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Abay Gidey

Passed 03/30/2022

Obituary For Abay Gidey

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.


Live Stream Links

Live Streaming is through Providence Baptist Church Website

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

My heart is saddened to hear of Abay's passing I will never forget his genuine kindness and that contagious smile at NGIC(GMAC). God's blessing for much comfort for the family. Annette Cook

Genes, May the peace of God be with you during this difficult time. When your heart is overwhelmed with the WHY'S Look to God for your strength and know that his presence and his peace will carry you through your darkest hour. Love you and God bless to you and the family.♥️🙏🏽

My heart breaks knowing that the world has lost a kind & gentle soul. It was my great honor to have known Abay, and to have worked with him. On his last day an National General we both cried, and I prayed for him. My sincere condolences to the family as you grieve. He will be missed. Brad Worthington

My prayers for genea and family Ephesians 6 the armour of god and psalms 91 god heals us all my deepest sympathy Pat Keith and family

Abay was a true & honest blessing to everyone that knew him. A sincere man in every facet of his life. This world was always a brighter place with him in your presence. My prayers & thoughts are with you Genea & the entire family. God certainly has received an Angel of all Angels. Michelle Vaughn

Abay Hawey, Your memory feels like home to me. I will always love you. Rest easy zihawey🙏🏾 Luwam

The first impression of Abay years ago was his smile and demeanor which presented a unique and kind soul. The experience with him at work and helping at the school confirmed him to be a great individual in many ways. He made all those around him better by setting an example, not only to work with, but to know, and be friends with. The world needs more people like Abay. He will be missed. -A

Abay was amazing. He was so kind and thoughtful towards everyone he met. I learned a lot from Abay. We will sincerely miss him. God bless 🙏. Tricia and Dave Watson

Genea, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Abay. May the beautiful memories of him shine through. Warm hugs to you and your family. Your cousin, Tani Ali.

Abay was the most caring and humble person I've ever known. He was a great co-worker and will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family ❤️🙏 Kathy Key

I think "Salt of the Earth" best describes the friend I knew. A more humble, forthright individual, I've never known. My heartfelt condolences to Abay's wife and family.

Kevin Rogers

Though I am still reeling from the sudden death of my dear friend. I am humbled and touched by his time here with us. Abay grew up having everything he wanted but as a kid he was not spoiled instead had wonderful manners and was a really hard working man. I remembered as a young man he worked morning to dawn at his family's business while all of us his friends play out side or do what many teenage boys do. Abay was a kind and caring friend. He always be there when we needed him. His positivity was an inspiration for everyone he met. He was a friend to many, and we will all miss him every day. Rest In Peace my dear friend. Addisu B

My heart aches for your family at the loss of a truly wonderful man. Abay was one of the kindest, loving and respectful men I have ever met. May his memory be eternal. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Penny Vlahos

Though I am still reeling from the sudden death of my dear friend. I am humbled and touched by his time here with us. Abay grew up having everything he wanted but as a kid he was not spoiled instead had wonderful manners and was a really hard working man. I remembered as a young man he worked morning to dawn at his family's business while all of us his friends play out side or do what many teenage boys do. Abay was a kind and caring friend. He always be there when we needed him. His positivity was an inspiration for everyone he met. He was a friend to many, and we will all miss him every day. Rest In Peace my dear friend.

Genea, Jeff and I are so sorry to hear of your loss of Abay. He will always be remembered for his kind and gentle nature. I still talk about your beautiful wedding and special storybook of your romance. What a wonderful memory. We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May you be surrounded with strength, love and peace.

Abay was a beautiful, gracious, and loving soul. I met him through my work. We became friends. I quickly noticed that the banners under which he delivered that work were excellence and abundance. In him was no lack. I can't adequately express all that I personally gained in this life from having his friendship. I hope to honor his memory along with my precious loved ones for my lifetime. The only other persons in which I such loving service to others were my grandmother and my mother. I feel your grief and sorrow. I pray your comfort and relief in keeping his memories alive. May God continuously hold you in the hollow of His hands.

Only the Most High God can heal the ❤️, I pray for you and the family, He is a beautiful light that will always shine bright for eternity. We love you, Genea- 💙, Dre' and The Creative Artist of Dudley Beauty Corp.

The Nettles and McLean family are so sorry for your lost. We trust that your Christian faith will see you through this difficult time of sorrow.

I prayed so hard that this wasn't true when I heard. I am absolutely devastated. Our friendship began all the way back in 1999 and, while life has a way of pulling you apart, no amount of time could pass where we didn't instantly pick back up where we left off. In all my years on this earth, I can honestly say I have never met a kinder, gentler and more loving friend than Abay. He had a forgiving and grace-filled spirit almost never seen. No greater walking example of God's love existed that I've ever known. You are painfully missed, already, my friend. I look forward to the day I can be in your presence again. Genea & family - please know how deeply sorry I am for this loss and know that I am praying for His peace over you in this time.

Life is full of many seasons. During one of my earlier seasons, I had the pleasure of knowing Abay. I worked closely with Abay at worked and not only did he serve as a co-worker but a friend and a mentor. He had a very calm demeanor about himself and presented himself as someone who would do anything for you. He truly put others first before himself and always gave excellent advice. Abay truly wanted what was best and it showed through his action's day in and day out. Abay will be missed but the memories that were created will long live. Thanks for being more than just a co-worker Abay. Rest in peace my friend. - Clay Naylor

Oh Genea. My heart breaks for you and all who loved Abay. It's impossible to understand right now, but please take comfort in the loving comments written about your Abay for they will help you in time. My hope is that everyone here and those who have come to your home to honor his memory will continue their support for you. People don't know and they cannot imagine what you are going through now. Be gentle to yourself and find the strength and power that is within you. I'm here for you. May His Memory Be For a Blessing

Abay was one of the kindest, gentlest and smartest people I have ever known! While serving on the High Point Human Relations Commission, he taught all of us so much about Ethiopia. He was also a beacon of light when it came to improving human relations among all people from every walk of life. He once told us that his name, Abay, was the original name for the Nile River. And like a mighty river, Abay never held back or forced any issue; he simply moved as the river moves; with might, peace and purpose. My husband and I send the family our prayers of comfort and our deepest condolences on your loss. Isaac & Alvena "Al" Heggins

Abay was an outstanding member of our community. A wonderful father, husband, friend, and role model. He was humble, kind, honorable, and noble. He treated all who crossed his path with love and respect. I am truly grateful to have known such a man and sorry to have not been able to spend more time with him. To his wife and family I am immensely sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my prayers. Rest in eternal peace old friend, and may your legacy forever remain as blissful as you were.

Abay was probably the finest human being I've ever known. He was always kind, generous, compassionate, and put others before himself. I will always be thankful to call Abay my friend. I am heartbroken for Genea and his family and pray for peace and comfort during this time. Mike Martin

Genea, I am so sorry for your loss, I am still in shock, however I pray for you and your family for healing during this difficult time. Love you always, Dudley Beauty Center & Spa's Staff & Clastine Poole Covington

Abay was a Prince. I was so blessed to have known Abay for over 20 years. Love of his life was his precious wife, Genea. Abay helped me thru so many personal losses in my life. Especially, loss of my husband Thom. Abay was always positive and such a blessing to be around. We lost an amazing human being who touched so many people. Genea, my heart breaks for you as I know he was your Prince and love of your life. Continued prayers for Genea and Abay's family. 💕. God bless you. Patty Farrell

Abay was the most caring and humble person I've ever known. He had such a quiet sweet spirit as he was always willing to help and share his knowledge. Never a negative word about anything or anybody. I am extremely Blessed to have worked with him for 10 years at the school. To his wife and family we share your loss and are praying for you. He will never be forgotten. Shirley Singletary

We are so sorry for your family's loss. We are praying for you all during this most difficult time. Paula & Scott Edwards (WPO - Triad Chapter)

My family and I are praying for the Gidey family..I will truly miss my good friend of many years ..I was blessed to have him touch my life..Rest in eternal peace, Prince Abay. Terry Jacksom

Away was the the kindest person I have ever know. I am honored to have known him. RIP my friend. Billy Windham

Abay was a super great guy & friend. He will be truly missed. I will keep you & your family in my thoughts & prayers. Lisa W. Smith

So sad to hear this news about one of the kindest souls I've had the pleasure to meet. Sam Winters

Abay was simply the most humble and kind soul I have ever known. He was a blessing and the world is a much darker place knowing he is no longer in it. May your memories bring you comfort. Jean Crews

Abay was a great guy and a great co-worker. He will be missed greatly. Randy Pegram

Abay was simply one of the kindest hearted people you could know. He had a great knowledge of people, and appreciated all of those he came to know. Miss you and hope that you and your family are now even more cared for from above. Dan & Cathy

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC

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