Dr. Mrs. Lydia Nchelem Didia

Dr. Mrs. Lydia Nchelem Didia, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and devoted servant of the Lord, passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 56. Lydia was born on June 24, 1970, in Rumueme, Rivers State, Nigeria. She married the love of her life, Dr. Darlington Didia, on December 31, 1992 and later moved to the United States in 1993.

A woman deeply committed to education and lifelong learning, Lydia obtained her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and earned her PhD in Accounting from Jackson State University in 2016. After earning her doctorate, she shared her knowledge and passion for learning as an educator, teaching at Penn State University and Jackson State University. Through her work as a professor, she touched the lives of countless students and left an enduring impact on those she taught.

Lydia found happiness in the simple and meaningful moments of life. In her free time, she loved spending time with family, friends, and colleagues. She had a generous spirit and a love for the people around her that made those fortunate enough to know her feel welcomed, cared for, and loved. Above all, Lydia cherished her family. She was a dedicated wife to Darlington, a devoted mother to her four children, Obi, Ada, Ruhuka, and Manuchim, and a loving grandmother to her four grandchildren, Jayden, Abigail, Grace, and Chandler. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

She was also a woman of unwavering faith. She was a devoted servant of the Lord and a true prayer warrior who dedicated her life to God. Her faith was not simply something she professed, but something she lived each day. Through her prayers, compassion, strength, and service, she became a source of encouragement and spiritual guidance to those around her.

Her legacy of service will be continued by her family and friends, who will carry forward her memory and the values she held so dearly. Though she will be deeply missed, her life will forever be celebrated, her love forever remembered, and her impact never forgotten.

May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may her memory forever be a blessing.

Visitation will be held on Fri. Sept. 4, 2026 from 5pm-7pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. Funeral Services are 1pm on Sat. Sept. 5, 2026 at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Lakeland Place Memorial Park Cemetery in Brandon, MS.