Muthoka Michael Nelson, age 46, decided on the early morning of January 1, 2024, that life and all that came with it was too heavy to bare.

He was the son of Michael Leroy Middleton and Cathy Louise Nelson, born on July 8, 1977, in Leesburg, Virginia.

Muthoka graduated from Loudoun County High School. His love of art drove him to enroll into the Fine Art Department of VCU. As his passions grew, he later went onto enroll in classes at the Art Institution of Washington, D.C. Muthoka was intelligent, creative, and had a passion for graphic design, photography, and graffiti alike.

Muthoka could always be found exploring an abandoned place with a camera in hand. Anyone that knew him, knew if he wasn't taking pictures he was somewhere near the tracks with a spray can. He was compassionate, he loved his family, and his friends. He enjoyed cooking and he had a soft spot for animals.

Despite his big heart and his ability to do anything, Muthoka began to endure medical issues that weighed heavily upon him. In addition to his parents, he leaves a number of aunts and uncles behind. With that, he leaves many cousins. Outside of family he leaves a ton of friends, whether they grew up with him, met him along life's journey, or were those whom he grew to know throughout his adventurous pursuits.

Prior to Muthoka departing this life, he still mourned for his paternal grandparents who went before him. The love he had for his "Poppy" – John H. Middleton and "Nonnie" – Margaret A. Middleton was undeniable. He too was preceded in death by his uncle, Norman Burgoyne Jr.; great uncle, William "Billy" Middleton; aunt, Sandra Nelson-Simmers, and maternal grandparents, Norman Burgoyne Sr. and Violet M. Nelson.

A graveside service will be held at Mt. Zion Community Cemetery, 200 Old Waterford Rd., NW, Leesburg, Virginia on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 11am. Online memories can be shared at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg.

In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions to offset funeral expenses can be made to Cathy Nelson c/o Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Leesburg, Virginia 20176.