JOSEPH OKECHUKU NZELIBE (Onyenkuzi or Teacher), age 82, passed away on August 9, 2011. Beloved husband of Faith (nee Filipak). Dear brother of Emily. Loving father of Adaora (Eric Schmiedl), Jide (Uzoamaka), Chika (Sally) and Sobechi. Devoted grandfather of Ezekiel, Arthur, Raluchi and Shanti. Brother-in-law of Zo Sykora (Keith) and dear uncle and adopted father of Emmanuel Anozie; Nnamdi and Ikenna Nzelibe; Chiedu Nzelibe, Lilian Nworah, Obiageli Nwabugo, Ifeanyi Nzelibe and many others.
Born in Ihiala, Nigeria, Onyenkuzi is deeply mourned by his extended Umunwajiobi family, represented by his uncle Ven. Prof. Edmond Ilogu. Celebration of Life service, Wake and Homegoing Ceremony will occur at St. John’s Episcopal/Anglican Church (4112 34th Street - on 34th Street by Mount Rainier - MD 20712-1948) on August 26, 2011 from 7PM to midnight. Funeral in Ihiala, Nigeria is being planned for Fall 2011. Onyenkuzi is going home.
Donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland Ohio or to the Joseph Nzelibe Homegoing Fund at http://www.microgiving.com/profile/anschmiedl.
To view slideshow of Joseph click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm6e8hfUFFM&feature=youtu.be
Forever in our Hearts
A million times we needed you,
A million times we cried,
If love alone would have saved you,
You would of never died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still,
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one can ever fill.
A light from our household is gone,
A million times we needed you,
A million times we cried,
If love alone would have saved you,
You would of never died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still,
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one can ever fill.
A light from our household is gone,
Papa, it adds to the grief that I didn't get to see you again since you left to Ohio. Left to your "spirit" you will continue to fight but you always resort to the will of God. For the time I've known you, you are such a God-fearing man. We love you but God loves you most. Ijeoma
Its very sad to hear that my uncle is no more. D little tym we stayed together at st silas church ihiala, i saw him 2 be a fine gentleman. he was honest, God loving, kind and compassionate. to you Aunty, Adaora, Jide, Chika and Sobie i say, take heart, and be strong. PASTOR ALEX
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Forever in our Hearts
A million times we needed you,
A million times we cried,
If love alone would have saved you,
You would of never died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still,
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one can ever fill.
A light from our household is gone,
A million times we needed you,
A million times we cried,
If love alone would have saved you,
You would of never died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still,
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one can ever fill.
A light from our household is gone,
Gallery
Kelechi's Baptism 2010
C&S Wedding Pics 6-24-2006-
Chika&Sally Wedding Pics 6-24-2006-
Thanksgiving 2009
Breaking of Kola Nut 2010
Breaking of Kola Nut 2010
Giving Blessings 2010
Kelechi's Babtism 2010
Father's Day Brunch 2010
Recent stories
Remembering
You taught me that life is full of unexpected turns. Each obstacle is an opportunity for growth, to make an imprint, to forgive, and to live life in its simplest form with LOVE! You are in my heart and every day I will cherish the blessings you've provided. You've always said "Live each day doing your best and with no regrets. The things you can't control,let it go and leave it to God."
I remember when I was around five and we were living by UNTH in Enugu, I wanted to go every where with you. I always threw a tantrum and cried when I couldn't join you. There was one day I saw you going to the car. I ran down the stairs like my life depended on it and tried to enter the car. Chika was with you at the time and you told him to get me out. I started crying saying "I want to go!". You then told me that you'll come back to get me. I instantly smiled sat on the gravel and watched you drive away. I sat in the driveway waiting for 15 minutes before realizing you weren't coming back and resumed crying. Mom saw me crying and took me back to the house.
When you came home later that day, I ran to you saying "You lied to me! You didn't come back." The look you gave me had me pause, thinking I was going to get a beating right then and there. Instead you said " Sobechi Kunie Nzelibe, I'm here as promised. You need patience sometimes the things you want is different from what you need..." That moment and many other wise lessons you've imparted stayed with me. Even till today I want badly to be with you, but your journey now is to be with God. I need to embrace and cherish the precious memories you left and live in your honor.