Agatha Nyakinyua Karuri was born on January 3, 1944, to the late Apollo Karuri Gachagua and Phoebe Muthoni. She was sister to the late Simon Gachagua and the late Margaret Gathigia Karuri.

She was a devoted mother to the late Mark Kimotho, Michael Karuri Gachagua, Nick Maina Gachagua, and Collette Muthoni Gachagua; and mother‑in‑law to Beatrice Seiya Karuri and Kandie Chesiyna Gachagua. Her love extended to her grandchildren: Kandi Kate Karuga, the late Bryan Karuri, Quincy Karuri, Abigael Muthoni, Novia Gordon, Amalya Gordon, Noraya Gordon, Millan Gordon, Wanjiku Gachagua, Maina Gachagua, and Gathigia Gachagua—each of whom she cherished deeply. She was also blessed with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Early Life

Agatha lost her mother at a young age and was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Gathigia wa Gatheru and Mwaniki wa Kanguru, with additional support from Charity Karungari and Nguthiru wa Kamau. Their guidance shaped her early years until she later moved to Nanyuki to live with her father.

Education

She began her schooling at Ngunguru Primary School and later transferred to Nanyuki DEB Primary School, where she completed her Certificate of Primary Education in 1958.

Employment and Career

Agatha began her working life as a nanny, caring for children with patience and devotion. After moving to Nairobi, she joined the University of Nairobi as a custodial worker, serving in a full‑time, permanent, pensionable position—a role she held with dedication from 1973 until 1989. Her strong work ethic, reliability, and warm spirit made her a valued member of the university community.

In 1989, Agatha relocated to the United States. She continued nannying for several years before transitioning into elderly caregiving, a calling that allowed her to extend her compassion and gentleness to the seniors she supported. She served faithfully in this role until her retirement in 2017.

Church Life

Agatha was baptized at PCEA Tumutumu. Her faith journey later led her to Chrisco Church in Nairobi, and eventually to Faith Landmarks Church in Richmond, Virginia, where she became an active and committed member.

Social Life

Agatha moved to Nairobi around 1970, living in Kariobangi and Jericho before settling in the Pangani–Juja Road area in 1971. During these years, she formed lifelong friendships, including with Anna Gichigo (Mama John) and Monica Nguku, her beloved "bestie." Together, they grew in faith and raised their children side by side.

Both Agatha and Monica later moved to the United States, living in Richmond, Virginia, where they remained inseparable and spoke daily. Agatha also stayed closely connected to Mama John despite the distance, maintaining the bonds that had shaped her life for decades.

Upon arriving in the U.S. in 1989, Agatha opened her home and heart to many newly arrived Kenyans, offering guidance, support, and a sense of belonging. In her later years, she spent much of her time with her grandchildren, surrounding them with warmth, laughter, and love.

Death

Agatha enjoyed good health throughout her life. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:35 A.M., she passed away peacefully in her sleep.

"The Lord gave, the Lord has taken. Glory be to His name."

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.