It is with sadness that MC USA announces the passing of Anthonia Chibuzo Onye (May 18, 1971 to Jan. 12, 2024), regional minister for Southern California for Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference (PSMC), recently appointed member of the Mennonite Mission Network board of directors, and associate pastor at Wholicare Community Missionary Church in Los Angeles.
She also was the founder and vision bearer of “In the Loving Arms Ministries,” “Groaners, and Overcomers Prayer Group,” and “In the Loving Arms Lending Hands,” ministries which serve communities by bringing peace, hope, joy, comfort and purpose to orphans, widows and the destitute in areas affected by war, incarceration, hunger and injustice – a mission that was a meaningful expression of her faith.
“The common thread that runs through the mind, soul and spirit of any Anabaptist believer is the commitment to peace, justice, reconciliation and service in the name of Christ,” Onye wrote in an MC USA Menno Snapshots blog in January 2020.
Onye demonstrated this commitment in her work as a conference leader, according to Rev. Stanley Green, PSMC executive conference minister for California and Arizona, who worked beside her in her role as regional conference minister for Southern California for six years.
“Anthonia was so invigorated by encouraging others,” he said. “She did so very effectively as a mentor helping others to find and give of their best, as a networker who connected people making greater outcomes possible, and as a spiritual companion. She augmented these ministries through her inspiring writings and her beautiful singing. Together we empowered and unleashed into leadership those who said yes to God’s call – this gave her enormous delight which made my heart glad to observe.”
Anthonia formerly was an assistant pastor, deaconess and member of Los Angeles (California) Faith Chapel.
She earned an associate degree in communication from Calabar Polythenic Nigeria and a bachelor’s degree in communication from OKO Polythenic Nigeria. Onye also earned an associate degree in child development from West L.A. College in California, attended the School of Urban Missions in Pasadena, California, and took several short courses at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana.
Onye is survived by her son, Chibike Anubalu and extended family.
Los Angeles Faith Chapel is hosting her homecoming service on Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. PT at Family Mennonite Church, 6520 Normandie Ave., Los Angeles. Final interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. PT at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park, 11500 Arlington Ave., Riverside, California.