To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Elisabeth Mbithe Kiilu was born in Machakos, Kenya on March 20, 1962, to the late Samson M. Kiilu and Naomi S. Kiilu. She was the first born and only daughter.
From the beginning, her independence and outgoing spirit made an imprint on her family and friends. When her brothers Jimmy, Simon and Joshua came into the world, she proudly took on the role of big sister. When they were young, one thing was for sure, Elisabeth did not shy away from being their fierce protector. She stood up for her brothers, never backing down from a fight. Although she left Kenya to go to school in Sweden in 1978, she remained close to them.
After Sweden, she made her way to Topeka, Kansas in the United States, where she graduated from Topeka High School in 1981. Even in high school, she was known for her radiant smile and infectious personality. Always the non-conformist, she did things her own way and at her own time. She spent her lifetime as a student, continually working to advance her education, first Central College (Kansas), then at Texas Women’s University (Texas), finally earning her degree at Ivy Tech (Indiana). The majority of her career was spent in hospitality where her welcoming personality was allowed to shine.
In 1982, she welcomed her first daughter, Caroline and seven years later, in 1989, she welcomed her second daughter Reschelle. Her role of fierce protector shifted to her two girls. She would move heaven and earth to give them anything and would tell anyone who would listen how proud she was of them.
Everyone that knew Elisabeth, could say that she went out of her way to make them feel special, loved and cared for, whether they were a stranger or long-time friend. She filled a room with her big personality and even bigger laugh, which will be sorely missed.
On October 6th 2023, Elisabeth was welcomed home in Heaven by her Father - Samson M. Kiilu, her grandparents - Simon M. Katumo and Elizabeth Mumina ,her dear Joseph Kathuka who she considered an adopted son and her best friend, Michelle Merrill.
She leaves behind, her mother, Naomi S. Kiilu to cherish her memory. Her beloved daughters, Caroline K. Smith (Lukas Smith) and Reschelle W. Karanja. Her brothers Jimmy M. Kiilu (Sophia N. Musembi), Simon M. Kiilu (Faith M. Mulomba) and Joshua M. Kiilu (Jennifer Waitwika). Her one and only grandchild, Zoey Smith. Her adoring nieces Erika S. Mulomba, Claire M. Mulomba and Elizabeth [Lisa] Musembi. Her wonderful nephew George K. Musembi. She’s also left behind Phyllis Kathuka (Joe’s sister) who she considered an adopted daughter and many other family and friends.
The joy and love she shared will live with us forever and her brilliant smile will always be imprinted in our hearts and mind.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Compass Center 4201 Pool Road, Grapevine, Texas 76051. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.