Caroline Amangbo Ejima Machie was born on the 12th day of June 1945 in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria, to the family of late Dakwasienyi John Oliver Oraefo Okwudinka, of Umudei village in Onitsha, Nigeria and late Nwawuluaru Veronica Ogasi Okwudinka,nee Emodi of Ogbeoza village also in Onitsha; with her twin sister, Josephine Azuka, Nzeribe, nee Okwudinka.

Caroline had her early education in Onitsha at the famous Immaculata Convent School, strictly managed by the Irish Reverend Sisters in those days. Soon after her primary education, she married her late husband Pius Ololo Machie. Before his death, they were blessed with five children, three boys, and two girls, namely, Olisaemeka, Ifeyinwa, Francis, Joseph (late) and Nkolika. She was widowed very early in life, but that did not take away the joy of living from her nor took away the smiles from her face. She was determined to fulfill her own destiny.

Mama Obele, (Small mama) as she was fondly called by her children, relations, and acquaintances originated from her being the youngest of all the mothers around in a big family compound, where family members came back for a new beginning at the end of the Nigeria Biafra Civil War.

Mama Obele was a member of Uso Bu Na Ndu, age grade, an affiliate of Obianamma age grade. She loved to sing and dance and was a member of many dance groups in Onitsha. Her passion for cooking and feeding people, not only brought her close to people but also earned her living to support and educate her five children through to university levels. With the support of her mother, she raised five graduates (keep in mind that Nigeria has no student loans system!).

Mama Obele was a very hardworking, selfless and determined woman. After her husband's death in their early married life, regardless of her beauty and great potential to move on to another marriage, she refused to remarry and committed herself to raise her five children. With God's help, she did an awesome job of that! Though not without pains, sufferings, and sacrifices.

She was born and raised a Catholic but personally found Christ, embraced Him and totally surrendered to His will at a later age. She left Nigeria for the United States in 2003 to stay with her daughter and her family but intermittently traveled to Nigeria to spend time with family and friends.

Sister Caro, as the members of the Fountain of Living Waters Prayer Ministry in United States called her, was a passionate member of the group. She worshiped with her family at the Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City, Missouri, and the City Center Church in Lenexa, Kansas. Mama Obele just came back to the United States from a visit to Nigeria, when she saw the gate of heaven opened on Palm Sunday for the Triumphant Entry! She did what she loved to do, dancing and singing with the angels and saints through the gate to see her God.

She is survived by her twin sister, Mrs. Josephine Nzeribe. Left to celebrate her life were her children: two sons, Emmanuel Olisaemeka Machie and Francis Ogoegbunam Machie, two daughters, Ifeyinwa Kate Machie-Anwah and Nkolika Nkechi Obiesie (Nee Machie) , son-in-law, Emmanuel Chukwudi Obiesie; her daughters' in-law (Maureen Nkem Machie and Juliet Nwando Machie); grandchildren (including, Andrew, Michelle, Jennifer, and Frances-Faith); great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces; stepsisters, stepbrothers, friends, and well-wishers. Mama may your gentle soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen!

Funeral services Saturday, June 1, 11:00 a.m. at City Center Church. Visitation 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.