A piece of my heart is now a star in the sky
Chizo, I was privileged to have called you my friend and confidant for over 40 years. We shared so many priceless memories—memories I will always treasure.
I had the honor of being your maid of honor at your beautiful wedding. You were, in many ways, a perfectionist. I remember our search for the perfect bridal gown—we combed through shops all over Los Angeles, including the boutiques of Beverly Hills. At every store in Beverly Hills, we were served wine. By the end of the day, we were so tipsy from all the champagne that we had to take a taxi home! It’s a memory I hold dear, full of laughter and joy.
Chizo was a woman of noble character. She was reserved by nature, only allowing people into her inner circle after she was certain of their integrity. She was a royal friend—gracious, funny, dependable, and always ready to lend a helping hand.
Her greatest joy and pride were being the daughter of Chief Eric-Atuanya (Ezefum II) and his beloved wife Victoria – two remarkable individuals from whom she learned deeply and whose values she modeled her life after. She often shared that, despite her parents’ early transition to eternity, one of her most meaningful accomplishments was keeping her siblings – Ify, Oguo, and Ufo- closely united. With her devoted husband, Chuka, and their children—Nnamdi, Obinna, and Afam, she found true fulfilment. She loved them deeply and spoke of them often with warmth, gratitude and pride.
Chizo was a woman of deep faith. I miss our weekly conversations, our WhatsApp messages, and the way we kept each other grounded through life’s many seasons.
Though you are gone from my sight, I will carry your memory in my heart for the rest of my life.
Rest in peace, my dear friend, until we meet to part no more.
Nkoli Obi