“Grace was simply gracious and full of grace.” The Moving Biography of Grace Mgbechikwere Uche.
6 min read
The late Mrs Grace Mgbechikwere Uche (nee Obiji) was the first child of the late Nze Gabriel Obiji Mbari and the late Lolo Nnewuihe Margret Obiji of Umuduruohu Uloano Amandugba.
Her dad was a renowned community leader and astute businessman with extraordinary and sagacious acumen. Our mother, Grace, inherited a strong sense of honesty, leadership, accountability, justice and service from her father. This prompted her during the women group dancing competition, when they were taking names, she chose the name ‘EZIOKWUBUNDU’ meaning ‘truth is life. She believed that, above all, there is always life in upholding the truth. Hence, she lived and died a truthful and honest icon.
She was born in Umuduruohu Uloano Amandugba in 1943. Growing up, our mother, Grace was a very bright and intelligent woman. Because of her extraordinary wisdom and intelligence, her father vowed to train her to the highest academic and professional level at a time when it was rare to send women to school for formal education.
Due to her extraordinary intelligence and high IQ, She was enrolled into the then St. Gregory’s Primary School Amaigbo for her primary education at an age that was considered too young by the teachers in that school then yet she was accepted.
Our mother completed her standard six education (an equivalent of the modern – day university degree) with distinction. She had the ambition of becoming an accountant or a qualified nurse because she saw herself as a prudent woman and a good caregiver.
Unfortunately, due to financial constraints caused by the collapse of her father’s business, she was unable to pursue her career up to the university level, which was her utmost dream. Seeing what fate has brought to her that made it impossible for her to proceed with her
education, she decided to pitch tent in assisting her mother in her petty business in order to support her and her dad in catering for her younger siblings.
Still dogged and determined to see her desire of being a nurse come true, she later enrolled into auxiliary nursing and it was during this period that her late husband, our father, Pa Stephen Nwaokeagu Uche of Umudiakuzuruahu Ndiuhu Amurie Omanze spotted her.
Their affection and love for each other blossomed that they became inseparable. As our father, late Stephen described her, she was a beautiful damsel, an unmatchable Jewel and a priceless diamond.
In 1965, after getting the blessing of her parents, she got married to PA Stephen Nwaokeagu Uche, a renowned building engineer. They later wedded at St Gregory’s Catholic Church Amaigbo.
Grace inherited a lot of burdens marrying into the family of Pa Uche. The responsibility of raising the numerous members of the large family who by then were either orphans or had lost one of their parents rested on her shoulders even when she had not started having her own children. Her husband, as the pillar of the large family, has been shouldering these responsibilities and needed her support.
Grace was undaunted and unperturbed with these challenges and did not allow them to deprive her of the joy of the marriage she so cherished, unlike the women of today. She was determined to support her husband as she embraced these challenges and became a mother to everyone. Her home was filled up with children and adults of all ages. She was able to nurture them all. Even her own siblings at some point were also raised by her.
Despite the numerous children and orphans, she inherited, she was also blessed with nine children, five sons and four daughters, thirty – five grandchildren and one great grandson who are all doing well in their various fields of life. They are all gathered here today to celebrate this amazing personality and bid her farewell and thank her for being our mother.
Our mother Grace was a devoted Christian and an astute community leader. She was the chief scribe of Ndiuhu Uloasa women’s wing home branch. Chairlady Emeritus (Diakuzuruahu kindred women group), she was a member of the finance committee during the construction of St. Theresa’s Parish Amurie Omanze, a pioneer leader Nneamaka Women Organization. She was involved in all community development arrangements. She was a politician per excellence who understood the dynamic nature of politics and during the era of NPP and NPN, She told her husband, although they are husband and wife, and when it comes to politics, they will not be in the same party, hence she was in NPN and her husband was in NPP.
Our mother was a compassionate and compassionate woman. She exemplified the true spirit and meaning of love. The bible teaches us to love your neighbor as yourself, but in her case, she loved her fellow human being more than herself. No matter the problem you come to her with, she must make sure you leave her house happy and smiling at the end. If you complain of hunger, she will pass on to you her own last meal.
Grace was so kind, humble, and quiet. She hates injustice. She loves unity and peaceful co-existence.
Our mother was the helper of the helpless, the advocate of the downtrodden, the mouthpiece of the oppressed and the silenced, a dogged fighter who never gives up. A shelter to the homeless, the umbrella that shelters both in the rainy season and the hot season.
Our mother means so many things to different people. To some, she was simply an extraordinary and trustworthy person. To some, she was their banker. To some, she was their security vault and to some, a godsend to them. She was overall, a rallying point to many. She always fearlessly told you the truth to your face, especially when you attempt to do a cover-up. Indeed, our mother was a good woman, she lived a good life, and she died a happy and fulfilled woman. Grace was simply gracious and full of grace. Her name wasn’t given to her in error. It was divinely given to demonstrate who she really was. The whole of this booklet will not be enough to write all the attributes and qualities of this gracious woman called GRACE.
To every beginning, there is always an end, there is a sunrise, and there is a sunset. In the year in history 2023, we witnessed and experienced the sunset in the life of this amazing icon, whose sunrise came in 1943. It was a big blow to us, her children, friends and well- wishers, when the news of her passing was announced. We had wished that she had stayed longer with us, but who are we to question God’s decision?
Grace, our mother, you have gone to be with your creator. We know you are in heaven with the angels. Your cherished memories and their lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing you and feeling your impact will forever be remembered. We will always carry the values you taught us about life and will continue with the legacy you left behind.
We will never disappoint you and dad. We know both of you are together now. Until that resurrection morning when we will meet to part no more. May you both continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord. We are proud and happy to have you both as our parents. We love you all and will continue to love you.
Mma , you were indeed a great woman. Rest in peace.
Prince Ebere Uche (Son).
On behalf of the family.
