Johnson Kiragu Thuo

Johnson Kiragu Thuo, age 62, of Canton, Georgia passed away October 17, 2024. Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Alpharetta, GA, in Alpharetta, GA, and 1:30 pm on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Kenyan American Community Church in Marietta, GA. Interment will be held in Kenya at a later date.

Johnson Kiragu was born on December 15, 1961, in the village of Muīri-inī, Kenya, to the late Hannah Njeri Kiragu and Benard Thuo Kiragu. He was one of nine siblings, including Samuel Kiragu Thuo (step-brother), Mary Mūthoni Kariuki (step-sister), James Mbogo Thuo, Ruth Wanjiku Thuo, Samuel Kinyanjui Thuo, Mary Mūkuhī Mwangi, and Alice Wanene Ngigī. Johnson attended Githumu Primary School (1972-1975) and later Mūngaria Primary (1976-1978). He pursued secondary education at Gīchagi-ini Secondary School, graduating in 1982. In July 1983, Johnson accepted Christ at a crusade and was baptized that same year. Following a strong calling to ministry, he enrolled at Kapsabet Bible School in 1985, graduating in 1989. During his studies, Johnson engaged in mission work with the African Inland Church and was ordained as a pastor in 1991. He served faithfully at AIC Kiru, Gīthumu, and Mathaithi from 1991 to 2002 and participated actively on the District Churches Council.

Johnson met his beloved wife, Mary Kamau, in 1992 through their work in ministry with the African Inland Church. The two married on November 26, 1994, and were blessed with three children: Benard Thuo Kiragu, the late George Kamau Kiragu, and Ann Grace Njeri Kiragu. In June 2002, Johnson and Mary, along with their two sons, Benard and George, moved to the United States, where they later welcomed their daughter, Ann Grace. Starting in December 2002, he started working for Allied Barton as a security guard at Hartsfield Jackson and stayed with the company from 2002- 2011. Then left for seminary after that. Between 2004 to 2008, Johnson was part of a church plant at Eastside Baptist Church in Riverdale, Georgia. In 2005, the church partnered with First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, and Johnson became active on the evangelism team. The family relocated to Roswell in 2006, and Johnson joined Alpharetta First Baptist Church, where he served as part of the Prayer Raisers, the Stephen Ministry, and was ordained as a deacon in 2019. Johnson remained a dedicated member of this faith community until his passing. Johnson began facing health challenges in December 2017 when he suffered a stroke and was admitted to Northside Hospital in Canton, Georgia. Although he recovered, he continued to experience health issues, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In May 2024, his health worsened significantly, and in September 2024, he was admitted to Well Star - Kennestone Hospital, where he spent his final days. Johnson passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 17, 2024.

Johnson is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Mary Kiragu; his children, Benard Thuo Kiragu and Ann Grace Njeri Kiragu; and his siblings, Samuel Kiragu Thuo, Johnson Kiragu Thuo, James Mbogo Thuo, Ruth Wanjiku Thuo, Samuel Kinyanjui Thuo, Mary Mūkuhī Mwangi, and Alice Wanene Ngigī. He was predeceased by his parents, Hannah Njeri Kiragu and Benard Thuo Kiragu, his sister, Mary Mūthoni Karioki, and his son, George Kamau Kiragu.

Johnson’s gentle spirit, devotion to family, and love for his faith community will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His lifelong passion for reading, particularly biblical studies, and his enjoyment of soccer were among the many things that enriched his life and the lives of those around him.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 8, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta, Georgia. 

Online guest book at www.westcobbfuneralhome.com.