Anne M. Mwanthi

We gather here today to celebrate the life of Mrs. Anne Mwikali Kilonzi, a woman whose faith in Christ, love for her family, and devotion to service have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Early Life

Anne was born in 1956 in Kyakitumbi village, Kisekini sub-location, Kikoko location in Makueni County. She was the sixth child of the late Mr. Meshack Kilonzi Kyalo and the late Mrs. Tabitha Mbulwa Kilonzi. She was a dear sister to Josephine Kavithe Kitoo, the late Henry Musyoki Kilonzi, David Mutuku Kilonzi, Sammy Sila Kilonzi, the late Elizabeth Mukulu Kisivo, Ruth Kalondu Muli, and Jane Musika King’oo (Ndugu). 

Anne’s journey of learning began at Katulye Primary School in Makueni County, where she completed her elementary and middle school education (standards 1 to 8). After sitting for her Kenya Primary Examination (KPE), she went on to Thomeandu Secondary School before transferring to Matungulu Girls Secondary School in Kangundo, Machakos county, where she completed her high school education. Soon after, she pursued training at Thogoto Teachers Training College. Later, in Nairobi, Anne completed a secretarial course that opened doors for her to work at Cannon Assurance and eventually at the Kenya Reinsurance Company (Kenya Re). Her professional career blossomed there until 1999 when she moved to the United States with her family.

Family Life

Anne met and married Rev. Stephen Mwanthi Muya, then a pastor at Free Pentecostal Church in Machakos Town. Together, they were blessed with four sons: Manasseh Mwendwa (Dayton, Ohio), Paul Kilonzi (Seattle, Washington), Richard Muendo (Los Angeles, California), and Samuel Musyoka (Dayton, Ohio). Anne adopted her niece, Esther Nduku, and took care of her as her own daughter. 

Anne’s dedication as a wife and mother was unwavering. While her husband pursued further studies in the United States, she remained in Nairobi, single-handedly raising their children with grace and faith. In 1999, the family was reunited in the U.S. Anne continued caring and supporting her family while serving in the healthcare profession. 

In 2016, Anne witnessed her son Manasseh getting married to Assumpta. She was graced to become a doting grandmother to two precious grandchildren, Asriel (Kendwa) and Azel (Kaseo). Anne’s love for her family knew no bounds, and her home was a haven of warmth, wisdom, and encouragement.

Her Faith

Anne’s life was firmly anchored in her faith. Born into a Christian family, she came to know Jesus Christ as her LORD and Savior as a young girl. She was baptized as a child at ACK St Stephens Kithangathini Parish of Makueni Diocese, Kenya. Her parents modelled a life of devotion to Christ as members of the Africa Inland Church. Anne made a personal decision to follow Christ and later joined the Deliverance Church of Kenya in Nairobi.

Anne served God with humility and passion, beginning as a Sunday school teacher at Deliverance Church Eastleigh and later at Deliverance Church Umoja. Her ministry continued when she relocated to the United States, where she became a committed member of Grace Christian Fellowship in Dayton, OH. Her faith was not just a part of her life—it was the foundation of her identity. She inspired countless others through her unwavering trust in God and her servant’s heart.

Sickness and Triumph in Faith

Anne lived a life marked by good health and vitality until December 2021, when she was diagnosed with terminal metastatic colon and liver cancer. Despite the challenges of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Premier Blood and Cancer Center in Dayton, Ohio, Anne’s faith in Jesus Christ never wavered. She remained steadfast in her trust in God, facing her journey with courage, grace, and a heart full of gratitude for the life she had lived. Those who came to visit with her during this period, went back encouraged and challenged to hold on to Christ. 

On December 31, 2024, Anne peacefully transitioned to glory, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service—a life well-lived in honor of her Savior Jesus Christ. 

A Legacy of Love

As we celebrate Anne’s life, we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13), for we are confident that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Today, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend is in God’s glorious presence. Those who know Jesus Christ as their LORD and Savior like Anne will one day be reunited with her in eternity. Rest in peace dear Sister, Mother, Auntie, and Grandma.