Dr. Wellington Muchero

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the tragic passing of Dr. Wellington Muchero on August 1, 2024. He was 49 years old. A native of Zimbabwe in Southern Africa, Dr. Muchero rose from humble beginnings to become a world class scientist. Truly, he mirrors everything represented in the saying: "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps."

Fourth, in a family of five, Dr. Muchero grew up in one of Zimbabwe's oldest high-density suburbs established during colonial segregation; that is, Glen Norah. Under these humble conditions, he attended Kudakwashe Primary School and Highfield High School. Never mind the scarcity he faced in his early educational experience, he defied all odds, and effortlessly excelled in his studies.

Gifted, as he was, Dr. Muchero had a way to simplify most complicated problems. This, he did in jest-like manner and selflessness. He cared deeply about others and felt their silent suffering. His way was to cheer them up with a free joke and dose of kindness.

His big heart extended to animals. He enjoyed indulging his precious daughter in various furry-friends, including a dog named Harleigh. Also, Dr. Muchero regularly pet-sat for friends and was adored by all cats and dogs that ever hung out with him.

A Quantitative Geneticist by profession, Dr. Muchero attained his doctorate degree in Plant Pathology, at the University of California at Riverside, in 2007. At the same institution, he completed postdoctoral studies. For his Bachelor of Science in Crop Science, he attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

He moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee in September, 2010 to work for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a Plant Molecular Biologist/Geneticist in the Biosciences Division.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and Samuel Muchero Kativhu.

Left to cherish his memory are his fifteen-year-old daughter, Tatenda Ren Muchero and her mother, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; four siblings in Zimbabwe, many nieces and nephews, several aunts and uncles, and a host of friends to include his coworkers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday September 3,2024 at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens, 1501 Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, at 1pm. Open visitation will be Monday, September 2, 2024 after 2:00pm at Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.