Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 13, 2023

CHARLOTTE- Zhu, Xiaohui (朱晓慧), passed peacefully on August 13, 2023. Xiaohui was born June 25, 1948 in Nanjing, China. She was the only daughter among 4 children of Zhu, Shaohua (朱少华) and Tian, Zhi (田緻). Xiaohui’s father, Shaohua, served in China National Party’s army during World War II, supporting the American Volunteer Group.

Xiaohui had a challenging life during early on, due to the unstable environment after the war time. She was a bright student and was admitted to one of the best high schools in Nanjing. She had to pause her education for a decade before pursuing college. During that time, she did various types of work, including farming in Huai’an for nearly 5 years.

In 1976, Xiaohui met Ding, Zhuming in Nanjing, who became her husband of 47 years. Their daughter, an only child, was born the following year.

The door to college was reopened in 1978. Xiaohui was determined to seize this opportunity for advanced education while she was in her early 30’s, had a young child and was 10 years after she attended her previous school. Her favorite moment was sitting by the riverside near the family’s small apartment, reading and preparing for her exams at 5 am every day. She obtained an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1982. After that, she worked as a warehouse associate, a supply & demand planner and finally as a successful sales director leading a large team for an auto parts & services company in Nanjing.

After 60 years of life in her hometown, Xiaohui moved to the United States, to be with her beloved daughter. She embraced the new towns, cultures and people with her whole heart and effort, in Michigan and in the Carolinas. Language had always been a barrier, but she never stopped trying and making new friends. Her genuine smile and caring nature were the languages that brought people closer to her. There were also many life-changing moments during this time. Xiaohui witnessed her daughter building and extending the family, took great care of her granddaughter with the deepest affection. She enjoyed traveling and hanging out with her friends; she loved the mountains and beaches near Charlotte which she called home; she devoted her time to new skills such as Tai Chi, singing and playing piano; she learned to help others with her new skills. Most importantly, she spent invaluable time with her dearest family.

Xiaohui is survived by her husband Zhuming Ding, daughter Nan Ding and son-in-law RG Iyer, her loving granddaughter Parvathy Iyer, of Charlotte, NC; and her brother Xiaojie Zhu and wife Chunxia Xu of Nanjing, China. She was predeceased by her parents, Shaohua Zhu and Zhi Tian; and her siblings Xiaoqin Zhu, Xiaomin Zhu.

The family is most grateful to all the friends that were by her side when she breathed her last. They made Xiaohui’s life in Charlotte enjoyable and fulfilling.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service. 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.