Chiyoe "Joy" Oki, 95 years old, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Nikkei Senior Gardens.

She was a Los Angeles-born Nissei who attended high school in Japan.  After WWII, she returned home and pursued a degree in pharmacy from USC.  She co-founded Sigma Phi Omega in 1949, the oldest Asian-American sorority at USC.  In 1956, she married Masao Oki, and they raised 3 children together in Gardena. She worked for 40 years as a retail pharmacist.

Her favorite pastimes were karaoke singing, ballroom dancing, ikebana, and beading.

Chiyoe was preceded in death by beloved husband, Masao Oki and brother, Keiji Yata (who passed a few hours before her).  She is survived by two sons, Steven Oki (Ana) and Dr. Brian Oki and daughter, Dr. Lisa Oki (Dr. Jonathan Kurohara); three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  A private family service was held on 2/13/2021.