Obianuju Ebochie

Obianuju “Uju” Ebochie was a student who was determined to thrive academically at any school she attended, and committed to contributing back to the community that supported development as a youth growing up in San Francisco.

Uju was born and raised in San Francisco, CA in the Bayview - Hunters Point District.

Prior to starting grade school, her parents’ Afamefuna and Chinyere Ebochie, described Uju's willingness to learn as “unconditional”; as she would dedicate time to learn how to be a better reader and writer determined to “want to know everything”. The fruits of her labor would show when she started pre-Kindergarten at Rosa Parks Elementary then later transferred to Starr King Elementary when she was in the 2nd grade. Uju had often referred to her time back at Starr King as “her happiest moments”; primarily due the contributions and support from educators and assisting staff helped develop her unconditional love for learning, and being around friends that made feel welcomed and loved. The support also allowed her to be honored as an SFUSD Honor roll recipient for 3 years (2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade).

After graduating from Starr King in the 5th grade, she went on to attend James Lick Middle School for the next three years. Like at Starr King, she remained focused on her grades; setting new goals for herself academically since she transitioned to the Grade Point Average Grading System. Despite the transition, she managed to graduate from James Lick in 2009 as a 3.00 GPA student. Along with being a great student, she was a great friend to her peers around her, bringing a happy smile and bright personality each time she came into school. Often considered as “the most friendly” amongst her peers Rather than participate in sports, she contributed her time towards being a part of the middle school’s theater club; appearing in participating roles in various school plays such as Grease, Hair Spray, and many more!

Uju later started her freshman year at Balboa High School in the fall of 2009. Realizing the academic curriculum being more rigorous at the high school level, she worked to maintain her grades 3.00 minimum expectation she placed on herself. With the commitment to her education occupying a large bandwidth of her time, she still found ways to participate in extracurricular activities. Uju joined the softball team as a sophomore, and later part of the flag football team as a junior and senior. Throughout her time at Balboa, she also was a part of the high school Law Academy, where she gained a small insight into the legal studies curriculum while accomplishing her general curriculum. In spring of 2013, Obianuju graduated from Balboa High School, and signed her letter of intent to California State University - Hayward.

Obianuju went on to graduate from California State University - East Bay in Spring 2019 with her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology. After graduation, she became involved in working with youth in several elementary schools within the San Francisco and San Mateo county school district; including volunteering at youth-based community events and election voting stations within San Francisco. In 2023, had the opportunity to give me back her support, as she attained a position as a Special Education teacher assistant at Starr King Elementary. Prior to her passing, she was in the process of applying to graduate school to attain her Master’s Degree in public administration.

Uju leaves behind her mother & father, Chinyere Ebochie and Afamefuna Ebochie. Her eldest brother, Ikenna Ebochie; and youngest brothers, Ifeanyi and Chinedu Ebochie.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Obianuju Ebochie, please visit our floral store.