April 3rd, 1929
June 9th, 2025
96 Years
Ezinne Grace was born to Chief Dickson and Mary Nwalor of Umuekugo, Ogbor, Mbaise, a family where discipline, obedience and order ruled. She told us that “Yes sir, yes sir ejigh afu nkele ukwu” (Yes sir, yes sir, does not result in a kick). She expected obedience from us when we were given house chores. As the first daughter of her parents, she took pride in being the “Ada” and liked to be called Ada Nwalor. She was the third of five children. At their tender ages, shortly after the birth of their youngest sibling, these youngsters lost their mother. Although they were temporarily cared for by their maternal grandmother, they had a challenging start in life and were often physically separated. Nevertheless, they developed an utmost life-long love and bonding with one another. Ada Nwalor spoke with passion about her siblings. “Dedem Theo” as she called her oldest brother Theophilus, who is now 100 years old. “De Mafry”, Godfrey, her immediate older brother, who has departed to be with The Lord. “Nwaozichi”, Elizabeth, her 93 year old immediate younger sister and “Christo”, Christopher, her youngest brother, who has departed to be with The Lord.
Although Mama Grace did not go beyond the early years of formal schooling, she nurtured education. She ensured we could learn and be successful in school. She made sure we were fed and groomed for school. When I lost my high school examination fee at a very critical time right after the civil war, Mama Grace worked extraordinarily hard to make enough gari which she sold to replace it without saying a word to our dad.
Ezinne Grace had a rich and fulfilled marriage and life. In her marriage with the Late Jonah Ogbonna Uzoije, she was blessed with 8 children: Patience Ucheoma (Maximus), Chukwuemeka ( late Jean), Chinedum (Ihuoma), Nkemakolam (Rose), Okechukwu ( late Chinuru), Ndubuisi (Ebere), Chinyeaka (Clement) and Ejighikemeuwa “Ejike” (Bolaji). She was exclusively nurturing and caring yet she exercised discipline and order and expected obedience. We were raised to engage in all household duties, there were no male or female chores. She took exceptional care of us and made sure we were well-dressed with new custom-made outfits on every harvest Sunday. Mama Grace was our first dentist, barber and personal hygienist. Her dental expertise is the reason that I still have all my teeth till this day. Her kitchen nourished love and passion. Her hands and shoulders provided reassurance and comfort in sickness and at the sight of those old-time terrifying December masquerades that could take the breath off my life!
Ezinne Grace had an unshakable belief and faith in God and trusted everything to The Lord. She loved to praise and worship God. In her younger years, her beautiful soprano voice could be heard and cherished at a distance during our family song and praise worship led by our late father, Paa Jonah Uzoije. Mama Grace was a devoted member of her Anglican Church Christian community where she was bestowed the honor of EZINNE. Her humble character and unwavering faith made her a beloved figure. Her role as a mother extended beyond her biological children. Many saw her as a maternal figure. Through her grace, wisdom and kindness, Ezinne Grace has left a lasting and precious legacy that extends to many continents for years and years to come.
She was very generous and had a ministry of giving and sharing. She was eager to share her food and money with anyone who she perceived needing help and did not know how to say “No” to anyone. She would give her last piece of food rather than seeing a young mother with kids go hungry. Those who know her will attest that DaGrace will give at any time. She was also known to be selective on what she liked to eat. On her first trip to the United States, her grandchildren were very excited to show off their toys, take her to different places, and have her try every food they could think of Mama Grace took a close look at every food and asked for the name before she could taste it. She disliked Cheerios cereal because of the looks and definitely did not want a hot dog, which is a portable, bread-wrapped, seasoned meat roll made of beef or chicken, because of the name hot dog . Even after explanations, Mama Grace ended the conversation with the remarks “That is a terrible name. I am not going to eat it.” She never ate hot dogs. We celebrate a life well lived and fulfilled and a beautiful memory to cherish forever. To God Almighty, we give ALL the Glory! By: Professor Chukwuemeka Uzoije, MD for the family
— In loving memory of Grace Nwanyinnaya Uzoije
Sunday, December 29th, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday, December 30th, 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Primary Venue: Amavo Village
Nneji Autonomous Community
Ugwunagbo LGA, Abia State
Directions: The venue is easily accessible from major roads. Local transportation will be available from nearby towns.
Attire: Traditional Nigerian attire is preferred
Colors: Please wear whatever you’re comfortable in and what makes you feel your best.
Guidelines: Modest, respectful attire that reflects the dignity of the occasion
Family Gathering & Final Preparations
Church Service Begins
Testimonies & Tributes
Procession to Resting Place
Internment Ceremony
Reception & Fellowship
The family welcomes all who wish to honor Mama Grace's memory. For those traveling from distant locations, accommodation suggestions are provided below. Light refreshments will be served throughout both days.
10 km from venue
Comfortable, modern rooms and good service.
10 km from venue
Known for cleanliness and friendly staff.
10 km from venue
Mid-range option with solid amenities.
10 km from venue
Budget-friendly stay with basic facilities.
If you need help with accommodation arrangements or have special requirements, please don't hesitate to reach out to the family coordinator.
For any questions, special arrangements, or assistance needed during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our family coordinators.
Amavo Village
Nneji Autonomous Community, Ugwunagbo LGA, Abia State.
Family home and Ceremony Venue