Charles Onwudinjo Ajuziem was born December 05, 1955, in Enugu, Nigeria to Jeremiah Ndimele Nworgu from Agburuike, Nbawsi Station and Salome Onyenkachi Nwabughogu from Eziala, in Nbawsi Station. Charles had three sisters, and two brothers. He was second in the family, James Onyenkwere, Charles, Beatrice Ada, Grace Ngozi, Justina Uzoamaka and Bright Anyaogu. Charles is survived by his sisters Beatrice and Justina as well as nieces and nephews in Nigeria, Chinyere Daniella, Chidimma Goodness, Rosemary Adaeze, Ugochuku, Chika Prince and Favor Udoka.
Charles married Judy Snyder August 20, 1980. He is survived by three daughters, Ember Amara Dodson (JaWaan), Valerie Chikodinaka Silva-Lopez (Nathan), Iris Ndidi Gudenkauf (Greg) and one son Carl Bright Chiemela Ajuziem (Brianna) He is survived by grandchildren Grace, Jayce, Winter, Noella, Aria, and Ilana. Charles had three American nieces, Layla, Justina, and Jamie Anne and one nephew Nathan Ajuziem and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Charles attended Ihie High School and kept in contact with many of his former classmates. He then went to the Government College, Umuahia. Charles moved to the United States in 1977 to attend higher education at New Mexico Highlands University and then in 1980, to the University of Oklahoma where he received his Master’s degree in Environmental Science. While in college he belonged to the International Clubs and met many long time friends with which he kept in contact over the years.
Charles’s professional jobs began with the State of New Mexico Health and Environment Department in 1985, Hobbs, NM. He then worked for the City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department in 1989, Albuquerque, NM. Again he made many friends in New Mexico with whom he remained in contact.
Charles then moved to Las Vegas, NV in 1985 to work at the Nevada Test Site. He then attended a training program to become a teacher for Clark County School District. He also owned and operated his own pest control business in Las Vegas, NV.
Charles was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002, underwent radiation at Staten Island Hospital, and followed by surgery a year later. He had many subsequent problems. He always had hope that he would find the one answer that would help him physically; he fought a long, hard struggle in his health.
Charles loved the game of soccer; he played it for years and became a soccer referee officiating in youth, high school, college as well as adult leagues and regional tournaments. He was also a member of the Citizens Police Academy and he volunteered with their organization as well as Habitat for Humanity. He was especially interested in hand work, wood-working, building, and crafting. He created gifts from anything useful. Charles proudly maintained his Nigerian beliefs and customs his whole life.
Charles had a great love for his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with them. He also was the person that called, stopped-by, and made gifts for friends and family. We celebrate his life and will continue to pass on his Nigerian roots to future generations. We would like to thank his Nigerian sisters for sharing him with us here in America and rejoice that he may now be at peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations for funeral expenses will be greatly appreciated in Charles name. All donations can be made to:
Judy Ajuziem
1530 Bradfox Ln
North Las Vegas, NV 89032
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