Dr. Mang Ndukwe believed you had to have a plan, if you wanted to be successful. It was a lesson the native Nigerian taught his five children. And those who sought shelter in Dr. Ndukwe's home after traveling from their Nigerian homeland soon learned the lesson, too.
"He would sit them down at the table and say, 'What is your budget? What is your plan?'" said Ego Ndukwe, his wife of more than 33 years. "And he would work with them until they had it."
Mang Nwokeka Ndukwe, of Stone Mountain, died June 21 at Emory University Hospital from complications of cancer. He was 60. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Friday at the Assembly of God Tabernacle, Decatur. A traditional funeral is planned for December in Nigeria, where his body will be buried. A.S. Turner & Son Funeral Home and Crematory, Decatur is in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Ndukwe, born in Abia State, Nigeria, came to America in 1973 seeking an education. He'd considered medicine, but had a wide array of interests, said his son, Ikenna "Ike" Ndukwe, of Atlanta.
"He really enjoyed learning," Mr. Ndukwe said of his father's educational path. "From the degrees you can tell he wanted to learn about a lot of things."
In 1977, Dr. Ndukwe earned dual degrees in psychology and chemistry while at Evangel College in Springfield, Mo. He then went to Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., where he earned a master's in psychology. He then came to Georgia, where he earned a Ph.D. in psychology from Atlanta University.
Dr. Ndukwe practiced psychology in group and private settings before owning and operating a shipping company, his son said. In 2000, Dr. Ndukwe returned to his field and helped his wife open her dream business, Another Chance Customize Services, which provides help to people with a wide range of disabilities.
"He wanted to see people happy," Mr. Ndukwe said of his father. "He knew this would make his wife happy, so he did it."
Dr. Ndukwe's happiness was often tied to the joy of others. He was happiest when he could share whatever he had with others. He annually sent money and supplies to hospitals and schools in Nigeria, because he knew such things were needed and he felt a certain responsibility to his community both here and in Nigeria. Dr. Ndukwe was planning to move back to his home in Nigeria one day, his son said, which would have made him very happy.
"He believed in enjoying life," Mr. Ndukwe said. "He wanted to help others enjoy life, too, that's why he came here, so he could get educated and help the people back home. That was his plan."
In addition to his wife and son, Dr. Ndukwe is survived by daughters, Aluba Ndukwe of Stone Mountain, Ucha Ndukwe of West Palm Beach, Fla., Ngozi Ndukwe of Houston, and Nkechiyere Ndukwe of Stone Mountain; and two grandchildren.
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