Biography of Nestor Mouapi
Nestor Frederic Mouapi was born on December 1, 1958, in Bafang, Cameroon, to Papa Mouapi Frederic Ledoux and Mama Marguerite Touko. He was the second of nine children, growing up in a close-knit family that instilled in him values of hard work, resilience, and compassion.
Nestor’s early education began in Nyanon, Ndom, and Yhingi in the Sanaga Maritime department, where his father served as a gendarme officer. In the early 1970s, his father was transferred to Bamenda, and he lived in Kwen. He later attended Collège Technique (CITI) de Ndoungué in the Moungo department and Collège De La Salle in Douala, where he trained as a machinist. His skills and natural talent with machines first led him to work at UCB, but his deep passion for automobiles soon drew him into the world of auto mechanics. He built a career buying, repairing, and selling cars, quickly gaining recognition for his knowledge and skill.
In the early 1980s, Nestor returned to Bamenda, where he joined his parents in starting an intercity and urban taxi business. He loved Bamenda deeply, cherishing memories of the vibrant “Club Cent” days. Inspired, in 1984, he opened Black and White Night Club in Nkwen, creating a joyful space for the community and offering “Tea Time” to the youth on weekends.
In October 1983, Nestor met Beatrice, a young professional working with SONEL Bamenda. After a loving courtship, they married two years later and welcomed their first daughter, Stephanie, and were further blessed with three sons: Raoul, Jeff, and Jason, who sadly passed away at a tender age. Later, their family grew once more with the birth of Xavier in 2002. Nestor, before his marriage, had had previous relationships with 4 children: George, Duvan, David, and Blanche.
Nestor’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open an auto mechanic shop in Douala, where he trained and mentored more than a dozen young men, many of whom still carry forward his legacy in the trade. In 1997, he and Beatrice moved to the United States through the Diversity Visa program. With the support of generous friends Emma and Martin Wuno, Nestor adapted quickly to his new life. He worked in auto mechanic shops, later earned his CDL license, and built a career as a commercial driver. He worked for Washington SuperShuttle, where he mastered the business, eventually starting his own limousine service to provide for his family and extend help to others.
In late 2013, Nestor’s health challenges began. Though his condition evolved over time, he faced every trial with courage, faith, and gratitude. In 2015, his illness was diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, which he managed bravely for over a decade. In 2022, he was confronted with multiple cancers, yet he continued to embody joy, resilience, and love. Even in sickness, he uplifted those around him, reaching out to family and friends with a smile and words of encouragement. Surrounded by loved ones and strengthened by the sacraments of the Catholic Church, Nestor passed peacefully into eternal rest on August 6, 2025, in the presence of his wife, daughter, sons, and Reverend Father Patrick Mbomnda.
Nestor is survived by his beloved wife, mother (Marguerite), two sisters (Rosette and Micheline), one brother (Eric), eight children, and 17 grandchildren. He leaves behind a large extended family and countless friends who will forever remember his generosity, wisdom, humor, and unwavering love.
He will be laid to rest in his hometown of Banka-Bafang, Cameroon, on September 20, 2025, after a memorial celebration of his life on September 12, 2025, in Burtonsville, Maryland.
Nestor’s life was one of fruitful work, love, faith, and service. His memory will remain a blessing to all who were privileged to know him.