Georgia Kay (Birdwell) Njagu

Georgia Kay Birdwell Njagu, age 59, passed away on Sunday, December 29th 2019 at Cone- Health Alamance Regional Medical Center.  She was born October 29th, 1960, the eldest daughter of William Henry Allen Birdwell Sr. and Margaret Isabelle Birdwell, and was raised in Bristol, Virginia, along with her 3 siblings William Jr. (Bill), Teresa, and Charles (CC). She was a proud Virginia High School graduate, Class of 1979. 

After graduating high school, she went on to attend Berea College, in Lexington, Kentucky, where she met her forever love, Paul Josiah Munesu Njagu. Georgia and Paul married and have spent the last 40 years together, creating their legacy- to include 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Georgia was dedicated to her family and she treasured her husband and children. She especially loved her role as ‘GiGi’ to her grandchildren. 

Georgia always valued education and established a foundation of lifelong learning, which was embodied by all of her children. With her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgia served over 26 years on staff for the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Her caring heart, commitment, and impact on the experiences of the students, staff, and faculty will forever be remembered. She was affectionately known as ‘Momma’ by many, and “straight shooter” by all. She championed the values of joyfulness, resilience, and dedication in her children, ‘adoptive’ children and all of the students she worked with over the years. 

Georgia’s untimely passing has affected many, as she touched so many lives over the years. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She made friends everywhere she went, and her boisterous laughter and elaborate story telling are just a few of her most memorable traits. She was extremely passionate about the pursuit of knowledge, the study of history, and social/political engagement. She thoroughly enjoyed travelling to visit with her family and friends, and her hobbies included crocheting and cooking (especially her world-renowned fried fish). 

She is preceded in death by her mother and father Margaret and William Birdwell Sr., father-in-law, Josiah Njagu, and niece Adrian Scott. Georgia leaves behind her devoted husband Paul J.M. Njagu; children- Brandan Michael Munesu Njagu, Ravyn Sierra Tendai Njagu, Taryrn Tinasha Chemwandoita Brown (son-in-law, Randy Brown Jr.); 2 grandchildren- Dorian Alexander Munesu and Harper Grace Chemwandoita Brown; sisters- Teresa McNeal and Ellen Dicampli; brothers- William Birdwell Jr., Charles Birdwell, and Rick Birdwell; mother-in-law Violet Njagu; sister-in-law Jean Njagu; and brothers-in-law Taylor Njagu and Kudzai Njagu. Several nieces and nephews: Leslie Freeman, Desha Scott, Clark (Eli) Whitsett, Nathaniel Joe, Kaydence Scott-McCoo, Trayvion McCoo, Rome Morrow Jr., Tendekai Morrow, Sharné Morrow, Tadiwa Njagu, Munyaradzi Njagu, Vimbai Njagu and a host of additional family, friends, and loved ones.

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