The death is announced of Dr. Nah-Doe Patrick Bropleh, former Deputy Executive Secretary of the West African Rice Development Association (WARDA) and former Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Liberia. The sad event occurred on June 21, 2014 in Powder Springs, Georgia, United States of America.

He was in his 78th year.

Dr. Bropleh also once served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Technical Services, R.L. He was also former Dean of his alma mater, the College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Liberia.

In the political sphere, he was a founding member of the Liberia Action Party (LAP), along with Harry A. Greaves, Sr., Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Jackson F. Doe, Byron Tarr and many others.

A devout Roman Catholic, Dr. Bropleh was a member of Commandry #366 of Sacred Heart Cathedral and of the ancient and noble order of the Knights of St. John International.

Dr. Nah-Doe Patrick Bropleh was born on November 18, 1936, the third of six children, unto the union of Mr. Andrew Koon Juah Nah Bropleh and Josephine Wollor-Kukor Bropleh of Grand Cess, then the Kru Coast Territory, now Grand Kru County.

He was predeceased by his parents and eldest son Doeba Patrick Bropleh.

Survivors include his loving wife Mary Tor Bropleh, former Chief Nursing Officer of the Republic of Liberia; four sons: Bior, Borbi, Snorwlor and Simah Bropleh; his grandchildren; a brother, Bernard Nah-Tieh Bropleh and a host of other dear relatives and friends.

According to Bernard Nah-Tieh Bropleh, brother, and nephew, former Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister Dr. Laurence Konmla Bropleh, the funeral mass over the remains of Dr. Nah Doe Bropleh and his son, Doeba Patrick Bropleh, will be held at the Saint Kizito’s Catholic Church in Paynesville tomorrow, Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 10:00 A.M.

Interment will follow at Dr. Bropleh’s farm in Mt. Barclay, along the Kakata Highway.

Mrs. Williametta Porte, a long time teacher and seamstress who served for several decades in Gbarnga, Bong County, died at the ELWA Hospital on Monday, February 29. She was 86.

Mrs. Porte was the widow of Mr. Rameses Porte of Crozierville, Montserrado County, who in 1944 migrated with his parents, Moses and Ariminta Porte, from Crozierville, Montserrado County, to Gbarnga, then Central Province, now Bong County. Rameses remained in Gbarnga and became an agricultural technician and one of the people who built the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in that city.

Young Williametta Clarke, who hailed from Hartford, Grand Bassa County, was chosen by Rameses’ mother, Mrs. Ariminta Porte, during a visit to Grand Bassa, to be her son’s wife. Williametta and Rameses were married on December 16, 1953 in Hartford. He then took his bride to Gbarnga where they were blessed with six children—four daughters and two sons—whom they raised in Gbarnga.

Williametta taught at Gbarnga’s Gboveh High School, at the M.V. Massaquoi School, St. Martin’s Catholic School and the J.F. Clarke Kindergarten School, where she served from 1973 to 1990.

Mrs. Williametta Beatrice Clarke Porte was born in Hartford, Grand Bassa County, on August 7, 1930, the third of nine children of William Burgess Clarke and his wife, Mrs. Williametta Clarke.

According to son Rameses Porte, Jr., survivors include six children: Mrs. Everette Ferguson; Mrs. Ariminta Gbaba; Ms. Saretta Porte; Mrs. Vida Ncube; Rameses and Alonzo Porte; two sisters: Mrs. Ethel Bernard, mother of the late Counselor Toye C. Bernard, and Mrs. Gladys Quoi; and a brother, Stanford Clarke; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; several foster children, including Hawa Porte, Mrs. Grace Cole and Korpo Weefer; and many other relatives.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The funeral mass of Dr. Walter L. Brumskine, Liberia’s only urologist, was held yesterday at Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church at Capitol Hill, Monrovia.

In his eulogy to his fallen uncle, Counselor Charles W. Brumskine, now head of the Brumskine family, said “So many of God’s people could not afford the cost of Dr. Brumskine’s medical services, but he cared for them.

Cllr. Brumskine recalled that his uncle was a very jovial doctor, always joking with his patients. “We don’t know if it was your jokes or your medicine that made them well,” he stated.

He walked mourners through a series of conversations that his uncle could be having with an Angel as the two reflected on Brumskine’s life on Earth. The Angel,Cllr. Brumskine said, would commend the doctor on a life well lived in service to God, country and humanity.

Hundreds attended the funeral, including former Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Martha Sendolo Belleh and Dr. Vuyu Golokai, Dean of the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine and former Chief Medical Officer, John F. Kennedy Medical Center.

One of the nation’s eminent medical practitioners, who once served as Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Dr. Walter Brumskine died on Friday, February 12, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, Monrovia. He was in his 85th year.

During the funeral Mass, the government of Liberia, former patients, students, the clergy and Brumskine’s family recalled his passion for medicine, his love for life, how he charmed with his jokes his patients and all who came in contact with him. A recurrent theme in the tributes was his love of life and his firm belief that one of his callings was to make people laugh, using all the facial muscles that God gave them.

Brumskine’s daughter, Dr. Euphemia Brumskine-Borrowes, said her father was God’s greatest gift to her family and thanked the Almighty for giving him to them for 84 years.

Rev. Monsignor Robert Tikpor recalled fond memories of Dr. Brumskine at St. Peter Claver Junior High School. Tikpor was one of the older boys assigned to care for young Brumskine in the late 1940s. The two shared a friendship that lasted a lifetime. When Tikpor decided to join the Catholic Priesthood, Brumskine teased him. “Why you want to join that thing? You mean you’re leaving all these fine, fine girls here,’’ Brumskine told Tikpor.

“I told him it was God’s gift for me to be a priest.”

A native son of Grand Bassa County, Dr. Walter Lysandas Brumskine was the fifth of seven children, six of whom predeceased him. He began his education at the St. Peter Claver Junior High School in Buchanan and later matriculated to St. Patrick’s High School in Monrovia, where he graduated the second of his class in 1952.

He was raised in the Methodist Church (son Methodist pastor), but the Catholic education influenced his life so much that he converted to the faith and remained a devout Catholic until his death.

Growing up, Dr. Burmskine dreamed of becoming a doctor. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Liberia where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in biology. Brumskine’s hard work and excellent grades earned him a scholarship to pursue his medical studies at the Valencia Medical School in Spain.

After his studies in Spain, Dr. Brumskine returned to Liberia to serve his country. He held numerous positions, including Associate Dean, A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine, University of Liberia; Private Physician to President W.V.S. Tubman; Council Member and Examiner, West African Council of Surgeons; former President, Liberia Medical and Dental Board; Founder and Medical Director, Brumskine Clinic, Liberia; Medical Director, Liberian Government Hospital, Grand Bassa County.

One of his special attributes was that he became Liberia’s first urologist, and for many years remained the only specialist who provided medical and surgical care to people facing problems in the urinary tract system.

During his professional life, Dr. Brumskine regularly participated in Annual General Meetings of the West African College of Surgeons; British Urological Association, the Royal College of Surgeons.

He authored several medical and professional articles, including “Incidence of Schistosomaisis in Liberian Children and “Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Five-Year-Old Liberian Male.”

Dr. Brumskine remdered voluntary service as Observer Doctor to the Liberian Daily Observer newspaper.

In recognition of his outstanding services to the government and people of Liberia and humanity in general, through his practice of medicine, Dr. Brumskine received many state decorations, including Knight Grand Commander of the Most Venerable Order of Knighthood of the Pioneers.

Following the funeral mass, the cortege departed for Upper Buchanan, Grand Bassa County where his remains were interred alongside his parents and ancestors.

Survivors include his widow of 60 years, Mrs. Euphemia Lomax Brumskine, nine children—Mrs. Euphemia Brumskine Burrowes, Mrs. Ursula Brumskine Bonar, Mrs. Jacquelyn Brumskine Anderson, Linda Brumskine, Worteji Brumskine, Walta Brumskine, Delaruelle Brumskine, Mrs. Margaret Brumskine Bonar and William Brumskine; 12 grandchildren, one great-grandson; sister Mayme Brumskine; and many other relatives.

Madam Elizabeth B. Daniels, mother of one of Liberia’s most promising coaches, Jenkins Doe, has died.

Madam Daniels died at her New Kru Town residence on March 26.

She was 89 years old.

According to Coach Doe, the funeral of his beloved mother is set for April 9 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church near Twe Farm, beginning at 9 a.m.

Burial will follow thereafter at the Brewerville cemetery. Madam Daniels leaves to mourn her four children.

The funeral rite of former President of the Sports Writers

Association of Liberia (SWAL), Nummenie P. Williams, is set on Thursday, April 7, at the Lady of Lebanon Parish, on Capitol Hill, Monrovia.

He was 44 years old.

According to a family source, the former sports journalist and member of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) will be taken from the Samuel Stryker Funeral Home at 8:30am to the Lady of Lebanon Parish at 11:00am.

Afterwards the body will be taken back to the funeral
home and a silent wake keeping will be held at his
sister's house in the Rehab Community.

On Friday, the body will be taken to his home town in Kokoyah, Bong County for burial.

Accordingly, sympathizers and well-wishers are to pay L$2,000 for transportation. Williams died on Sunday, March 20 at 11:00pm, at the SOS Clinic in Congo Town.

Medical report said he died from heart failure. Williams suffered from kidney disease and was recently treated in Ghana.

Born on July 3, 1972 in Kokoyah, Bong County, he came to Monrovia 10 years later to seek education. He completed high school and graduated from the University of Liberia in 2009.

He was considered "God son" to Malcolm Joseph, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) and Vice President for Technical Affairs of the Liberia National Olympics Committee.

He worked at several newspapers, including The Monitor, SportsMax as well as the Liberia Media Center, the Liberia

Basketball Federation, LISCR FC, Cestos Mongars, among others.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Joyceline Williams; sisters, brothers, and many relatives. He didn't have a child.

The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) in collaboration with the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) will jointly open Book of Condolence for fallen Liberian journalist, Numennie Williams.

A release from both institutions say the Book of Condolence will be opened on Wednesday, April 6, today, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the headquarters of the PUL on Clay Street in Monrovia.

Members of the deceased’s family, fellow journalists and several top sports personalities, including the Ministry of Youth & Sports, Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC), Liberia Football Association (LFA), Liberia Basketball Association (LBA), the Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF), the Liberia National
Handball Association (LNHA), Taekwondo Federation are expected to honor the fallen journalist’s memory.

Mr. Williams served the sports writing body in several positions, including two terms as SWAL President.
Williams died on Sunday, March 20 at 11:00 p.m. at the SOS Clinic in Congo Town.

Medical report said he died from ‘heart failure.’

Prior to his death, Mr. Williams suffered from kidney disease, but was treated in Ghana.

He also served as vice president of the Liberia Basketball Association’s first division team, Cestos Mogars as well as Communication Director first division outfit, LISCR FC.

“A very humble and dedicated servant, Numennie was willing to work at all times, even in difficult times,” a fellow journalist described the deceased.

“PUL and SWAL are saddened by the death of

Williams and call on all members to turn out for the signing of the book of condolence,” Daniel Nyakonah, Jr., PUL Acting Secretary General said.

Born on July 3, 1972 in Kokoyah, Bong County, Mr. Williams came to Monrovia 10 years later to seek education. He completed high school and graduated from the University of Liberia in 2009. He also received several local and international certificates.
He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, Mrs. Joyceline Williams, sisters, brothers, and host of relatives. Meanwhile, the funeral rite has been set for Thursday, April 7 at the Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church Parish, on Capitol Hill, Monrovia.

Silent wake will be held at his sister’s residence in the Rehab Community.

On Friday, the late Mr. Williams will be taken from the Funeral Parlour at 8:00 a.m. to his home town in Kokoyah, Bong County for burial.

The Wallace, Cole, Kennedy and Obey Families announce with profound sadness, the home going of their wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and great grandmother, Mrs. Cecilia Modu Wallace (nee Cole) of Stockbridge, GA.

The sad event occurred in Atlanta on February 23, 2016, in Georgia, United States of America. She was 77.

Mrs. Wallace served for many years as Administrator of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia.

She was wedded to Mr. I. Wenceslaus Wallace, a leading Liberian architect, and together they ran a highly successful architectural firm in Monrovia and also in the United States. Mr. Wallace was the original designer of the Central Bank of Liberia, Monrovia’s newest skyscraper.

Cecilia studied Nursing at Du Side Nursing School, the training institution of the Firestone Medical Center, near Harbel. Upon graduating, she matriculated to the University of Liberia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. She furthered her education at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.

She later joined the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, where she became the Hospital Administrator.

Cecelia was known for her independence and determination to become successful in a male-dominated world. She was a take control individual who always got the job done.

On the social scene, she became in 1968 the Beauty Queen of the University of Liberia.

Cecelia Modu Wallace was born on December 2, 1939 to the union of the Rev. Fr. Charles Abayomi Cole and Mrs. Mabel Cole.

Cecilia leaves to mourn her husband of 40 years, I. Wenceslaus Wallace, Sr. of Stockbridge, GA, children, Mabel Jackson (Michael) of Maryland, Lionel Sakyu Kennedy of Jonesboro, GA, Leslie Sivillie Kennedy of Jonesboro, GA, Budusie Wadae Fletcher (Merritt) of Alabama, Budusie Kadae Barreto (Lazaro) of New Jersey, and I. Wenceslaus Wallace, Jr. of Stockbridge, GA; Jusu Karneh (Alice) of Jonesboro, GA and Molley Fongbeh of Canada, siblings Leslie Norman Cole, (Sheila) Victoria Dempster, (Mohammed), Robert Cole, Juliana Cole, Ursula Cole, Christina Johnson, (Fayemi) Jacqueline C. Bennett, Patricia Adadevoh and Joan Cooper; 12 grandchildren, and great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles, cousins and other relatives in the US, Liberia, UK and Sierra Leone.

She was preceded in death by her stepmother, Mae-Ellen Cole, (nee Obey), her brother, Dr. Victor Cole and her grandson, Xavier Jackson.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, April 9, 2016 at St. Andrew Kim Catholic Church in Olney, Maryland, USA, at two o’clock p.m.

The death is announced of Mother Mary E. Thorpe, a long time school teacher and widow of former Traffic Judge Napoleon E. Thorpe of the Township of Crozierville, Montserrado County.

This sad event occurred on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30 a.m. at a hospital in Providence, Road Island, United States of America.

She was 92.

A product of Suehn Industrial Academy, Mrs. Thorpe later entered the University of Liberia, where she took the BSc degree in Education. She joined the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), and taught in many schools in the greater Monrovia area.

Mrs. Thorpe was awarded a fellowship to do advanced training in Education at the San Francisco State College (now University), where she took the Master’s degree in Education and returned home to continue teaching and serving in educational administration. She once served as MCSS Director of Personnel.

After retiring from the MCSS, Mrs. Thorpe joined Monrovia College, under the leadership of Dr. Louise York. Mrs. Thorpe served MC for many years.

Her daughter-in-law, Mother Frances A. Hart, wife of Episcopal Diocesan Bishop Jonathan B.B. Hart, remembers Mrs. Thorpe as “a loving and caring mother of us all, her children, foster children and in-laws. She was very jovial and always made us laugh. She always admonished us to be united and to avoid fussing among ourselves.

“Our mother also urged us to pray always, and for one another.”

According to Bishop Jonathan Hart, son of the deceased, who is currently on an Episcopal visitation to southeastern Liberia, Mrs. Mary Emma Thorpe was born on November 30, 1924 in Monrovia to the union of Montserrado Senator R.F.D. Smallwood of Arthington and Ms. Dora Holt. Dora was the sister of the long time Monrovia businessman Walter Holt of Benson Street, Snapper Hill.

The deceased was joined in holy matrimony to Mr. Napoleon Thorpe of Crozierville in February, 1953. Mr. Thorpe’s Baptist-born bride then became a staunch Episcopalian, and a member of her husband’s church, Christ Episcopal of Crozierville. She served in many church organizations, including the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), the Diocesan Standing Committee, and she attended several sessions of the Diocesan Convention.

Fraternally, Mrs. Thorpe was a member of the Sisters of the Mysterious Ten (SMT) and the Order of Eastern Star, Electra Chapter of Clay Ashland.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The death is announced of Mother Mary E. Thorpe, a long time school teacher and widow of former Traffic Judge Napoleon E. Thorpe of the Township of Crozierville, Montserrado County.

This sad event occurred on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30 a.m. at a hospital in Providence, Road Island, United States of America.

She was 92.

A product of Suehn Industrial Academy, Mrs. Thorpe later entered the University of Liberia, where she took the BSc degree in Education. She joined the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), and taught in many schools in the greater Monrovia area.

Mrs. Thorpe was awarded a fellowship to do advanced training in Education at the San Francisco State College (now University), where she took the Master’s degree in Education and returned home to continue teaching and serving in educational administration. She once served as MCSS Director of Personnel.

After retiring from the MCSS, Mrs. Thorpe joined Monrovia College, under the leadership of Dr. Louise York. Mrs. Thorpe served MC for many years.

Her daughter-in-law, Mother Frances A. Hart, wife of Episcopal Diocesan Bishop Jonathan B.B. Hart, remembers Mrs. Thorpe as “a loving and caring mother of us all, her children, foster children and in-laws. She was very jovial and always made us laugh. She always admonished us to be united and to avoid fussing among ourselves.

“Our mother also urged us to pray always, and for one another.”

According to Bishop Jonathan Hart, son of the deceased, who is currently on an Episcopal visitation to southeastern Liberia, Mrs. Mary Emma Thorpe was born on November 30, 1924 in Monrovia to the union of Montserrado Senator R.F.D. Smallwood of Arthington and Ms. Dora Holt. Dora was the sister of the long time Monrovia businessman Walter Holt of Benson Street, Snapper Hill.

The deceased was joined in holy matrimony to Mr. Napoleon Thorpe of Crozierville in February, 1953. Mr. Thorpe’s Baptist-born bride then became a staunch Episcopalian, and a member of her husband’s church, Christ Episcopal of Crozierville. She served in many church organizations, including the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), the Diocesan Standing Committee, and she attended several sessions of the Diocesan Convention.

Fraternally, Mrs. Thorpe was a member of the Sisters of the Mysterious Ten (SMT) and the Order of Eastern Star, Electra Chapter of Clay Ashland.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Losing your loved one by the power of death is always characterized by weeping, but the children of Mother Mary E. Thorpe, including Episcopal Bishop and Archbishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Jonathan B.B. Hart, have described her death as “sweet rest.”

In his sermon during funeral service of his mother at Trinity Cathedral last Saturday, Archbishop Hart said, “Today, the family of the late Mary E. Thorpe and the Episcopal Church of Liberia have gathered in this place, the official seat of our Bishop, a son of the deceased, to celebrate the life of a faithful church member, a loving mother, family member, a devoted educator, a fraternal sister and friend.”

According to him, Mrs. Mary E. Thorpe, popularly called ME, spent the greater part of her early life serving as a classroom teacher and school administrator, besides her care for many children.

By her work as a teacher and school administrator, she was embraced as mother by many students.

Furthermore, ME is described as a devout Christian and an active Episcopalian, which she became after marrying Judge Napoleon Thorpe of Crozierville. She hailed from Arthington, the daughter of Senator Smallwood.

“At our home congregation of Christ Episcopal Church in Crozierville she served on the Bishop’s committee for many years, and also in the choir, the Altar Guild, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and as Jr. Warden and Parish Treasurer,” Arcbishop Hart added.

Madam Thorpe later served on the Diocesan Standing Committee and for many years, a delegate to the Diocesan Convention and also a deputy at the church’s General Convention. She is recalled to have also served as a member of the Episcopal Church of Liberia (ECL) Companion

Diocese Relations Committee with the Diocese of Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

“Her life was one of worship and service in the church, her family and her nation,” Dr. Hart said.

Mary E. Thorpe was born November 30, 1924 and ended her life’s journey on April 12, 2016 after she had given a full life of service to her God and family.

In a scriptural rhetoric, the Bishop said, “The Prophet Isaiah welcomes the faithful of our Lord to a banquet that will have the best wine and the choicest food. It is a banquet reserved for the end of the lives of God’s chosen; and at that banquet, there will be songs of praise.”

In continuation of the imaginative banquet, he said, the Bible tells believers to be exceedingly happy. Salvation is deliverance from constraints; constraints from sin, death and pain.

Also referencing the prophetic book of Revelation, Arch Bishop Hart said, “Those who have come to the banquet are dressed in white robes; the garments worn by overcoming believers, who wave palm branches as sign of a victory celebration.”

He added that the Lord is the Shepherd who leads the faithful to living fountains of water; and the multitude will dwell in the house of the Lord forever where there will be no thirst, hunger, crying, sorrow and pain in the presence of the Lord.

The archbishop reminded his family members, sympathizers and others that after Jesus announced Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial, He told His disciples not to be troubled, but to trust Him.

Christ promised a mansion with many rooms to accommodate His people, assuring that this home is a permanent and secured place.

“Such places have already been set aside for all of God’s children; the eternal dwelling place of God is Heaven,” the archbishop averred.

Though Christians are like Peter who failed Jesus in some things, yet Christ will not fail to return for Peter and for everyone else who believes in Him.

“Our mother was a woman of great faith in God. She always prayed for her children and for those who came close to her.”

The archbishop concluded his sermon by recalling the encouraging words his mother always shared with them: “Pray always. Send your prayers up to the Old Man and He will send down His blessings upon you.”

Hundreds turned out to pay their last respects to the fallen Mother Thorpe. The sympathizers included colorfully robed members of the Order of Eastern Star, of which Mother Thorpe was a lifelong member. The Eastern Star sisters and brothers and many others followed the cortege to the Thorpe Cemetery in Crozierville, where she was laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Traffic Judge Napoleon Thorpe.

Mrs. Thorpe’s children, most of whom live in the United States, flew in for the funeral.

On the day following the funeral, the whole family returned to Crozierville to join other worshippers at the mother church, Christ Episcopal, where all the Thorpe children were baptized when they were very young. Their brother, Archbishop Jonathan B.B. Hart, also preached Sunday’s sermon.

The service was followed by a sumptuous lunch in the Crozierville Town Hall, where Thorpe family members and others were welcomed by a brother of the Thorpes, Jones Thorpe, Crozierville’s current Township Commissioner.

Rev. Boimah Z. Karnley, officiating the home-going of Agetha Nelay Mamie Robertson told hundreds of mourners at the Logan Town Wesleyan Church that there are times when “death is precious” after widower Forster Robertson narrated the long and excruciating pain that his beautiful wife went through before her death.

Forster, who said his wife complained of sharp pains invading her body, though doctors had reportedly said her pressure and sugar-level were normal, choked with emotion trying to repeat the instructions his dying wife gave him not to let anyone take her children from him.

Rev. Karnley on the theme “When Death is Precious” quoted Psalm 116: 15 and told sympathizers that Agetha lived an exemplary life serving others; and though death is inevitable for the human race, “We’ll all face it.” Hence being a child of God makes the end of life precious in God’s sight, he said.

Rev. Karnley said despite the eventuality of death, there are people who refuse to discuss the subject of death, who would not pass near a cemetery, who whenever the subject is mentioned, their usual response is ‘God forbid.”

He said death can become precious when “we live responsibly, accountably and resourcefully.” ‘Responsibly’ means being purposeful in dealing with others and knowing that others deserve equal respect, he said.

“We must be accountable to what we do to others in every sphere of our life, being always aware that we cannot do things our own way without considering how it affect others,” Rev. Karnley said, making reference to employees, family members and politicians who lead the country.

“We must also be resourceful and bear good fruit to be able to reach out to others in our community because this is the way of God. Help those who are in need and we should not turn out back when we have the means to ease the suffering of others; and when we do these things, when death comes we would have succeeded far beyond the pain and uselessness that come.

“Death becomes precious when we have lived according to the instructions of God and we would have accomplished what we came on to do on earth.”

He noted that it was seven years and six days last Saturday when he officiated the union of Mr. and Mrs. Robertson; and with the death of Mrs. Robertson, he urged the family to hold together.

Reading his mother’s life sketch, Daily Observer reporter Robin Dopoe Jr. told the gathering that he was strong due to the courage he had gained from his mother.

Agatha Robertson was born on August 1, 1968 and died on May 13, 2016.

Among the hundreds of sympathizers were her former employees from the National Port Authority, Rep. H. Boima Fahnbulleh of Montserrado District #4 and Mr. Kenneth Y. Best, Publisher and Managing Director of the Daily Observer newspaper. Burial took place in Caldwell, outside Monrovia.

The death is announced of Mr. Osmund L. Woods, Sr., which sad event occurred in New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America, on May 28, 2016. He was in his 76th year.

Osmund was born September 29, 1940 in the City of Monrovia unto the union of Eshmere Tyson Woods and Viola Elfreda-Scott Woods. Osmond was the second of six boys.

His mother being a housewife and his father a school teacher in the Lutheran School System, Osmund and his brothers began their education at home with their parents up to the 6th grade when their father was assigned to the Zorzor Lutheran School. In 1947, his father obtained a job with the Liberian
Government School System, which provided him the opportunity to establish the Ziggida Public School. This was the first school in all of Western Province, now Lofa County.
Osmund and his elder brother, Dr. Emile T. Woods (deceased), accompanied their father to Ziggida and were enrolled in the school where their father served as principal.

It was in Ziggida that the Woods brothers met and befriended John Togbakollie, who had been recruited by their father, Tyson Woods, to attend the school in Ziggida. Mr. Woods was mandated by the government of President William V.S. Tubman to recruit at least four boys from each District to attend the school. The Woods brothers soon became attracted to John Togbakollie, who was a bright student. Mr. Woods later transferred several of the students, including his sons and John, to Zorzor to continue their elementary education.

At a certain point, Mr. Woods told John that the Woods brothers were being sent to Monrovia to attend the College of West Africa (CWA). Mr. Woods asked John if he wanted to go to Monrovia along with Emile and Osmond, to attend CWA. Said Mr. Woods to John, “If you stay here in Zorzor, you will complete 8th grade, but that is as far as you will be able to go, and you might return to your village, remain a village boy, and you may forget what you have learned so far.

Kenneth Y. Best, in his book on Albert Porte, quoted John as saying, “It was an offer I could not refuse.” John gratefully accepted Mr. Woods’ offer and he and the Woods brothers traveled to Monrovia and enrolled at CWA. Emile, the eldest, graduated from CWA along with a young lady called Ellen Johnson (later Sirleaf) in 1955. John graduated from CWA in 1960, classmate of Thelma Traub Awori, Liberian Consul General in Kampala, Uganda.

Osmond graduated with a high school diploma from CWA in 1962.

The following year Osmund entered the University of Liberia where he studied Business Management. He served as a cadet to the late Associate Justice Ephraim Smallwood. In his senior year he left the university to obtain a full time job with the Department of the Treasury, now Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, in the Electronic Data Processing Department.

In 1966 Osmund married Ms. Anna Swarray, and their union was blessed with several children—Osmund L (Beever) II, Jim, Leana, Eshmere Tyson, Ann-Marie and Vera.

Mr. Osmund Woods is survived by two of his brothers, John Togbakollie Woods and Amahrue N. Woods, Snr. and three sisters- Clarice Karloweah, Lady Van, Evangeline Woods and Ophelia Woods, a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service is scheduled to be held in Monrovia simultaneously with his funeral services in New Haven, Connecticut, USA on June 17, 2016.

A family meeting in Monrovia will be announced later. Friends and sympathizers may contact John T. Woods or Clarice Kaloweah at # 0886564070, or 0770564070, for further information.

The death is announced of twhich sad event occurred at her Paynesville home on Thursday, June 16, 2016, at 5:45 a.m., following a brief illness. She was 92.

Madam Howe was born on April 6, 1924 at Spring Hill, Harper, Cape Palmas, unto the union of John and Louisa Howe.

She was baptized in the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation at Spring Hill, Harper.

She began her early education in Harper and later her parents moved her to Monrovia, where she obtained her secondary education.

She later returned to Harper and became secretary to the Supervisor of Schools.

In 1971 she was elected Member of the House of Representatives, and served until April 1980. While in Monrovia she became an active member of St. Stephen Episcopal Church, serving in many organizations including the Usher Guild until she reached her late 80s.

Madam Howe’s survivors include her sister, Sophie Howe; her daughter, Mrs. Cecelia Gallup; grandchildren Daniel Harmon, Anthony, Jonathan, Shane and Louisa Gallup; great grandchildren Shana, Christopher, Elijah and Magnolia, Daniel, Simantha, Micah, and Madia; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Madam Thelma Neyah Janegah Wordsworth, one of Bensonville’s eldest citizens, if not the eldest, died last Thursday, June 23, 2016, in Mooingah, Bensonville, following a brief illness.

She was the widow of Jomboh Wordsworth, a police officer raised by the distinguished Wordsworth family of Careysburg City, Montserrado County.

Ma Janegah’s marriage to Mr. Wordsworth was blessed with four children—three daughters and a son.

Ma Neyah Janegah was born in Bensonville on June 10, 1913, a month after President William Richard Tolbert Jr., who was born on May 13 of that year. Her parents were Oldman Suasu Flomo of Belle Yella District, then Lofa County, and Mrs. Yongor Jena Flomo, also of Bele Yella. Oldman

Suasu came to Montserrado on a military assignment. On his return home he was stopped and had to return to Montserrado. He settled in Careysburg, where the Wordsworths took him in.

Pa Suasu and Ma Yongor were already married in Bele Yella when he left on his military assignment. She later joined him and they settled in Moingah, Bensonville, where their children were born, raised and obtained their elementary education.

Survivors include her three daughters, Mrs. Pauline Yarsieh, Mrs. Jenneh Boima and Mrs. Thelma Mehn; 15 grandchildren, 12 great grand and one great, great grandson, nearly three months old.

According to daughters Jenneh Boimah and Thelma Mehn, funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The Paasewe Family in the United States and Liberia has announced with deep regrets the home going of the Rev. Fr. Charles Letombor Paasewe, Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd of Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia.

This sad event occurred on Thursday, June 16th, 2016 at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia.

Charles Letombor Paasewe was born in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County on May 21, 1957 to the union of Mr. Joseph Bai Paasewe, Sr. and Mrs. Irene Gbessi Jalieba-Paasewe, the fourth child of their union. His parents were disciplinarians and spared no efforts in raising him and all the other children of their home.

Charles obtained his elementary and high school education in Robertsport, graduating from high school in 1981.
Eager to advance himself academically, Charles matriculated to the Gbarnga School of Theology (GST). Upon his graduation from GST, he was ordained Deacon on November 1, 1989 and priested on May 8, 1990, by the late Most Rev. George D. Browne, Archbishop of the Province of

West Africa and Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Liberia.

Rev. Fr. Paasewe became Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in the 1990’s and served his parishioners faithfully, especially during the heat of the Liberian Civil Crisis. Under his leadership, the Church of the Good Shepherd increased its membership and expanded the church’s ministry with a Good Shepherd Mission church at Pipe Line.

A family spokeperson said Fr. Paasewe’s love and passion for children in his church and the community impacted his ministry in a meaningful way. “He was a humble Priest. He embodied and demonstrated the qualities of a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ who commanded us to sacrificial living and to “love one another …As I have loved you” (John 13:34). Throughout his ordained ministry, he had the passion for serving his parishioners. He always carried smiles and made jokes with the young and old alike.

Rev. Fr. Charles Letombor Paasewe was predeceased by his parents Bai, Sr. and Irene Paasewe; and his sister Ronate Paasewe-Smith.

Survivors include his beloved wife Gloria Boayue Paasewe, his children: Alma Teta Thompson (T-Toe), Izena Mingo Jones, Adjeiley Obedekah Taylor (Antwan) of the United States, and Ngafua Kollie of Liberia; grandchildren; brothers; sisters; uncles; nieces; nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends in Liberia, Sierra Leone, United States and Australia.

The body will be removed from the Samuel A. Stryker Funeral Parlor on Friday, July 8, 2016, at four o’clock p.m. and taken to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd for a night of wake-keeping.

According to Episcopal Diocesan Bishop Jonathan B.B. Hart, all tributes, except those of the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Episcopal Church of Liberia and the family, will be paid at the wake.

The funeral mass will take place on Saturday, July 9, at nine o’clock a.m. at Trinity Cathedral, Broad Street, Monrovia, following which the cortege (funeral procession) will depart for Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, for interment at the St. John Irving Memorial Episcopal Church Cemetery.

The government of Liberia has announced with profound regret the death of Dr. Edward B. McClain Jr., Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Dr. McClain died on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 2:55 a.m. at the Wilgers Life Hospital in Lynwood, Pretoria, South Africa. He was in his 72nd year.

Dr. McClain was a product of the College of West Africa (CWA), a renowned high school in Monrovia, run by the United Methodist Church since 1839. Most of his siblings attained their secondary education at CWA. His eldest brother, John Weseh McClain, graduated from CWA in November 1955 as the dux of his class, along with several classmates who became outstanding Liberians, including President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Leaving CWA, Edward, affectionately called “Bobby,” matriculated to Cuttington College and Divinity School (now Cuttington University), where he took the BSc degree, majoring in Chemistry and Biology. Among his Cuttington classmates were his best buddy, Dr. Taylor Neal, a prominent

Liberian dentist; Dr. Foday Kromah, a geologist and former Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy; Mrs. Gwendolyn Gooding Wilson; Samuel Butcher, who became a mathematician and served as principal of high schools in California, USA; Henry Baker, who became a lawyer; and Thomas
Brima, former Superintendent of Lofa County, former Minister of Internal Affairs and former Liberian Ambassador to Sierra Leone.

Leaving Cuttington, the brilliant Bobby entered the University of Besançon, France, where he qualified as a Doctor of Psychiatry.

Following his graduation, he spent some years in Abidjan, La Cote d’Ivoire, where he became a close associate of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, whom he later came to work for as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. Before then he served as a key member of her political campaign for the presidency.

Since his return from Abidjan, Dr. McClain did not practice his profession as psychiatrist, though he was one of only two Liberian psychiatrists in country, the other being Dr. Benjamin Harris, who is engaged with the John F. Kennedy Medical Center. Dr. Harris confirmed to the Daily

Observer that Dr. McClain never really practiced psychiatry in Liberia. Dr. Harris, however, recalled that he consulted with Dr. McClain on a number of occasions, and that the two of them on few occasions did joint consultations with prisoners in Monrovia.

Minister Dr. Edward B. McClain Jr. was born in Monrovia on November 18, 1944, unto the union of Mr. Edward B. McClain Sr. and his wife, Mrs. Florence McClain, daughter of Mr. William R. Tolbert Sr. She was the eldest sister of Senator Frank E. Tolbert, President William R. Tolbert Jr. and the eminent Liberian business tycoon and former Agriculture Minister Steve Tolbert (during the Tubman administration).

Mr. Edward B. McClain Sr., father of Dr. Bobby McClain Jr., hailed from the Mhanwruune Quarter of Picnicess, in Grand Kru County. The McClains are related to the Nelsons, of which former Internal Affairs Minister Blamo Nelson is a prominent exponent. Being from the same Quarter in Picnicess, the Nelsons consider the McClain males as uncles.

Mr. Edward B. McClain Sr. came to Monrovia as a very young fellow and was raised by the McClain family in the capital city. In appreciation to that family that afforded him a sound education, Edward adopted McClain as his surname. However, the real name of his father was Boka Worjloh.

While in Monrovia, Edward B. McClain Sr. fell in love with Ms. Florence Tolbert, eldest daughter of Mr. William R. Tolbert Sr., a onetime Chairman of the True Whig Party, a staunch Baptist and a farmer and landholder in his native Bensonville, Montserrado County (now known as Bentol).

Edward and Florence McClain went on to bring forth many highly talented children, at least two of whom became medical doctors. Their eldest daughter Genevieve became the first Liberian female Accountant and rose to become Chief Accountant at the Department (now Ministry) of Public
Works. At least two of the McClain children, eldest brother Weseh and youngest sister Vashti, are also Harvard graduates, and several of their siblings hold doctorate degrees. The former President of the National Oil Company of Liberia, Dr. Randolph McClain, a product of Ricks Institute, took the PhD degree in Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Edward B. McClain Jr. chose as his wife Ms. Gwendolyn Pierre, daughter of the late former Supreme Court Chief Justice James A.A. Pierre. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the State and Presidential Affairs Minister, and Chief of Staff to the President of Liberia died on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at about 2:25 am Central African time at the Wilgers Life Hospital in Lynwood, Pretoria, South Africa.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Minister, Dr. Edward B. McClain – Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff to the President of Liberia, was a dedicated public servant, a true patriotic, selfless and superb technocrat.

He was the “shock absorber” in the Office of the President who gracefully calmed the storms with unexpected, but great sense of humor so that the president wouldn’t have to deal with them.

Minister McClain was a devoted servant who worked for his country even during the peak of his illness. The last time I saw him was in April this year, when I took a token of my appreciation to him for his work. As usual, he greeted me and offered me a seat. Then I noticed he had an oxygen tank attached to him while he worked as if nothing was happening to him. I was shocked to see that level of commitment to duty. I gave him his gift, which was a desk clock with the inscription: “Dr. McClain, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. Thank you.” I told him that seeing him work and keeping his sense of humor while he was so ill made me to appreciate his sacrifice to our country even more. Little did I know that I was speaking with him for the last time. I am thankful that I was able to give him his flower while he was alive.

The shared many jokes, but I remember two that caught me off guard:

1. I wrote the President a letter and took it to his office. I wrote HE (the abbreviation for Her Excellency) in addressing Madam President. Dr. McClain knew that was what I meant because he had seen that a million times; but in his usual jovial fashion, he took a quick look at the letter and asked me: “Madam, did you read what you wrote? Taking him seriously, I said, “yes.” Then he asked “ooh so you really meant to refer to the first female president of Africa as HE and not SHE?” It was so funny because it is not just what he said, but how he said it.

2 I remember calling him about a serious concern I had and decided to discuss it with him. When he found out that I was serious and somewhat uneasy about it, he asked me to hold on for him to grab a notepad and a pen. He listened to me until I paused. Then he asked me: “all that talking that you are doing there, do you know something even bigger has happened to you? Do you know what has happened to your Nimba County?” His questions took my mind off the issue I was discussing with him and I asked: “What has happened to Nimba?” Dr. McClain replied:

“Grand Bassa County has just whipped Nimba County in a football game.” I laughed so much that I completely calmed down. That’s the kind of person that Minister McClain was.

Dr. McClain was not just a dedicated public servant. He was a man who worked hard, but kept a low profile. I never heard him out there boasting about his qualifications, or bragging about his ability to speak a number of international languages. He never complained of being tired to work.

Dr. McClain ate at his desk and always offered those around him whatever it was that he was eating.

I will certainly miss him, not only for the work he did for our country, but also because he was one person in the Office of the President who could relate to me – receiving and returning my calls. Such patriotic, committed and selfless people are hard to find. This is one of the reasons why he will be truly missed. Truly, a national hero has fallen. But I am glad that, at least, I was able to let him know that his deeds and work were appreciated.

Doc, thank you again. Thank you for your contributions to your country, Liberia. Sleep well, and goodbye, Doc. May your precious soul rest in peace.

Liberia’s oldest woman, who was on July 24, 2016 decorated by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has died in Paynesville.

Madam Klayonoh Bleaorplue, who was reportedly born on March 7, 1863, during the American Civil War, died on August 2, 2016 at the residence of her relatives in Bernard Farm close to the old Omega Station in Paynesville.

According to a senior member of the family, Madam Bleaorplue got ill as a result of a motor accident which occurred near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shortly after being decorated by President Sirleaf.

Following the honouring ceremony, Madam Bleaorplue started feeling pain in her chest and was rushed to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Sinkor.

At the JFK Hospital in Monrovia, a family member told the Daily Observer Thursday, Madam Bleaorplue was attended to by doctors and nurses in the Emergency Room (ER).

A family member also added that the centenarian was hospitalized for a week and discharged on the 2nd of August and taken home where she quietly passed away at home the same day.

The family told the Daily Observer that extensive preparations are underway by prominent Nimba citizens and other individuals to give Madam Bleaorplue a fitting burial soon.

Madam Bleaorplue was in early May discovered to be Liberia’s oldest or longest living person by a longevity researcher, the noted Liberian herbalist Kpakae L. Roberts, who has established a research center to conduct research on centenarians in order to establish a Blue Zone area for Liberia.

The major purpose of the research is to validate the authenticity of their ages, find out why they hardly ever get sick and the secret of their longevity for the benefit of others.

Madam Bleaorplue hailed from Kelley and Dubuzon, between lower Grand Gedeh and Nimba counties.

In a brief exclusive interview with Daily Observer last Thursday, a prominent Liberian, Philip Morton Simpson, born during the administration of the late President Edwin J. Barclay, urged the Liberian Government to work out modalities for the placement of Madam Bleaorplue in the Guinness

Book of Records as the world’s oldest living person.

Such initiative is critically important, Mr. Simpson noted, because it is a distinct credit to Africa and to Liberia in particular, since this oldest African republic was able to produce the world’s oldest living person, far ahead of the Japanese woman that was 117 years on her recent birthday celebrated in Japan.

Madam Gillian Lorba Tulay Moore, a prominent Liberian educator and widow of Liberia’s celebrated cultural icon, Bai T. Moore, died at 11:25 p.m. last Thursday, August 11 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital as a result of heart failure.

A family member told the Daily Observer that Mrs. Moore, 77, broke her hip some time ago while “moving fast” at her Sinkor Old Road residence.

On Tuesday, August 9, her illness became serious and she was rushed to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, where doctors and nurses that attended to her diagnosed her condition as heart failure.

The doctors initially assisted Mrs. Moore with lifesaving support, but were unable to prevent her ultimate demise, after which her body was taken to the Samuel Stryker Funeral Home on Tubman Boulevard in Sinkor.

Family sources disclosed that her body will be removed from the Samuel Stryker Funeral Home on September 9, and taken to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Camp Johnson Road for a night of wake-keeping; the funeral will then be held the following morning at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Broad Street.

She will be buried alongside her late husband, Bai T. Moore in Dimeh Town on the Monrovia-Bomi highway on September 10.

Mrs. Tulay Moore was wedded to Bai T. Moore on January 28, 1968, at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia.

She leaves to mourn four children, Sando J. Moore, photojournalist and publisher of the monthly Images magazine; Mrs. Jacquelyn Moore Russell of the United States; Bai T. Moore Jr. of Monrovia; and Tito Moore Kesselly of Monrovia.

Mrs. Gillian Lorba Tulay Moore started her early primary education at the Bolahun Holy Cross Mission in the former Kolahun District, now Hassawoma District, in Lofa County in the early 1950s.

She matriculated to the St. Teresa Convent, a Catholic high school for girls in Monrovia.

Following her graduation from St. Teresa Convent, she entered the University of Liberia (UL) and graduated from the W.V.S. Tubman Teachers College in 1964 with a degree in Secondary Education. She was reportedly the first woman from Kolahun District to graduate from college.

Mrs. Gillian Tulay Moore started her teaching career at the B.W. Harris Episcopal High School and continued there until the outbreak of the Liberian civil war in 1990.

She was adroit at writing poems and plays and also had a passion for doing small business enterprises.

Interestingly, her baked bread of all sorts was always sold at the front door of her home on the Sinkor Old Road in Monrovia.

Bobbin has been eulogized by his President and heads of foreign states, remembered by his colleagues, workmates, friends and acquaintances; and even those who knew him for only a few days have had good things to say about him. He was an unassuming person who wore his dignity, honor, and distinction very lightly. He was respected by his acquaintances and loved by his friends. His character secured for him a permanent place of affection in the heart of every one with whom he interacted.

God gave bobbin a calming and gentle spirit, a brilliant mind, an endearing demeanor, love for his country, commitment and dedication to duty, an amazing sense of humor, and a desire to see everyone he encountered happy. Then God put this awesome being into a body and sent him to Liberia to the McClain and Tolbert families to make this little corner of the earth a happy place.

In 1972 God joined this person to the Pierre family. At the time we did not know what a gift God had given us, but as Bobbin integrated himself into our family, we began to see what a blessing he was. He was not an in-law, but a son to our parents, a brother to us, and an uncle to our children.

He became an integral part of our family who was just as precious to Chief Justice James A. A. Pierre and Rebecca Pierre as any of their own children. Our parents loved Bobbin; and he showed them the same affection. He often spent hours in deep conversation with our father discussing a variety of subjects including religion, politics, law, medicine, and whatever topic came to his mind on any particular day. Our youngest brother called our father Ging-Ging, and Bobbin affectionately followed suit. I cannot remember ever hearing Bobbin call our father by any name other than Ging-Ging.

He was our brother. He was the calming voice whenever there were misunderstandings or fuss among the siblings, (which I’m sure every family has). He never took sides; he just gave advice and tried to soothe the waters of conflict.

He loved our children. He mentored them, counseled them and took care of them when they spent vacations with him and Gwen in New York. We will miss his wit, his laughter, his jokes and his ability to disarm any situation with his humor.

Now after all of these 71 plus years, Bobbin has come full circle. His body began to deteriorate. It became diseased and damaged, and he could no longer function in it as effectively as God had planned. God could have fixed Bobbin’s body, but He chose not to fix it. So on July 23rd at about 2:25 a.m., when his stay on earth was over and the time came for him to leave, Bobbin burst out of his broken body and happily took his father’s hand and went to heaven.

The specific work that God had put him on earth to do had been accomplished. I believe that he ran his race exceptionally well; he finished his course, and God has taken him home to rest.

How do I know that Bobbin is in heaven? Because at some point in his life he, of his own free will, made the conscious decision to make Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. That is the blessed assurance that we, as Christians, have that he is in heaven with his God.

So we have come here today to assure you, family; to assure you, Madam President, colleagues, friends and acquaintances of Bobbin, that we have not lost him because we know exactly where he is. We know that he is in the loving care and keeping of his Heavenly Father; and we know for sure that if we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we shall see him again. One by one we will join him there in heaven; and I can imagine what a happy reunion that will be!!

For now, on behalf of the Pierre family, we deposit this wreath on the casket in which Bobbin’s body lies. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the blessed Holy Spirit…amen, amen.