Obituary of Priscilla Nyathi Mhlophe

Shepherdess Priscilla Mhlophe

Date of Birth: 07 February 1961

Date of Death: 26 October 2025

Shepherdess Priscilla Mhlophe (née Nyathi) was born on 07 February 1961 to Josiya and Daisy Nyathi (née Khumalo). She was the eldest of nine children, a role she embraced with grace, maturity, and a nurturing spirit beyond her years. From childhood, she carried herself with a calm dignity that drew others to her, and she naturally became a pillar of support and guidance within the Nyathi family. Raised in a Christian home grounded in love, discipline, and service, Priscilla attended Nkashe Primary School and Ekusileni High School. She later pursued Secretarial Studies at Solusi College, where her gentle character, reliability, and spiritual depth became widely admired. It was at Solusi in 1980 that she met Fairchild Mhlophe, who would become her lifelong partner in love and ministry. The two were united in holy matrimony on 21 August 1983, and their union was blessed with five children:

Her Children

Priscilla was a devoted and prayerful mother whose love formed the foundation of her family. Her motherhood began early in her marriage when she lovingly welcomed her niece, Thembelihle Ndebele, into their home at the age of eight following the departure of her parents. From that moment, Thembelihle became their first-born child, and Priscilla embraced this calling with grace, tenderness, and unwavering devotion.

All her children were her greatest earthly blessing. She raised them with steadfast faith, gentle discipline, and a deep commitment to their spiritual and personal growth. As a mother, she created a home filled with warmth, prayer, and stability. She taught her children to love God, to value family, and to walk in integrity. She was their comfort in hardship, their encourager in times of uncertainty, and their joyful companion in seasons of celebration. Her children knew her as a safe place — a listener, a counsellor, and a source of unconditional support. She prayed over them faithfully, guided them with wisdom, and celebrated every milestone with a grateful heart. The strength of their bond with her was evident in their unity, the values they upheld, and the love they continue to carry in her honour.

Her children are:

 Thembelihle Ndebele–Sibanda (spouse: Lewis Sibanda)

 Ndabezinhle Bukhosi Mhlophe (spouse: Thubelihle Mhlophe nee Maphosa)

 Bhekinkosi Balethemba Mhlophe

 Mqhele Sibusisiwe Mhlophe–Mpofu (spouse: Zibonele Mpofu)

 Anele Nokubonga Mhlophe

Her Siblings

As the eldest of nine, Priscilla was a second mother to many of her siblings; firm when needed, tender at heart, and always dependable. She modelled responsibility, faith, and unity within the Nyathi family. Her siblings describe her as a quiet anchor, a wise counsellor, and the one they all looked up to.

She played the role of a compassionate leader and caretaker throughout her life. Her advice, prayers, and steady presence were a source of strength for her brothers and sisters. She cultivated unity, always encouraging peace, forgiveness, and love among her siblings. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings Thandekile Nyathi, Percy Nyathi, and Mpumelelo Nyathi, whose memories she held close to her heart , honouring them through the love she continued to give to the entire family.

She is lovingly survived by her siblings Ethel Ngwenya (née Nyathi), Zodwa

Mabuya (née Nyathi), Zandile Nyathi, Ntokozo Nyathi, Skhangele Machamire

(née Nyathi), and Sethukile Nyathi.

Her Grandchildren: Her Heartbeat

Priscilla’s greatest earthly joy was found in her grandchildren, whom she loved tenderly and prayed for continually: She is lovingly remembered by:

 Loyiso Tyler Sibanda

 Lindelwe Celeste Sibanda

 Naledi Thando Mhlophe

 Lesedi Nala Mhlophe

 Zuko Cwebile Mpofu

To them, she was not only a grandmother but a source of warmth, laughter, stories, and gentle encouragement. She delighted in their milestones, celebrated their uniqueness, and poured love into their young lives. Her legacy will live on brightly through them.

Beloved Aunt

Priscilla was deeply cherished by her many nieces and nephews. To them, she was more than an aunt—she was a confidant, counsellor, encourager, and sometimes even a second mother. Her home was always open, her advice always wise, and her love always unconditional. Her influence shaped generations, and her absence leaves a void felt across the wider family.

Work and Ministry of Service

Throughout her life, Priscilla embodied the call to serve. She worked as a secretary at several respected institutions, including:

 West Zimbabwe Conference

 Solusi University

 National Railways of Zimbabwe

In each role, she was admired for her professionalism, humility, and unwavering integrity.

Her Life in the United States

Following Pastor Fairchild Mhlophe’s retirement from full-time ministry, the couple relocated to the United States, where Priscilla continued to live a life dedicated to compassion. She worked in group homes, Benchmark, and Senior Care as a nurse aide, serving with kindness, patience, and heartfelt care. She touched many lives through her work, right up until the time of her passing on 26 October 2025.

Her Legacy

Priscilla leaves behind a legacy grounded in faith, family, and service. She was a woman of prayer, known for her gentle strength, humility, and ability to uplift others with soft words and a warm smile. Her life was a living testimony of God’s love. She will be profoundly missed by her husband, children, adopted children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, the Nyathi and Mhlophe families, her church community, prayer partners, and all who were blessed to know her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported them with prayers, presence, and kindness during her final days and in laying her to rest.

Scriptural Comfort

The family finds strength in the promises of Isaiah 57:1–2:

“The righteous pass away; the godly often die but no one pays attention.

Good people are taken away, but no one understands that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For the godly who die will rest in peace.” Though we grieve today, we hold firmly to the blessed hope of the resurrection. Scripture reminds us that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). We are comforted by the certainty that this sorrow is not the end, a glorious morning is coming when Christ returns, and those who sleep in Him will rise. Until that joyful reunion, we cherish her memory, honour her legacy, and rest in the hope that our separation is only temporary.

Joy is coming in the morning