The Biography of Mrs Grace Ndawi Izunwa (nee Akunesiobike).
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Birth and Parentage: Mrs. Grace Ndawi Izunwa (nee Akunesiobike) was born on the 30th day of May 1942 in Achara Umuaka in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State to late Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Hilda Akunesiobike. She was the fourth child and first daughter amongst three elder brothers, one younger brother and a younger sister. Born amid four energetic brothers, she was named “NDAWI” meaning “Falling Amidst”. Late Mrs. Grace Ndawi Izunwa was loved by all her siblings and her late mother but was her fathers’ delight, hence he gave her the name “Enyi Nna Ya” meaning “her fathers’ friend”.
Born into a Christian family of the Anglican Communion, she was brought up in the ways of Christ. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Grace joined the Anglican Church choir in her local church in the early days of her life. She was among the choristers that won the Owerri Diocesan singing competition in 1961 and 1962 for the St. Paul’s’ Anglican Church Achara Umuaka in Njaba L.G.A of Imo State.
Education: Grace started her education at St. Paul’s’ Anglican Church Primary School, Achara Umuaka in Njaba L.G.A of Imo State in 1950, where she was enrolled in Class One.
She briefly stopped school when her late mother gave birth to her younger brothers in 1951 because she was saddled with the responsibility of helping her busy mother to nurse her new baby. She was however allowed to resume school after a year. The school authorities saw that she was brilliant and promoted her to “Standard One”. She continued to “Standard Six” and went on to sit for her First School Leaving Certificate Exams in 1960. She was the overall best in her school.
Due to her brilliance and excellent performance, the then school Headmaster the late Mr. R.D Asodike persuaded her late father to allow her proceed to collage, this however was not possible due to financial constraints.
Marriage and Family Life: Mrs. Grace Ndawi Izunwa was married to late Pa Ignatius Onu Izunwa in the year 1965 and their home was blessed with five (5) children. Although she came in as a second wife, her relationship with her senior mate, Late Mrs. Regina Izunwa, was that of a trusted friend, confident & Christian sister.
She lived in different parts of Nigeria with her late husband who worked for the Nigerian Government. A doting wife, a devoted mother, quiet, calm and soft spoken yet, a disciplinarian; she was intentional about raising her children and other children around her according to the standards of the Bible inculcating in them the right behavior and molding their character by the word of God, raising them in the fear of the Lord. She always had a large household, most of whom were not her own children. She is blessed with thirteen (13) grandchildren.
Business and Leisure: Mma as her children fondly called her was very industrious and enterprising, travelling as far as the old Bendel State to buy food stuff, spending up to 2-3 days on the road. Popularly known by her trade name “XX”, her Garri was most sort after in the community as she was known to have the best grade. She also engaged in transportation and rental business.
She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved and visited the Holy land and enjoyed her European vacations.
Christian Life: Her family and her faith in God was the core of her existence. Mma joined the Pentecostal Movement later in life and her life revolved around the church. She was very trustworthy, and as a result was trusted with the position of treasurer of the women group in the church for a long time. A seasoned Bible scholar, she was a Sunday school teacher who taught in the youth and women’s Sunday schools. As an ardent evangelist, she ministered the word of God and witnessed for Jesus. She was known for her very calm and humble demeanor. She was a woman of prayer. Until she passed on to glory, she led a group of women who gathered in her home every Wednesday to fast and pray for their families.
She was very compassionate, caring, generous, and believed in doing her part to help others, always going out of her way to cater to the financial and other needs of people around her. Ever willing to share her last dime.
Final Days: Late Mrs. Grace Ndawi Izunwa passed away on Saturday, 1st October, 2022. A loving family; brothers, sisters, stepson, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews survive her.
An epitome of gentleness, she lived a peaceful life. She loved her sons’ and daughters’ in-laws and was an advocate of peace. She will be mostly remembered for her wonderful, peaceful and accommodating nature. A great woman, a loving mother, and a dedicated friend. She will be missed by everyone who experienced her.
Survived by, Theodore Obii Izunwa- Stepson, Rosemary Obiageri Ike- Daughter. George Uchenna Izunwa- Son, Emmanuel Oluchi Izunwa- Son, Yvonne Chinyere Egbai- Daughter, Amarachi Oluwabanwo- Daughter. in-laws: Ikechukwu N. Iyke, Manuela Izunwa, Akudo Izunwa, Joel Egbai, Wale Oluwabanwo. Grand children:Timothy Chidindu Ike, Chibuike Gospel Ike, Michelle George-Izunwa, Prince Chibueze Ike, Mirabel George-Izunwa, Mickel George-Izunwa, Ebenezer Adewole Oluwabanwo, Alvin Ifeanyichukwu Joel-Egbali, Chioma Goodness Ike, Amen Adedamola Oluwabanwo, Pearl Kosischukwu Joel-Egbai, Somtochukwu Izunwa, Sopuruchukwu Izunwa,
Siblings & more: Nathan Akunesiobike- Brother, Eleazar Akunesiobike- Brother,Monica Madu- Sister, George Akunesiobike- Brother. As well as nephews, nieces and relatives too numerous to mention.
