Patience Kemngang

Ma. Patience Nzokella Kemngang (née Manjuo) was born on December 11, 1960, in Victoria, Cameroon, to Pa. Martin Nsei Manjuo of Bamessing and Ma. Susana Tenga Fabu of Bangoulap, both of blessed memory. She was one of twelve children—five from her maternal side and seven from her paternal side.

Patience spent most of her childhood in Kumba, where she was lovingly raised by her mother alongside her siblings and cousins. In 1966, she began her education at Presbyterian Girls’ School, Kumba Town. After completing primary school, she attended National Comprehensive Secondary School in Victoria from 1972 to 1977.

In the late 1980s, Patience emigrated to the United States, where she was welcomed by her brothers, Dr. Emmanuel Njomo and the late Victor Njabu Njomo, and settled in Virginia. She pursued higher education at Northern Virginia Community College, earning an Associate Degree in Applied Science, majoring in Office Systems Technology with a specialization in Executive Secretary, in 1987.

A brief marriage to Mr. Nicholas Aboko resulted in the birth of her first son, Kent Tchwenko Aboko, in 1988.

She later migrated to California, where she met and married the love of her life, Mr. Robert Atabong Kemngang Sr., in Pomona, December 1998. Together, they were blessed with three children: Robert Atabong Kemngang Jr. (1995) and twin boys, Leliveld Nsi Kemngang and Trevor Tenga Kemngang (1998). With the birth of her twins, she was honored with the traditional title of Manyi, a distinction bestowed upon the mother of twins.

In 1998, Patience furthered her education at San Bernardino Valley College, earning an Associate of Arts degree.

Patience embarked on a fulfilling career in healthcare, demonstrating unwavering dedication and compassion in psychiatric care. In May 1995, she began working as a Unit Charge Nurse at the San Bernardino Crisis Stability Unit, providing essential mental health support.

From July 1999 to May 2006, she served as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician at Olive Vista Mental Healthcare Facility in Pomona, where she provided nursing, custodial, and personal care for emotionally disturbed patients. She also assisted in hygiene, nutrition, and crisis interventions, including seclusion and restraint procedures for agitated patients. In 2014, she brought her expertise to Coalinga State Hospital, where she worked diligently until her retirement in 2023.

Patience was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Upland, where she worshipped for over 21 years. She was also a pillar in the Cameroonian community in Los Angeles, actively attending cultural events and offering support to those in need. She proudly belonged to:

• Lebialem Family Group California
• Manyu Elements Cultural Association California (MECA-CA)

Additionally, she was the founder of the Friends of Friends Meeting Group, fostering connections and mutual support within her community.

Patience found immense joy in cooking and treasured quality time with her family. She was known for her generous heart, always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and family in need. Her straightforward nature, grand presence, and ability to embrace life to the fullest inspired those around her.

In March 2023, Patience was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. She immediately began chemotherapy following her diagnosis, showing unwavering resilience and strength through it all. In August 2023, she underwent surgery followed by radiation treatment. By November 2023, she entered a period of remission. She remained in remission for six months before the cancer returned. Despite this, Patience continued to fight courageously, never showing signs of slowing down. She maintained her high-spirited demeanor, facing every challenge with grace and determination. She fought bravely until the very end.

On the morning of February 7, 2025, the Lord called Patience home. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 29 years, her four sons, her brothers—Dr. Emmanuel Njomo (Susane Njomo), Charles Manjuo, Kennedy Manjuo (Loveline), and Gerard Manjuo—her sisters—Emerencia Manjuo and Margaret Manjuo—as well as a multitude of cousins, nieces, and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.