Ifeyinwa Joy Ifemesia

I remember sitting at the dining room table, staring at the unfinished food in front of me. My cousins had long gone; they had finished their dinner, and I could hear them outside, running and playing in the backyard. I looked up from my food to see Grandma, looking at me sternly. “Ogechukwu, you better finish that food!” she would say, pointing a firm finger at me. “I want you to grow to be big and strong. Don’t let that food go unfinished.”

I look back on all the times Grandma made sure our bellies were full with food made from love, constantly praying over our health and well-being. Times when she would let us little girls paint her nails with her red polish, and cartoons would play on the living room TV. When she would bring us into a room and read us the story of the Gingerbread Man, over and over, because it was our favorite story to hear from her. Times like these made up so many of my memories as a child, and I will never forget them. Grandma’s house was a quintessential setting of my childhood, and I am eternally grateful for the love and care she poured into every one of us. I love you and miss you, Grandma. I pray that you and Grandpa will always know peace together.

Oge Ozuah

Mommy,
Onamma the only one.
Mama, I'm miss you so much I'm still in denial.
Oh! how I would give anything for a
conversation with you.
A hug from you, a word of love or just to be beside you.Go well mama.
Memories of you linger
everywhere. This is surreal…
I could have Sworn I could do this .
All your worth is here appreciated beyond words, you left quietly.
Mma Je ofumma mma anyi.
I love you, forever.
The most beautiful girl in the world my mommy,
Rest in peace

We celebrate the beautiful life mom lived and the lives she impacted. She held my mom’s hands through the journey of being a young wife and through motherhood, we can never thank you enough ma, Jesus loves you. ❤️

My Dearest Aunt,

When I arrived in New York in 1998 — a young man, fresh from Nigeria and so far from everything familiar — you opened your door and your heart to me without a second thought. From that very first day, you made sure I never once felt the weight of that distance. You became my mother on this side of the ocean.

And you took that role seriously. I was far too skinny for your liking — all 6'2" of me tipping the scale at a mere 108 lbs — and you were having none of it. Every single day, without fail, you made sure I drank no less than a full gallon of milk. No negotiation, no excuses. You were going to put some meat on my bones whether I liked it or not. And then there was the day I came home to Long Island from college, walking through that door with a freshly pierced ear and a shining diamond stud I was so proud of. You froze. You looked at me. Then you threw your hands up and cried, "Nnamdi, you will not kill me in this America — biko, what will I tell Benice?!" I can still hear your voice, and it still makes me smile through my tears.

That was you. Always watching, always worrying, always loving — just like a mother would. You carried my mother's protective love across an ocean and held it close on her behalf. You kept me safe when I could have gone astray. You kept me grounded when the world was new and overwhelming. And you made absolutely sure that a lonely young man from Nigeria never truly felt alone.

I am the man I am today because of you — because of your warmth, your firmness, your laughter, and your boundless, selfless love. There are no words deep enough to capture what you meant to me, but I hope you knew. I hope you always knew.

You will be dearly missed — but never, ever forgotten.

Rest in perfect peace, my Dearest Aunt.

Nnamdi Nwosu

Tribute to my Grandma,

When I was much younger, my family used to go to New York every summer to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Though those are now very distant memories, I still hold them very close to my heart. My cousins and I tried to make a horror movie in our grandma’s backyard. It turned out terrible, but we still have it. We used to come inside sweaty, and Grandma would have some food already made for us. Grandma would personally make sure we finished all of it. She always had fruit in her fridge as a “snack” for us. From the little I remember from these visits, I know Grandma was always excited whenever we came to visit. And I know she will be excited for everything that happens in our lives; watching over us every day. Thank you grandma for always being there and making my trips ones to remember for a lifetime.
Love and miss you, Grandma.

Oluwatoyin Adeniji

Thank you Grandma for the laughs! Thank you for all the comfort and love I always received from you every time we visited you! Thank you for never letting my belly rest! Thank you for always singing happy birthday. Not just saying it she HAD to sing it every single year til! Thank you for all the times we talked on the phone about nothing! Thank You Thank You! I Love You and will miss you forever❤️❤️❤️❤️

When I was a child, Grandma used to always tell me about the story of how she saw my birth. How Y2K had the world on pins and needles. She would always explain how “no matter what happens I’m going to be there for Tobi’s birth”. To me that’s who she was. Someone who loved with such a passion that you had no choice but to follow her steps. Both her and Grandpa taught me a simple but strong lesson, to always lead with kindness and everything else will follow. I am overjoyed that they are together again and I hope with whatever I do, people can see just how much they influenced me.

You became the mother I didn't have. You held my hands in very difficult times. You ensured that the tragic incident of 2013 didn't leave deeper scars. Prior to that? You shielded me physically between 1994 and 1996 when you relocated. Aunty, you were amazing. You taught me to take care of myself. Rest well, you lived well.

TRIBUTE TO A QUINTESSENTIAL AND AMIABLE LADY.

It is with a sad heart that I am writing this tribute to this amiable, elegant, quintessential and extraordinary lady Dr(Mrs) Ifeyinwa Joy Ifemesia (Onamma) who I fondly call "My Elegant Sister" coming from the same village in Alor.

Though you are gone but you left a legacy of love, dignity, generosity, discipline and hard work. You were so vivacious that you always light up the room with your presence and radiant smiles. Your melodious and velvety voice always captivate your listeners.

I remember our days at University of Nigeria Nsukka, we were mere students but you always throw your doors open for us and lavish us with delicacies while your late husband Prof (Ugodiadi) kept us entertained with great advice and stories filled with wisdom.

You were a loving and caring wife to your late husband, a caring and dependable mother, mother in law, grand mother and great grandmother to your children, their spouses and your numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

You fought a good fight, You kept the faith and You exited honorably.
Je ije gi nke oma and continue to rest in perfect peace in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Obiora Udodi
New Jersey

Tribute to Our Sister.

Farewell Sister, until we meet again! Obinwanne! For life! The Obinwanne Prayer Group mourns the loss of our dear Sister Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Ifeyinwa Ifemesia. As a pioneer member of the group, you were a part of us for twenty four years, both in good times and not so great times. When it happens to one sister, it happened to all! We try as much as possible to hold each other close and near. As a group, we are constantly reminded that we are on a journey on earth and that this is not our final destination. We also believe that each of us is uniquely designed for a purpose, hence, given talent accordingly. Dr. Ifemesia was blessed with musical talent with which she touched many. Your passing, just sixteen months after your husband’s is deeply heartbreaking for the Obinwanne family and everyone who knew you.
Our condolences to your six children.
You will surely be missed but not forgotten.
May you find eternal rest which you deserve and may the choir of angels greet you in Heaven.
Till we meet again dear sister, good bye.

Iyom Agunwayi Linda Okose
On behalf of Obinwanne Prayer group

Tribute to a great daughter of OYEKA family

My beloved aunt, Dr Mrs Ifeyinwa Joy IFEMESIA (PhD) was a trailblazer among the daughters of the family. An academic titan, she was the first woman in the family to attain a PhD, a testament to her great intellect, grit and perseverance. Beyond her profession, she was a committed family woman, a dedicated daughter of the family who championed the cause of family members like they were hers to bear.

A beautiful woman with a commanding presence, she always stood out from the crowd, her aura announcing her before she even opened her mouth.

I won't be forgetting in a hurry the weeks I spent with her , her equally erudite husband Prof C C Ifemesia of blessed memory and their welcoming children in their official residence in University of Nigeria,Nsukka in 1980. I was seeking for direct entry admission into the university and they left no stone unturned in helping me. Words cannot describe my gratitude which persist to this very day.

Farewell great daughter of the OYEKA family. You left your footprints on the sands of time!

From Dr Noble Oyeka

Grandma,

I had always heard stories about you from my sister, mother, and other family members about you. Your neverending love your children and grandchildren, but stubbornness and determination to push us to become better than we were before. I will always mourn that I never got to see that side of you more, but I will always remember our trips to New York when we got to see you and Grandpa. I still remember when I decided to take my instrument to New York to play for you; when going through the airport I remember how hard it was to fit it inside my backpack with my other stuff and how irritated my shoulders felt after carrying it for so long. When I finally got there to play, you started yelping more often. At first I just thought that the playing was startling for her, but looking back I realized that your memories of music were maybe clearing up a little bit more. Writing this now I wonder what could have happened if I had played more for you and Grandpa; most of my memories come from phone calls and being with the majority of my mom’s side of the family in your house, but this was one of the few that was just you and me. I hope you and Grandpa are in each others arms in Heaven to rest peacefully after the amount of time you lived for.

May you rest in everlasting peace ❤️.

TRIBUTE TO LATE DR. (MRS.) JOY IFEYINWA IFEMESIA

I met Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Ifeyinwa Ifemesia in October 1970 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) when I enrolled as
an undergraduate. Her late husband, Prof. Chieka Ifemesia (Ugodiadi), was the mentor for all the Ogidi students at
UNN at that time. After one year service in the NYSC I returned to UNN to serve as a Junior Fellow in 1974. I left in
1975 for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom where I got married. My wife, Veronica, met Dr. (Mrs.) Ifemesia
in 1979 when we returned with our two young sons, after our studies in the United Kingdom. Dr. (Mrs.) Ifemesia and
her late husband, Prof. Ifemesia, were very happy to welcome us back to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
and from then they acted as our mentors.

They were very active members of the Ogidi community in Nsukka. In 1988, We relocated to New York after my wife was invited as a visiting assistant professor of social sciences by the
City University of New York. In the early 1990’s Mrs. Ifemesia and her family also relocated to the United States and
her husband was appointed as a professor in the same university where I was teaching and our relationship was
again rekindled. Not long after their arrival in New York, the Ogidi community in New York and New Jersey organized
and formed “The Ogidi Association of Northeast USA”, an organization that covered our people in New York and New
Jersey. Her late husband was one of the pillars of this organization and was also one of the members of the organization that drafted the original constitution of the organization.

Dr. (Mrs.) Ifemesia and her husband raised their six children in New York, and they are all responsible adults with
their own families. She and her husband were the grand patrons of our organization in New York. Towards the later
part of their lives the Ogidi community in New York and New Jersey made an annual pilgrimage to their home in
Bayshore, New York, because they were no longer able to travel out of their home due to old age and some health
challenges. This visit provided us with the opportunity to meet with them and learn a lot about our hometown from her
husband whom we referred to as the living encyclopedia of Ogidi history. Since the passing of her husband less than
two years ago we have been missing that unique opportunity of learning more about our hometown.

Dr. Joy Ifemesia, your passing barely sixteen months after the passing of your husband is heartbreaking to all who
know you and your husband. Your children and your grandchildren will forever miss you, my wife and I as well as our
children and grandchildren will miss you, the Ogidi community in New York and New Jersey will miss you.

We all take solace in the understanding that it is the will of God Almighty that your time on earth is up. We pray sincerely that you
will be warmly received by the angels of God in heaven where you will reunite with your loving husband. We pray that
God Almighty will grant your soul eternal rest and that light perpetual will shine upon you. We also pray that God will
protect your children and grandchildren, strengthen them, and give them the fortitude to bear your loss.
May the soul of Joy and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.
May she rest in peace.

High Chief (Prof.) Anthony Udeogalanya, Ugochinyeluora na Ogidi, and
Prof (Mrs.) Veronica Udeogalanya, Iyom Omenyi

For and on Behalf of the Udeogalanya family.

Nneka, Ezinwa, Ufooma, Ifeyinwa, Chukwuemeka, Obiananma, and the entire Ifemesia clan.

Ndo nu umunne anyi.

Auntie Joy, as we fondly called her, was a good Auntie of ours. She had a Beautiful singing Voice, a Lovely Heart, and always willing to give assistance.
She married a good man, with a golden heart, our late Uncle, Professor Chieka Ifemesia (Ugodiadi).

They were a wonderful couple. She lightened up the room, anytime she was around. She built a wonderful, warm and a welcoming home.
May her legacies endure. She was an Auntie we all Cherished.

Auntie Joy, May the Good LORD, Grant you the Grace, to enter Paradise. AMEN 🙏🏽

Mrs. (Chino Ojeh & Ifeoma Okafor) née Osakwe

Dr. Mrs Ifeyinwa Joy Ifemesia (Onamma)

A remarkable woman — Ifeyinwa Joy Ifemesia, lovingly known as Onamma gburu gburu. Onamma was more than a mother and grandmother; she was a pillar of wisdom, strength and resilience. Her name, Ifeyinwa — “nothing is greater than a child” — reflected the very essence of who she was. She poured herself wholeheartedly into her family, nurturing not only with care but with unwavering devotion and sacrifice. In moments of difficulty, she stood firm, offering encouragement and reassurance to those around her. Her strength was powerful — the kind that clearly steadied others.

You were stubborn, feisty, and fearless—yet always brave enough to acknowledge your missteps and humble enough to ask for forgiveness. That strength of character defined you. You put your family first in all things, and like the proverbial mother hen, you never hesitated for a second to fight for and defend those you loved. I benefited from this firsthand. Though we had our disagreements, they were always resolved quickly, and you never kept any grudges. That took wisdom, grace, and a generous heart.

I feel very sad that after all the hard-fought battles of life, you lost the ability to fully enjoy your latter years. Still, I believe that your journey did not end in struggle. I am certain that Ugodiadi is all smiles now that you have joined him in heaven. I pray that both of you are granted perpetual peace in the bosom of our Good Lord.

Though we mourn your absence, we also give thanks for the gift of your life. Your spirit remains woven into the fabric of those who knew you. May your soul rest in perfect peace, and may your legacy of love continue to shine through all who were blessed to call you Onamma.

Forever remembered, forever loved.

Uchenna Ozuah
Eze Amana Ogaechi

Its hard to see you go Aunty. Your impact on my life enabled me navigate through a very difficult time in the early 90s at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have graduated or even become whom I am today.
You were so caring, so loving, and extremely patient. You were very family oriented and opened your heart and home to multitudes. You will be sorely missed Aunty mu. May the internal light shine upon you and may your beautiful and gentle soul rest in peace Amen.

Tribute to Dr. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Joy Ifemesia
Remembering that phone call to Enugu and the response, “Who are you?” After I shared my intention, the instruction was clear: go to New York and express myself to Prof. Ifemesia (Late Ugodiadi), who had the final authority.
I was accepted into the family without regret. I remain proud to have had you as my mother-in-law, and you were proud to tell anyone that you have a Yoruba son-in-law.
Mummy, I will forever miss your bluntness, your integrity, and your fierce commitment to defending your family whenever the occasion arose.
Your departure came as a shock, yet it is understandable—especially after Ugodiadi left us before you, with 58 years of marriage. The absence you leave behind is immense.
I will miss our conversations, our family discussions, and your wise counsel.
I miss my great, respected, no-nonsense mother-in-law.

SUN RE O! OJÓ A JÌNÁ SÍ ARA.

Prince Olufemi Adeniji

Mama Anyi, Onamma-gold, mommy,

I still can’t believe that when I go to New York, I won’t see you waiting there with your smile,
the one that could brighten even the heaviest day. The ache of missing you settles deep,
because you were the heartbeat of our family, the thread that held all our scattered pieces together.
Your love was a steady shelter, wide enough to cover us all. When storms came, you stood-unshaken, unyielding, fierce in the way only a mother can be. You taught us faith not just in words, but in the way you lived. You placed our small hands into God’s, taught us the prayers, the passages, the meaning of devotion. English or Igbo, it didn’t matter—your lessons shaped the woman I am today.
I think of when I was pregnant with Tobi, and the world was whispering fear about Y2K— planes falling, systems failing, everything unraveling. But you said nothing would stop you. Even if the world was ending, you were coming to Florida for Ọmụgwọ. And you came. You came for every child after that. You were there, always there-faithful as sunrise.
Mama anyi, how I miss your voice. The way you called me “Ezioms mama” with such affection it felt like a blessing. Our daily conversations about life, work, the children… and our shared escape into General Hospital. You admired those characters who fought for
their families with fierce love. And I always told you: you were already everything they wished to be. Your smile—radiant and unforgettable. Your hugs—warm, full, the kind that made the world feel safe.
I will carry all of that with me. I will keep your flame alive in my heart and in my home. Every story, every memory, every prayer you taught me—nothing will be lost.
I know one day we will meet again. Until then, Mama, rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord.
I will love you forever.

Ezinwa Adeniji

Brief Tribute to Late Dr. (Mrs.) Ifeyinwa Joy Ifemesia (Nee Oyeka) Onamma

With gratitude to God for a life well lived, we remember our beloved aunty, Late Dr. (Mrs.)

Ifeyinwa Joy Ifemesia (Nee Oyeka) Onamma,
who peacefully passed away in December 2025 in
New York State, USA, at the age of 83, after a brief illness.
Aunty Ifeyinwa was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by wisdom, kindness, strength,
and dedication to family and community.

She carried herself with grace and dignity, touching the
lives of many through her compassion, generosity, and guidance.
To us, she was more than an aunty—she was a mentor, a mother figure, and a source of inspiration.

Her words of encouragement, warm smile, and caring heart will forever remain in our memories.
She lived a life of service and integrity, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and excellence that will continue to inspire generations.

Though we mourn her passing, we take comfort in the beautiful memories she left behind and in
knowing that her life made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

As she is laid to rest in her hometown, Ogidi, Nigeria, we pray that the Almighty God grants her eternal rest and gives the family the strength to bear this great loss.


May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace Amen
Mr. Nonso Nwosu and family

TRIBUTE TO LATE DR. (MRS.) IFEYINWA JOY IFEMESIA
FROM OYEKA FAMILY.

Our most cherished and diligent sister has joined the Saints in Heaven. Ify, it has been all pain and grief since news came to us of your permanent departure.

Our grief in worse coming a few months after the death of your
husband-Late Prof Chieka Ifemesia. When we encounter a painful departure like this, we are reminded of the fact that life is a drama- a drama of birth, living and dying. Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.

And by what shall we remember our sister, Ify, for? She will be
remembered by her ever friendly and joyful disposition. She enjoyed the company of others and was herself a good company to stay with. She will also be remembered for her diligence and academic achievements.

Therefore as we mourn and cry for our departed sister, we must actualize the biblical injunction not to mourn as those without hope, but celebrate the pleasant memories of her goodness and love.
Rest in peace in the bosom of the Lord our dear sister. Your light will
continue to shine.

Goodbye and Good night.
Engr. Dr. Chris Oyeka

For: Oyeka Family, Alor

My in-law, Dr Mrs Joy Ifemesia (Onamma), my interaction with you personally while in New York, was brief but memorable.

After the personal interaction, we spoke on phone from time to time until you took ill. You fought to be alive all through your years of ill health but God’s decision prevailed and we can’t question the creator of our lives.
You’ll be missed. Rest in peace Ogom Onamma.

Tribute to My Mommy

My mom, I would say, was the most influential person in my life. She was always present and ready to give advice and constructive criticism when needed. Being the last of 6 children we had a special bond. When I got my first job at age 19 and received a bad review on orientation because of poor training. I went home crying and wanted to quit; she advised me to go back and put in the hard work and show my capabilities. This resulted in me staying in the job for another 6 years and becoming one of the best employees in the company.
She was always lending a listening ear. She had the wisdom, knowledge and foresight to see things that were yet to come. When she started getting sick, she knew something was off with her, but she would drive 40 minutes from her job to babysit my first child so I could go to work.
She had a protracted illness but fought to be with her family even after she was intubated and near death in 2019, admitted to hospice then discharged and lived another 6 years. When she could no longer talk, we were able to communicate through nonverbal means.
She was diagnosed with dementia more than 15 years ago and on my last trip to see her in November 2025 she held my hand so tight as I was about to leave. She probably knew this was going to be our last interaction before she went home with Daddy after 57 years of marriage. Mommy, I know it must have been hard for you to be here with us after Daddy passed away but thank you for giving us another year.
We will continue to honor your legacy; your grandchildren’s love music just like you did and play different musical instruments. Your granddaughter conducts music in her band just like you did as a choir director.
It is hard to say goodbye to you mommy, till we meet again and continue to rest in the arms of the Lord.

Love,

Oby Ozuah

Mummy., mmaooo
That dreaded call came 12/31/2025. It sounded like mom has passed away oh my God. I had just entered my office to start work on the day before New Year ie. New Year eve morning. All I knew to do was park my bag scream and shouted as I ran out of the office. “My mother is dead, my mother is dead”. My coworker chased after me to the parking lot calling my supervisor and some other people as they came to console me. The pain was something else. My mother was gone. As my coworker drove me to Bayshore that was the longest 15 minutes drive of my life. I still had my siblings on the WhatsApp video. My sister Nne crying and speaking very confused. That was the worst news of the year. My heart sank. Getting to Bayshore and going into the room it was true I saw my sweet mommy lying on the bed as if she was sleeping very peaceful but no the police officer said she had passed away. I knelt beside the bed and cried and prayed. I remembered mons favorite verse in the bible Romans 8:31. What shall we say to these things? If God is for us who can be against us? Mommy has gone to be with the Lord. I remember leading her to Jesus Christ several years ago. That to me gives me consolation that she is in a much better place than this world. One day we will all depart. She lived a long life full of love, peace and Joy and that was her middle name. A very bubbling joyful mummy. She Was always asking after people. Brought up 6 wonderful children to the glory of God. She did all she could for her family. Loved her late husband dearly. Always made sure there was food on the table even if she didn’t buy us new dress or shoe. Best cook in the world. I always looked forward to going to Bayshore to eat moms food and park some to go back to Queens. There’s no time you entered the house and there was no food. Ifeoms mama she would call me. She said I looked just like her when she gave birth to me and told Dr Amobi that she will name me after her Ifeyinwa. Meaning there’s nothing like a child which she did. I cherish all the fun times we all spent with her. A great disciplinarian who wouldn’t be with 6 children but see how we all came out. “ Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬. He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” We are doing all that you taught us in our respective families. Mamaooooooooo Onamma 1 of Ogidi, mummy, Daluooooo. You did extraordinarily well. We all love you. Sleep well until we see again to depart no more. ‭‭

Bye Bye Nnem oma

I Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭18