His Start

Abay Gidey’s story began on September 27, 1967 in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. He was the 4th child of Lemlem Gebrezgie and the late Gidey Mengistie. He graduated from one of the best schools in Tigray, Atse Yohannes Preparatory School. In 1989, Abay left Ethiopia during a tumultuous civil war for more opportunity in Atlanta, Georgia even though he knew very little English. Soon thereafter, he moved to Greensboro to be close to his cousin, Aebeyo Abraha. Abay continued his education earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering in 1996 from N.C. A&T State University. The United States of America welcomed a new citizen, Abay Gidey, in 1997.

His Career

Abay was a hard worker whose time and service were given generously. Being self-sufficient and supporting his family were important to Abay. This meant always holding more than one job. Abay loved technology and began his information technology career at Dudley Direct, LLC. as an IT Specialist. At the same time Abay helped to lay the foundation for the entire computer network for Carter G. Woodson School in Winston-Salem as the IT Director. He began working at the school in 1997 and continued to ensure their technology was top notch until his death. In fact, Abay had one of the longest tenures at the educational institution. In August, 1998, Abay accepted his dream job at National General Insurance (GMAC), remaining there for 23 fulfilling years. Abay started as a Client Systems Engineer and was routinely promoted for his skills and genial demeanor. His time at GMAC yielded many prestigious software certifications including ones from Genesys, Microsoft, and Network.

His Love

The fairy tale began in 1995 when a mutual friend, Bethlehem Mekonnen introduced Abay to Genea on a blind date. Their love grew as they explored each other’s cultures and customs. Fittingly, on August 19, 2000, Abay Gidey married the love of his life, Genea Dudley in a magical ceremony in Greensboro, NC and on Sept. 2, 200, they celebrated their union with another nuptials in Ethiopia.

His Passion

Abay Gidey loved playing soccer. For over 25 years, Abay Gidey played for North Carolina Triad's Africa Stars in the right mid-field. He was more than a teammate. He was a devoted friend and father figure to so many.

His Legacy

In November 2006, Abay Gidey was appointed by the entire High Point City Council to the City of High Point Human Relations Commission. As one of thirteen Commissioners, he was charged with guarding the human and civil rights of all citizens regardless of race, national origin, ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, physical ability, language, or socio-economic status. His historical appointment marked the first appointed commissioner from the Ethiopian Community. Abay grew up in a Christian Orthodox family, which laid the foundation for him being one of the founding members of the first Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the Triad, Kidane Mehret Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He enjoyed serving the church as a Founding Lifetime Board Member. Abay leaves to cherish his memory the love of his life for 26 years, his wife, Genea Dudley Gidey and their unborn child; his mother Lemlem Gebrezgie; siblings Kiros (Tsige) Gidey, Biretawit Gidey (Alemseged), Zayd Gidey (Nega), Biniam Gidey, Tsega Gidey (Desalegn), Dawit Gidey (Almaz), Daniel Gidey (Elsa), Mikiele Gidey; his in-laws: Dr. Joe Dudley, Sr., Dr. Eunice Dudley, Ursula Dudley Oglesby, (Mark), and Joe Dudley, Jr.; nieces Semhal Hadgu, Danait Nega, Yordanos Nega, Millena Kiros, Hlina Kiros, Kibra Tekeste, Gelila (Fikir) Dawit, Amareya Dawit, and Elena Oglesby; nephews Robel Hadgu, Yared Tekeste, Yoseph Daniel, Noah Daniel, New Baby Daniel, Eyuwel Dawit, and Mark Oglesby, Jr.; special brothers Aebeyo Abraha (Wanda), Daniel Teka, Abera Teklu, and Merhawi Teka; a special extended family of Kidane Mehret Ethiopian Orthodox Church of the Triad, the African Stars Soccer Team of the Triad, The Tigray Community of NC, Carter G. Woodson School, GMAC Insurance colleagues; and a host of other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Abay’s memory by donating to his home church, Kidane Meheret Ethiopian Orthodox Church, through @Givelify https://giv.li/7uk8q3

Services will be live streamed at pbcgso.org

Saturday, April 9, 2022. 10:00 am Providence Baptist Church 1106 Tuscaloosa St. Greensboro, NC 27406

Schedule

10:00 Prayer for Eternal Rest*

An Orthodox Ethiopian Tradition (1 hour)

*This is a special time that the priest prays and blesses the body to usher them into the after life in the traditional Ethiopian Tigranian language. It is customary to openly express your grief and sorrow during this time.

Doors of the Sanctuary will be closed during the Prayers of Eternal Rest & will reopen once the Video tribute begins.

11:00: Video Tribute & Family will receive visitors 11:30. American service begins

1:00. Internment Lakeview Cemetery 3600 N Ohenry Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27405

Repast: Carter G Woodson School, 437 Goldfloss St., Winston-Salem, NC 27127

Professional services are entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.