elegance, soft spoken, honest, clothed with admirable simplicity, humility, gentility, and love. Beautiful in the inside as she was on the out. She was a beautiful soul, kind with her words, never with meanness or malice, always generous with grace. My Sister- in- law, Chris, “Oje na nwayo”.
Chris born and raised by her parents grew up receiving solid foundation for life. After her Primary School Education, she proceeded to the most prestigious mission school then, St. Monica's Girls School, Ogbunike. There, Chris sprouted and blossomed. Her talents and leadership qualities were discovered by the school administration and effectively utilized. She was appointed the hostess of the large student’s Refectory in 1954. It was in there, I saw this elegant Hostess, managing the entire students and making sure all had a pleasurable experience.
On completing the two-year programme, Chris proceeded to the higher level of college for another two-years, where she embraced the call to the noble teaching profession. On graduation, she became a teacher, a lover of children. A goldfish has no hiding place. Such a dedicated pretty teacher in a mission school could not go unnoticed. She was easily spotted for marriage to the first son of late Rt. Rev. L.M Uzodike, the then Anglican Bishop on the Niger.
In 1964, Chris married Late Doctor B.C.Uzodike, who later became the MD, Fazal Hospital, Aba. Chris, in subsequent years, had sisters-in-law and as the first, laid such peaceful foundation for mutual co-existence amongst the wives that made them move and behave like blood sisters, in the Bishop's Family - “A virtuous wife who can find, her husband called her blessed”.
Chris and husband became two-in-one, the bone of his bone and the flesh of his flesh. Genuine love flourished. Their esprit the corps could not be quantified. Everything was happily done in love and unison. This truly was a marriage from Heaven!
Soon after the civil war,1970, with their compassionate mind and love, they put up a gigantic house to accommodate other siblings and their families returning from the war areas. This house became the habitation for many, a rallying point for all at Christmas, Easter, festive periods, weekend visits to the Bishop by different families. Some got accommodation to live there till they were able to put up their own houses. Chris and Ben made this sacrifice, which enabled others to grow and flourish. Everyone was received with joy, laughter, open minds, and hands. The house was free for both the young and the old, Papa’s grandchildren running up and down the stairs, doing their hide-and-seek. The living room was the starting and end point for all celebrations at Christmas and other holidays. It takes a kind, sweetheart, selfless, compassionate, and loving woman to harbor this, without complaining or murmuring. She can never be charged for selfishness. She was our family “Mother Theresa”.
Chris, I am consistently amazed at how seemingly, effortlessly, you were able to pull everyone together for years. You made your house a Village Square, a place of joy, play, a meeting place for your husband's siblings and elders, a place of relaxation and fun, a place of bonding and love – Indeed a Unity Palace. I remember myriads of plates spread all over your kitchen to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all. We remember all these with love and say thank you for your huge sacrifice and love.
Chris was very devoted to her Lord and Saviour. She truly exemplified the character and integrity of a true Christian and lived that life to her absolute best. She prayed without ceasing, fasted, clinging to her Bible. Reading and studying her Bible was her Daily Bread. A Christian woman and leader by quiet examples as she remained humble and gentle. We all are living witnesses of her generosity and loving heart for service.
She was a wise woman that built her house on a solid foundation. Her husband, a jolly good fellow, light-hearted, fun-filled Doctor loved, cherished, and dotted her to the admiration and joy of other people. Her usual response was BC!!!!!, This she would gleefully say with a chuckle. She worked tirelessly for her home, doing house chores, cooking, grooming the children, was resilient, committed and always there for the family when needed. Sometimes in life, trials, hurts, pain do occur, but through them all, Chris, rock solid in God came through them all like a Champion.
Oh Chris! your children, sisters, brothers, friends, and extended family are in pain, we are wailing, weeping, missing you terribly and will not be comforted. We are all grieving, but not like those with no hope, for the amazing lady you were and the sweet relationship we all had with you, so precious and memorable.
When the call came, as peaceful as you lived, so very peacefully, you were transitioned into Glory. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints”. Our Sister, it is too hard to say goodbye, we will miss you terribly till the end of time. We will always cherish the times and memories we shared together. We miss you more than words can say. We commit you into Gods’ hands and congratulate you as you receive the glorious welcome, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” and you will once again hold hands with your love, Ben, B…C!
Adieu, Adieu, Adieu, Beautiful. Abound in union with the Lord and possess the sweet communion which the earth cannot afford. Rest in Peace, Love you Dear Chris.
LADY VICTORIA UZODIKE
