Kumi Nariai Maultsby's Obituary
Kumi Nariai Maultsby, 71, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, generosity, and unwavering optimism.
Born October 5, 1954, in Japan, Kumi immigrated to America at age 20 with a spirit of adventure and independence, eager to explore the world beyond her homeland and experience new things. She built a remarkable life with determination and grace. As a devoted single mother, she worked two jobs to provide for her children—serving for over 20 years at the Child Development Center at Fort Detrick, Maryland, while also working as a pharmacy technician. Her sacrifice and strength shaped the people her children would become.
Kumi had a special gift with children. She was a natural nurturer and what many called a "baby and child whisperer"—even the most spirited children seemed to settle in her presence, responding to her gentle wisdom and boundless patience. Her love for children was evident in everything she did, whether caring for those at the Child Development Center or doting on her own grandchildren.
In 2007, Kumi found love again when she married Jerome Keith Maultsby. Together, they enjoyed traveling for Jerome's work and made it a priority to return to Japan, the homeland she cherished, as often as they could.
Kumi was known by all who knew her as optimistic to a fault, kind, generous, and loving —someone who saw the best in people and brought out the best in them. Outgoing and warm, she made friends easily wherever she went, yet possessed an incredible inner strength that carried her through life's challenges with grace and faith. Her deep, steadfast faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life, never wavering through any season. She was a beacon of light to her family and everyone blessed enough to know her.
She is preceded in death by her mother Teruko Uehara Nariai and her father Masayoshi Nariai.
She is survived by her husband Jerome; her sister Keiko Morita; her son Nathan Fitzgerald and his wife Mercedes, and their four children Ezra, Esther, Nehemiah, and Josiah; her daughter Nina Kazadi and her husband Joe, and their daughter Nora; Jerome's adult children Jerome Kojo, Jada Kay, and Jamal Keith; and her beloved dogs Aki and Jindo.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home in Frederick, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center or Walter Reed National Military Medical Center/Murtha Cancer Center in honor of Kumi's memory.
Kumi will be forever remembered and deeply missed.
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