Ditawa Nianda

Ditawa M. Nianda CHESAPEAKE - The Rev. Ditawa M. Nianda, also known by family members and close friends as José, entered eternal rest Aug. 12, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was flown from the Democratic Republic of Congo while on an evangelical mission. He was pastor of First United Presbyterian Church for 15 years. He preached his final sermon at Lokoro Church in Kinshasa, Congo, on July 23. He was a faithful servant of Christ until he was called home. The Rev. Nianda was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo on April 5, 1953. He came to the United States in 1977 to pursue his education. He completed a two-year Bachelor of Science degree in the Business of Administration program at Pfeiffer College in Charlotte, N.C. He also attended Central Piedmont College in Charlotte. In 1992, he received a Master of Divinity degree at Duke University in Durham, N.C., and completed his residency in clinical pastoral education at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill, N.C. He later moved his family to Virginia Beach in 1993 to work at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital as a staff chaplain. He was called to serve as a pastor in 1995 at First United Presbyterian Church and in 1999, he and his family moved to Chesapeake where he remained as a resident until his death. The Rev. Nianda is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Marie Munkantu Nianda; his three sons, Minu Nianda (Laura-Nicole) of Elizabeth City, N.C., Mulemvo Nianda (Sade) of San Diego and Kiese Nianda; and one newborn granddaughter, Amarah Nianda. He also leaves behind his father, Andre Kibubidi of Kinshasa, Congo; sisters, Magdaleine Vibuolu (Kwete), Jeanette Makanzu, both of Kinshasa, Congo and Josephine Nsimba (Mumbongo) of Paris, France; one brother, Thomas Kiantandu of Angola; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Lukombo; his brother, Eddie Lubanzadio; and sister, Esther Mayangi. A funeral was held in Lokoro Presbyterian Church in Kinshasa, Congo and a burial followed immediately after in Mbenseke Cemetery on Aug. 23. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 25, at 2 p.m. in First United Presbyterian Church 745 E. 29th St., Norfolk. The Lord has given and has taken. The Rev. Ditawa Nianda will be dearly missed by his family, his church congregation and many friends.