Machol's obituary
Michael Acuil Mading, Jr was born on Tuesday, March 10, 1998 in Sacramento, California to Saree and Michael Mading. He is the last of three children. On the day he was born, his father officially named him Michael Acuil Mading, Jr. but his mother only called him “Machol” – the name of his father’s late brother. As a young child, he was called ShooShoo; a common nickname given to children of South Sudanese ancestry.
ShooShoo was a good sweet child. He was sensitive and kind-hearted. He was never afraid to express his likes, dislikes nor fears. He was quick to take care of others and make sure they were okay. He could also be mischievous at times but would always apologize or write a kind note saying he was sorry. He was truly a thoughtful child. He was quick to ask about his father often asking, “Acuil, are you good?”. He would also playfully chastise his mother for fussing at his dad too much, “Mom leave my dad alone…just take care of him.” He was very loving and protective of his parents.
Over the course of his life, ShooShoo lived in three different cities: Sacramento, California, East Palo Alto (EPA), California and Memphis, Tennessee. In 2019, he visited South Sudan and traveled to his father’s birthplace where he spent time with family. His plan for 2024 was to return to South Sudan and spend more time learning about his father’s culture and catching up with family and friends. Unfortunately, his life was cut short and he passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 in Memphis, TN: the details of his death yet to be released.
The family is devastated by the news however, keeping Michael “Machol” Acuil Mading, Jr’s memory alive are his parents Saree and Michael Mading of Juba, South Sudan, his brother Malou Acuil Mading of Melbourne, Australia, his sister Shammai Acuil Mading of Brooklyn, New York, and a host of family and friends in California, South Sudan and Tennessee.
May 12, 2024
His last correspondence with his mother:
“Happy Mother’s Day mom. I love you so much and thank you for my life. I’m happy you’re my mom because this new batch of mothers is highly questionable. I wish you were here.”