June, 1957 — July, 2026 • Aged 69
“A devoted matriarch, a gentle spirit, and the epitome of love.”
Mrs. Nkechinyere Stella Rhodes-Vivour (nee Waboso) was a distinguished Nigerian public servant, barrister at law, devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, sister and friend. She was a woman of deep faith whose life was marked by service, grace, intellect, compassion, and unwavering dedication to family, her country and all those around her.
Born on the 16th of June 1957, Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour, the 4th of 8 siblings, was born in Azumini, Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria, to the family of Mr. Ezekiel and Mrs. Jane Waboso. She was raised alongside her siblings with strong Christian values, discipline, and a commitment to excellence that would later on define every stage of her remarkable life. Her warmth, humility, and gentle strength endeared her to all who encountered her. A gifted linguist, Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour was fluent in English, French and Igbo, and also spoke Efik and Yoruba. Her multilingual ability enabled her to build bridges across cultures and communities, and it became an invaluable asset in her professional life.
Mrs. Nkechinyere Stella Rhodes-Vivour’s educational journey reflected her passion for learning and personal development. The journey started in a primary school in Port Harcourt. She proceeded to Ovom Girls High School, Abia from 1971 till July 1975, where she successfully completed the WASC examination in May/June 1975. After her secondary school education, she was briefly a radio presenter in a radio station in Port Harcourt. She then relocated to Lagos where she secured a job in the Ministry of External Affairs in 1976. While she was working in the Ministry, she first gained a scholarship to study French at Université de Poitiers, France, after which she attended Lycée Laure Gatet, Périgueux, France where she was awarded a "Brevet Professionnel de Secrétariat". Later on, she obtained admission to study Law at the University of Lagos and graduated with an LL.B. (Hons.) B.L. Thereafter, she attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar on the 12th of October, 2004.
Mrs. Nkechinyere Stella Rhodes-Vivour was 25 years old when she met her husband at her office in Foreign Affairs. He was literally the "man of her dreams", as she had seen him a year prior to meeting him in a dream which further convinced her that he was the man for her. They tied the knot in 1982 and had a beautiful and fruitful marriage. Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to Barrister Olawale Allan Roy Rhodes-Vivour; a nurturing mother to Gbadebo, Adeyemo, Judith, Lola and Tosin, and a loving grandmother to 10 amazing grandkids.
She built a family rooted in faith, mutual respect, unconditional love, and strong moral values. Her children and grandchildren were the pride of her heart, and she poured herself selflessly into their upbringing, guidance, and well-being. Aside from her biological children, many called her "Mum" because she was indeed a mother to many. Those who knew her closely testify that she loved fiercely and gave generously. In her presence, many found comfort, counsel, peace, and a sense of belonging. Her home was a place of hospitality, kindness, laughter, and prayer.
Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour dedicated a great part of her life to the service of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This appointment ushered her into a long and distinguished career in diplomacy and public administration. Throughout her years of service, she worked in various departments within the Ministry, earning the respect of colleagues and superiors for her diligence, professionalism, discretion, and commitment to excellence. She was intentional about personal development and she took courses in: Practical Skills training in Negotiation, Mediation & Arbitration, CorelDraw competency, Secretarial administration, and Productive Communication in the workplace, amongst others.
Her academic accomplishments were impressive and reflected both intellectual depth and international exposure. During her years in the Ministry, she served as a Diplomat in Paris, France from 1998 to 2003, after which she served in Vienna, Austria from 2005 to 2008. Her international exposure further enriched her understanding of diplomacy and strengthened her contribution to Nigeria’s Foreign Service. Upon retirement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she secured an appointment at ECOWAS where she worked for 10 years up until her retirement in 2017. Colleagues remember her as a dependable, intelligent, courteous, and hardworking officer who carried out her duties with integrity and distinction.
Mrs. Nkechinyere Stella Rhodes-Vivour was a woman of uncommon grace. She carried herself with dignity, spoke with wisdom, and treated people with genuine kindness regardless of status or background; she opened her heart and her home to many.
Her Christian faith was central to her life. She and her husband built a home with a strong prayer altar with the children ensuring that they were brought up with Godly values. She was a committed member of Covenant Chapel Parish of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, and a faithful member of the Elders’ Fellowship. Loved by many, she had several children in the Lord. She served the Lord with dedication and humility, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love and service to God and humanity. She lived with compassion, humility, patience, and gratitude, always seeking to uplift others and leave every place better than she found it.
She enjoyed dancing, cooking, healthy living and wellness, gardening, sharing educational and informative videos on social media, hosting family and friends, reading, dressing up, going out, taking pictures and relishing simple pleasures that reflected her love for family, knowledge, reflection, discovery, and a healthy, balanced life.
With gratitude to God for a life beautifully lived, the family remembers Mrs. Nkechinyere Stella Rhodes-Vivour as a loving wife, devoted mother, caring grandmother, trusted friend, respected colleague, and gentle soul whose legacy will endure for generations. Her life was one of meaningful impact; she lived a life of faithful service to Nigeria, a life devoted to family, guided by Christian values that touched many hearts and inspired many lives.
Though she has departed from this earthly plane, her love remains deeply rooted in the hearts of all who knew her. Her wisdom, prayers, sacrifices, laughter, and unwavering support will continue to guide and comfort her family and loved ones. Mrs. Nkechinyere Stella Rhodes-Vivour lived a worthy and impactful life. She will be sorely missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace.
Scriptural Remembrance
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
PROVERBS 31:28
Leave your words of comfort, memory, and respect for the family.
Loading tributes from friends & family...
Moments from a beautiful life, shared by family and friends.