ACK St Peter's Cathedral Church, Nyeri

EULOGY Rtd. Lay Reader Debora Wambui Mwangi was born on 16th October, 1931 at Gathinji village, Location 10 (Loc 10), Murang’a county. She was the third child of the late Johanna and the late Miriam Gachoya. She was the sister to the late Paul Gikungu, Late Susan Muthoni, Late Peter Ngahu, Martha Waithera Mburu and Monica Waitherero Gachoya. Debora’s friendship with her beloved John Mwangi started in 1947 and in August, 1950 they married under the Kikuyu customary law. Their marriage was later solemnised on 24th August, 1982 in a ceremony presided over by Ven. Nephat Gakuya at ACK St. Peter’s Cathedral - Nyeri. The marriage was blessed with eight children; Peter Kariuki, Mary Wambui, James Ng’ang’a, Daniel Wainaina, Paul Gikungu, the late Michael Gicheru, Godfrey Ngahu and Stephen Kamau. She was the mother-in-law to Josephine Kariuki, Wanjiku Ng’ang’a, Nyambura Ikahu Wainaina, Mumbi Gicheru, Jane Ngahu and Patricia Wanjiku and Elizabeth Wairimu. She was blessed with 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Debora went to Kahuhia intermediate school (Mabere) in Murang’a county and sat the Common Entrance Examination and proceeded to Kahuhia Normal School. She had a stint in the teaching profession. In 1959, Rtd. Lay Reader Debora Wambui Mwangi, together with her husband moved to Nyeri County from Nairobi to start the very first (1st) photo processing studio - The Popular Studio. Over the years, Debora and her late husband’s tireless and graceful workmanship coupled by their astute business attributes earned them great respect and admiration amongst their clientele, friends and fellow competitors. Their success enabled them to expand their business both in Nyeri and Nyahururu towns. Until her demise she has been a distinguished farmer, specialising in coffee, livestock and poultry. Through the use of organic farming methods her farm flourished and produced great harvests. Debora was a highly motivated individual with an extremely strong personality, she was a strict disciplinarian who kept everyone on their toes and abhorred laziness since she believed in hard work. The late Rtd. Lay Reader was an astounding time manager, for example, though work on her farm started at 8.00AM every morning, she dutifully maintained an assembly with her workers at 7.30AM even at the age of 93 years. Anyone arriving late would be summarily dismissed. She was strategic in realising her vision and dreams and excelled in any project she put her mind to and brought it to fruition. Even after the passing on of her husband, she felt indebted to fulfil their dreams and passions. She passionately pursued this until her demise. Debora loved living well, had a warm home and was very particular about what she ate. She dressed elegantly and always wore a hat to match. Debora loved cars and drove herself up to the age of 93 years (2023) and had a passion for flowers. Her Christian life Rtd. Lay Reader Debora Wambui Mwangi was baptised in her early childhood, 1935 and later confirmed at ACK St. John’s Church, Kahuhia. She has been an ardent member of the Anglican church. She got born again in 1969 and has been a member of the East African Revival Fellowship since TUKUTENDEREZA. As a member, she served at the Division and District teams. In 1975, Debora became the first Mothers’ Union Chairlady at ACK St. Peter’s Cathedral - Mt. Kenya West. She has faithfully supported the Union ever since. When the Bible Society of Kenya visited ACK St. Peter’s Cathedral in 2022 and spoke about Bible translation, she became very interested and sponsored a part of Bible translation for a sub-tribe in Igoji South, Meru. The Society was very impressed by her passion and commitment. She developed a relationship with the members who occasionally visited her at home. Surprisingly on Tuesday the 16th April, 2024 a day after her demise two members of the society came visiting hoping to have a fellowship with her. Since 2011, Debora was diagnosed with asthma, a condition she has lived with under strict management. She developed breathing complications and loss of eyesight on 8th April, 2024. She was then rushed to Outspan Hospital Nyeri where she was admitted. Her condition worsened and on Sunday 14th April, 2024 she went to be with the Lord. May you reap abundantly in Heaven as you generously sowed while you lived down here. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…” 2 Timothy 4:7