Joseph Usueyibo-Solomon passed away, Friday, November 29, 2024, in Charlottesville, VA, following a tragic accident. Joseph was a member of the Christchurch School Class of 2024 and in his first year of studies at James Madison University.
In his final days, he was surrounded by members of his family, his Christchurch brothers and sisters—alumni, students and faculty among them—and close friends from JMU.
“Joseph was larger than life, a strong personality that filled every room he entered,” says Billy Coyle, Head of Christchurch School. “He cared deeply about others and was passionate about everything he pursued. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.”
Hailing from Nigeria, Joseph joined the Christchurch School community in 2021. It did not take long before Joseph embraced all the opportunities available to him to experience the opportunities of his new home. He embraced new friends, new experiences and spread his light to all who he encountered. He was a three year member of the Christchurch School varsity soccer squad, joining the team in his sophomore year and helping them reach the distinction of VISAA State Soccer Champions. He was a member of the Christchurch School Varsity Basketball Team, Manager for the Varsity Girls Soccer Team and performed in the drama production his senior year. Upon graduation from Christchurch School, Joseph continued his studies at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Advisor Mollie Brumfield notes, “he was so vibrant! He spanned the spectrum of social groups at Christchurch School… he was a great brother to all his teammates. He was someone with a funny style all his own. Joseph was a unique person, and this world will not be as bright without him in it.”
Joseph shared the following message with the Christchurch community in reflection of his time at Christchurch School during his Senior Speech: “We start as blank canvases, waiting for someone to splash some colour. And then… BAM! We are surrounded by teachers, family, and friends who splash a bit of different colours in our lives… As I would like to paint your canvas with fun, my biggest goal is to be able to give people the confidence to be themselves and the courage to talk to new people”
Joseph is survived by his father, Solomon Aruwaje, mother Faith Solomon Aruwaje, brother Joshua Usueyibo-Solomon and sisters Sophia and Ambless; uncles Iyke Ukomadu, Daniel Emekene and Ebere Emekene.
A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held the evening of Friday, December 6, 2024, at 8:00 P.M. in St. Peter’s Chapel on the campus of Christchurch School (49 Seahorse Lane near Saluda, VA). The family will receive friends from 11:30 to 12:30 on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Faulkner Funeral Home, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel (15 C.F. Edwards Lane, Saluda, VA), and a funeral service will follow at 3:00 P.M. in St. Peter’s Chapel at Christchurch School. Interment will follow at the nearby Christ Church Parish Episcopal Church Cemetery (with a fellowship reception following).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joseph Usueyibo-Solomon Memorial Fund. Please select “Joseph Usueyibo-Solomon Memorial Fund” in the designation section: www.christchurchschool.org/joseph-usueyibo-solomon-memorial-fund
Christchurch School plans to provide a livestream of the funeral service at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday. To view the service, please visit https://youtube.com/live/3AF3sDh3B3A.
