Ukadike Justin Ijei

Ukadike Justin Ijei, 81, passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital on September 22, 2024. Born on July 23, 1943, in Issele-Uku, Nigeria, he was the son of the late Gwamnishu Gregory Ijei and Ngbonkuro Caroline Ijei (née Nwasiana). He attended boarding schools from primary school through high school in Nigeria before moving to the United States in 1966 to further his education. He pursued his Radiology studies at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, a renowned institution that played a pivotal role in training African American healthcare professionals during the era of segregation.

In 1968, Uka met the love of his life, Charlotte Virginia Ijei (née Woods), at Alexian Brothers Hospital, where she was working while he was training in medicine. He attended Saint Louis University, where he earned his biology degree in 1971, and he started his career working part-time at Bethesda Hospital.

Uka and Charlotte were united in holy matrimony on June 25, 1972, at Antioch Baptist Church and spent 52 years together, raising three wonderful children: Onye, Ozioma, and Justin.

For 42 years, Uka dedicated his career to serving as a radiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (formerly Jewish Hospital).

A devoted family man, Uka cherished his loved ones deeply. He was an active church member, member of the Men’s Choir, and Deacon at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He began serving in ministry in the 1960s, teaching Sunday School at Antioch Baptist Church in the Ville Neighborhood.

His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family was immeasurable. In Nigeria, he played soccer and had a passion for sports, particularly soccer, tennis, and golf. While those were his favorites, he also had a deep appreciation for football and enjoyed watching it with family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte Virginia Ijei (née Woods); his sister, Patricia Obagare (Joe); his brothers, Luka Ijei (Agatha), Nnamdi; his children, Onye Ijei Hollomon (late Berlin Hollomon, Sr.), Ozioma Ijei, and Justin Ijei (Natalie); and his grandchildren, Berlin Hollomon, Jr., Jeremiah Hollomon, Braylon Hollomon, Avery Ijei, Brooks Ijei; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Uka was preceded in death by his parents, Gwamnishu Gregory Ijei and Ngbonkuro Caroline Ijei (née Nwasiana).

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