MRS. ELIZABETH B. SWARAY -FUNERAL BROCHURE

ELIZAM B.ETH 1923-2023

2 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

soerderr ovfice Part One • Homily - The Celebrant • Prayer of the Faithful Officiating Clergy Order of wake keeping • Offertory Hymns - Melody of songs 1. Receiving of the body Rev. Fr. Francis Kofi Lyall 2. Recitation of the Holy Rosary Liturgy of the Eucharist Parish Priest 3. Tributes • Santus - The Celebrant Our Lady of Lourdes St. Mary Parish, • Eucharistic Prayer Tweh Farm, Bushrod Island, Liberia. i. Friends & Sympathizers • Communion Rite ii. University of Liberia • Lord’s Prayer Rev. Fr. Dominic Y. Sumo iii. The Church • Lamb of God Associate Pastor iv. Family (Cousins, Swaray family, • Holy Communion - St. Mary’s choir Our Lady of Lourdes St. Mary Parish, Siblings, Great grand children, Grand • Post Communion Prayer / Song Tweh Farm, Bushrod Island, Liberia. children, Daughter) • Liberia Official gazette, Ministry of 5. Viewing of the body/Filling Pass Foreign Affairs Fr. Ambrose Saryon • Life sketch Associate Priest Part Two • Acknowledgement/Announcement St. Edward Parish, Logan Town, • Final Commendation Bushrod Island Holy Mass - 10:00 am Entrance Hymn - St. Mary’s choir Part Three • Introductory Rite • Penitential Rite Part Three (Graveside) • Opening Prayer • Opening hymn - St. Mary’s choir • Blessing of the grave Liturgy of the word • Committal • First Reading - Wisdom 3:1-9 • Prayer • Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 23 “The • Interment -St. Mary’s Choir Lord is my Shepherd” • Laying of wreaths • Second Reading - Romans 6:3-9 • Benediction • Gospel Acclamation • Closing Hymn - St. Mary’s choir • Gospel - Matthew 25:31 - 46

Life Sketch of Mrs. Elizabeth B. Swaray Mrs. Elizabeth B. Swaray was born in the Gold Coast (Ghana) on Monday, January 1st, 1923, to Swaray, Augusta Swaray, and Dr Swithin Mustapha Swaray. the union of Mr. Henry Q. Fredericks and Madam So profound was her love for her children that she named Anna Gray both of blessed her shop on Camp John Road after the four of them – The 3As and Mus shop. Elizabeth Swaray memory. She was the first of 18 children was very dynamic and entrepreneurial in her father was eventually blessed with. her heydays. Before juggling the unique Her mother’s family had roots in Cape combination of family life, and travels Mount County, Liberia. The daughter that came with being the wife of a career of a prominent businessman, she diplomat, she lived her own exciting life migrated with her family to Liberia as a running her store and meeting many young teenager, beginning her own life patrons who would become great friends. of adventure. Upon completion of grade She imported and sold fancy ladies’ wears school at St. Theresa’s Convent, the and knitted sweaters and other clothing beautiful young entrepreneur together for women and children. with her two siblings at the time, Mary When her husband was assigned to and Joseph helped their father run his Europe by the Liberian government, she business and popular café that became accompanied him and made his mission a the meeting place for many prominent huge success. After some years in France citizens including presidents of the time. as first secretary to the Liberian embassy, She met and fell head over heels in love and married the Hon. J. Henry Swaray served as Counsel General in Germany. honourable J. Henry Swaray. Their union was blessed with Throughout these periods, Elizabeth was the good wife who four children she cherished dearly: Attracta Swaray, Anna brought him great pride and respect. As Liberians and foreign 4 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

diplomats visited her residence, the warm hospitality received was out family problems and went out of her way to help the family. She always spoken about. News of her excellent deeds made her father is remembered as someone who had time for everyone with a kind, very impressed and pleased. generous heart, and spirit. She showed that motherhood was not just of biology but of unconditional inclusion. She had such a warm After spending time abroad, the couple returned home, and she personality. We could always count on her to show off those fantastic landed a job at the University of Liberia, where she would bring dance moves with good music at gatherings of family and friends. to bear the valuable lessons she had learned as the daughter of a Elizabeth Swaray also had a passion for gardening and pets. She even renowned businessman. She became the manager of the cafeteria had feeding bottles for her kittens. In her 70s, she would still move and was fondly loved by the staff and students alike. She was with around with her walking stick watering the flowers on the porch and the ‘LU’ family for twenty-five unbroken years until the civil unrest feeding her puppies. of the 1990s. Her cooking skills were exceptional, and she was one of Liberia’s finest in the cake-making industry and culinary art. She Against the natural order we expect life to follow, she endured the made the best wedding cakes in her day, and every prospective couple agony of losing three of her children. She is, however, blessed with wanted their wedding ceremony graced with her beautiful and tasty a surviving daughter, seven (7) grandchildren and eleven (11) great- cakes. She made countless numbers of them. grandchildren. Her life has been one of devoted service; service to God, selfless service to family, to friends many of whom are no longer with She was a devout Catholic and a member of the St. Joseph Parish, us, and service to the country. In the words of St. Augustine, “The one Capitol Hill, Monrovia. For who sings, prays twice”. Elizabeth B. Swaray not only sang her hymns, her, no excuse other than she also loved Him, of whom she sang. She was the matriarch of her ill health was acceptable family and was a very formidable woman with a big heart. She was for missing Sunday loved by many and was full of fun and laughter. At the same time, she mass. Her outstanding was a great disciplinarian who was very firm. In the latter part of last contribution made her year, she was honoured and celebrated by the St. Patrick’s and St. win the Mother of the Theresa’s Convent Alumni Association, United States wing. year award multiple times”. She served well She began her endless journey just three months after her 100th at church and was birthday, leaving behind a legacy of learning for all those who benefited a member of the St. from her upbringing. We thank God for her life of love and service. Joseph Parish board She will be remembered when the stories are told. She is survived before the civil unrest. by her daughter Anna, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, her Elizabeth Swaray took beloved siblings and cousins in Liberia, Ghana and across the diaspora care of many. Even as as well as the Swaray, Massaquoi, Fredericks, Gray, Ashong, Mills, a pensioner, she sorted Bannerman, Buxton, and Attoh families. Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 5

tribute in memory of my cherished mother By Anna Catherine Swaray We all celebrate you, mama. We thank God we also could partake in your One Hundred Birthday. Scripture came alive before our very eyes! Ps.91:16, “I will reward them with long life and give them my salvation” What a blessed mother you have been to me and my late siblings Attracta, Augusta and Mus, to your grandchildren, to the family at large as well as persons you have taken under your care and mothered. You will not be forgotten Ma. You will always be remembered. As your only surviving child, I bless you with every blessing in Christ Jesus, for your motherly care, your sleepless nights, and all the sacrifices you made to ensure your family was well cared for. Your 3 A’s and Mus Shop on Camp Johnson Road was a great testimony of your labour of love. You were very industrious and a good manager. Mama, just as you said on the video call in the hospital with that sweet smile, “Thank you, Anna, you’re beautiful,” I say to you in return “Thank you, mama, I love you.” A wonderful mother like you cannot be easily replaced! We prayed together and called on Jesus, He is now yours forever. Thank you for blessing me. All my siblings love you dearly. I love you too. And all your grandchildren as well as great-grandchildren love you. Rest in peace. Your daughter Anna. 6 | Forever in our hearts - Madam Elizabeth Swaray

tribute in memory of our dear grandmother IBy Durelle Dennis 100 years is no mean feat. God gave you a long life. You ran a t’s time to say goodbye. I was asked to write a tribute to you. It’s good race. Go home to the father and take your rest. You will be hard and I don’t know where to start. I remember coming to live with sorely missed. you from the UK and you sending me to Saint Theresa’s Convent for Goodbye, nanny. school. I remember how you would take me everywhere with you. Love, Durelle. I was your handbag. Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 7 Then there was The University of Liberia. You managed the cafeteria along with the Late Mrs Dorothy Gadegbeku and the staff. Your legendary sandwiches and doughnuts come to mind. Then there were your POKINO games. Most of your fellow players have pre-deceased you. You can all play together now in heaven. You were a strict grandma. I remember once when you made me stay at the dining table past midnight until my dinner was eaten. I fell asleep at the table. You would not relent. I used to love to read, and you bought me books. I would sit on the porch on Camp Johnson Road reading all day. I thank you for the beautiful memories. There are so many, it would take a full chapter to chronicle all of them. Suffice to say, I thank you for loving me and caring for me. Thank you for pouring into my life.

By Osmund Woods To the woman who raised my mother to be hardworking, Rest in peace and fly with angels until we meet again. courageous, loving, Love, Osmund (Bever) and caring, so that I too may be who I am today, my grandmother By Lena Woods Elizabeth B. Swaray. ‘Nanny’ my heart weeps and it hurts Nanie, l remember the joy we both shared when l went to knowing that you won’t be here receive you from the Roberts International Airport in 2011. to call me “Junior boy”. I said to myself, wow, l can’t believe that my grandmother who l know as a disciplinarian is coming to live with me. I remember holidays and birthdays in Liberia when you I recall those memorable days when my siblings and l used to spend time with you and how we had to be on our best behaviour. We had would make the most delicious and beautiful cakes. I remember when to do well to keep the mischief of our childhood days in check. We you taught me to make pound cake. I remember you always making learned to be grateful for what we had. Your home was not the place sure we were well-fed. With strong hands, you molded me to be for running around and making too much noise. hardworking and upright. With a warm heart, you showed me how to love and with the most contagious laughter, you showed me how to Like you, we had so much fun when your friends came around and be happy and embrace others. How I long for one last time with you you all would enjoy playing your board games, especially during the to say that I love you and always will. Christmas season. This was because, in addition to being a part of the warm ambience, we would get little cash to buy our fireworks. “Nanny” you have found a new life, a life with Jesus and Angels. You Birthdays were always very special because l looked forward to your have fought a good fight and lived a good life. The strife is over. delicious cakes. I love you and always will, my dear grandmother, Elizabeth B. Swaray As far as l knew, you were the best cake maker in Liberia. We boasted “Nanny”. to schoolmates and friends that our grandmother could bake a cake that will last for a year. We spoke about your Bridge over Trouble water cake, your fruit cakes, your biscuits and my oh my, those 8 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

doughnuts. Those doughnuts l am yet to taste a while, you will bounce back and tell us “O, l just jarb your” (pranked from another person. When l asked you to teach you). “My own self Grandma,” l wish it were one of those days when me, you said “find the blue Crisco tin or search you were “jarbing” us because l still find myself attempting to buy your for it on the internet and l will teach you”. When l corn or bread on my way home from work. visited Elshmere, your grandson, he mentioned a place that made some almost as good as yours. “My own self Grandma,” l bless God for allowing you to share the last But that’s all it was, almost as good. 12 years with me, from being anxious because of your reputation as a disciplinarian to finding solace in you as a loving grandmother. We had our ups and downs but there were more happy days. Take your rest, my own self grandma, no more pains. l loves you but You shared with me precious stories of your marriage to Grandpa, Jesus loves you best. and you knew how to intersperse it with fun, so we laughed. You told Love, Lena. me about your days at the convent where many of your classmates dropped out leaving just two of you. I remember asking what position you took in class then since you were only two and we had a good laugh. You shared stories about your best friend and her children, my godmother the late Mrs. Nancy Ross. It was a joyous day when she visited you in Liberia before going to her maker. There were narratives of your days at the University of Liberia as well. With all that you shared, l adopted “my own self grandma” as a name for you. You had so much fun with Antu and Anointed and even taught them one of your favourite songs of old “Chicken” as well as the dance that went with it. You would sometimes tell them you would kick and box them for misbehaving and they would ask “But Nanie, which foot will you use” and together we all would laugh because you did not have the strength like before. Yes, “my own self Grandma,” you became a baby once again to care for. There were days you made us afraid that you had left us but after Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 9

By Elshmere Woods & Family pleasure. I remember having a beautiful blue birthday cake on my birthday each year, one that I shared with Uncle Mus sr. Nannie, you may have passed on, but your memories would always live on within us. Thank you for the many Your influence helped shape our lives forever. No one can replace you, sacrifices, care, and endless love you showed us. I know Grandma. It is difficult not to miss you especially when thinking about you are in a much better place right now and we will be our good old days in Ghana. I remember us going to play the lottery, forever thankful knowing that you were our grandma and the best in saying to each other “One day we would be rich, and we would help the world too. the rest of the family.” How about the times I would fry 12 eggs and Nannie, you were not just a beautiful grandma, you were a teacher have it with two kenkey, two pieces of fish, a bowl of cereal and 50 to all of us, a disciplinarian, and a good cook. You made the best cedis worth of peanuts all in the name of bodybuilding? Hun!!! We meals out of nothing all the time. You were also our source of joy and would laugh and laugh; you were intrigued seeing me eat all of it at once. Grandma, God give us a great gift in you and now he has taken you away from us. He also saw you getting frail and tired, so he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come to me.” Although we love you dearly, we could not make you stay. God broke our hearts to prove only one thing to us, that he only takes the best. Rest in peace Nannie until we meet again. Love, Elshmere 10 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

By Paula Anne Baxter My darling Nanny, although you. I am blessed to be your granddaughter and wish we could have our time together on this had more time. earth was brief, my love Thank you for the love and kindness you showed me, you will always for you is endless. I’ll be in my heart, and I will love you always until we meet again. cherish the beautiful memories of Your loving granddaughter Paula. our time spent together in Liberia as a young girl, I wish there could have TBy Ana-Marie Carmen Woods been more. I believe this is where his is so difficult for me to write...as her last days brought our special bond started and carried me so close to her. on through the years, although we weren’t destined to meet again for My Grandmother was one special lady, and her passing is over 20 years. felt deeply by many, family, and friends alike, even though she lived a full life. For the past few weeks, she bravely fought the challenges of I feel blessed to have had that glorious time with you in New York life as a centenarian in our present era. And seeing my grandmother alongside Mus Jnr, Durrelle, the girls and Aunty Anna. We really endure pain in her last hours was extremely difficult for me. connected and I learnt so much about our family history and felt closer to you. That was also the first time since childhood that I felt The love of a grandmother is unique. God must have given me Nanie part of the Swaray family. I will always be thankful for that. to enrich my life, to make me well-rounded and to make me a better You were truly an amazingly strong and formidable woman who human. She played a big part in my childhood, and I can remember so loved so many and who was loved by many. You raised four of your many times sitting in Nannie’s kitchen and tasting the soul food she own children and took in countless others. You lived through so much prepared with special love while showing us the meaning of family. trauma and change including civil unrest but remained resilient, For me, she was not simply my grandmother, but my guardian and steadfast, and strong. I can only hope to achieve a portion of what my inspiration. you did in your 100 years on this earth. Nannie, you truly were a special, special woman! Your memories As the Matriarch of our family, you have left an incredible legacy, one would always live on. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care, your that spans the globe. Your absence will be felt for many years to come, and your impact will forever be cherished. Although I am somewhat Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 11 of a stranger to most of the family, I always felt that I belonged to

concern, your love, and everything you have done for me. Wherever By Swithin Mustapha Swaray Jr you are in heaven, I know you are in a much better place. I will be forever grateful and thankful that you were my grandmother. Nanie, you were more than a grandmother to me. You were my teacher, my counsellor, and my loving mother. The I will never forget you and I will always bond we shared throughout the years was like no other love you forever. and I will treasure it for the rest of my life. Your love for Rest in perfect peace Nanie! me was unconditional. At a very tender age, you took me in with open Goodbye Nanie until we meet on that arms. It was only a matter of time before I became your handbag, as glorious day. some of your lovely friends would refer to me. Love, Anne-Marie I remember you would pause in between work at the University of Liberia cafeteria to check on me in your office. There, I would be solving some math questions you left me with to keep me occupied, or you would simply check in to ensure I was okay. I remember being delighted to show you my drawings and colouring. I can still see the excitement in your eyes when I made a replica of the bowl of fruits painting that you made and had hanging on the wall in the dining room on Camp Johnson Road. I would also be so eager to have you help me read those storybooks you and my father bought me. We would sit and read letters from my mom, and you would guide me to write my very first letter to her as well. You were the first person to tell me the joyous news of the birth of my sister Madia and some years later, of Napooma too. You were my very first home tutor. I remember how both you and Uncle Charles of blessed memory sat me down to help me understand arithmetic, as you prefer to call it. That was after I returned home with a bad score on my math test. This was to begin my multiplication table ‘ordeal’ (smile). The rule at home was to complete my homework 12 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

before going to play, but of course, children will always be children. My After some time in Ivory Coast and Togo, we were reunited in Ghana, grandma epitomized the quintessential disciplinarian of yesterday. I the land of your birth, during the civil unrest in Liberia. You continued can still hear her say, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” After a game to care for me and nurture me. As a teen, I know I gave you some of football with my friends, I would be almost unrecognizable from the headaches, but you were so ingrained in my consciousness that I stains and dirt on my clothes. Nanie certainly did not spare the rod, yet dared not go overboard. You moulded me in the Catholic faith, and I this did not deter me from returning the day after. Today I look at my cherish my days as a knight of the altar, a legionary, and a member of boys, your great-grandchildren, and smile as I am filled with nostalgia the youth choir at St. Maron’s Catholic Church in Accra, Ghana. These for my childhood days. associations brought me such great friends, many of whom also became your children. My classmates felt at home, and you always You taught me the priceless value of keeping a home; for you, home had meals ready for us. I remember you always insisting I have a hot chores came with no gender tags. Boys and girls should be able cup or plate before leaving home. to cook and clean. You were also a fine artist, as evidenced in your paintings and cake designs. Your record remains unbroken as the best In difficult moments, you taught me to pray. You reminded me to cook and baker I have ever met. Your recipes were endless. We had always be patient, singing one of your favourite hymns “Be still and fun whipping your cake mix, cutting shapes for cookies, or rolling the know that I am God.” You attended every school function of mine and dough for baking. Your cinnamon rolls, cooked plums, and variety were thrilled to see your grandson make you proud as a school prefect of meals were mouth-watering and finger-licking. The kitchen was and best student. Good deeds always bring back beautiful rewards. always busy since many big shorts of the time wanted your traditional tiered cake, covered with white icing, and decorated, to complete When times were tough, you somehow managed to pull out their wedding ceremony. I was always thrilled to place the miniature something you had stored away for a rainy day. And the good Lord bride and groom on the top of the cake. Your delicious fruit cake was indeed listened to our prayers and brought angels our way, like my guaranteed to be among the many birthday surprises I would have. high school form mistress, Mrs. Marian Nakaar (of blessed memory). In university, He blessed us with Professor Onike Rodrigues, who I can recall your dance moves on the birthdays we celebrated together. became your daughter and a mother to me. The blessings have since I can still see your contagious smile and hear your cheerful laughter. been countless. Each time the radio would play one of the hits from your heyday, you would sing along and take me down memory lane. Nat King Cole, You were very candid with me to the point that when I brought a lady Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, and James Brown were home, you would immediately give me your approval or otherwise all names I got to know through you. after she left. Thankfully, it didn’t take a long queue for you to take Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 13

to Ama, my dear wife, and your granddaughter-in-law. She, too, was time spent with you. Pulu and your big Mus loved you dearly and very fond of you. Sometimes, I wondered what you two used to chit- remain indebted to you. You were a unifier. You said what needed to chat about in my absence. You were pleasant and loving to be with. be said and got on with your life. Your mantra was, if it had to be done, it had to be done well. In 2010, I accompanied you to the United States, where you visited family. After three months, I had to return to Ghana for work, school, “No man is poor who has a Godly mother.” I owe who I am to your and the beautiful young lady you had approved of. We looked forward upbringing. I am proud to consider myself one of your biggest legacies. to visiting you in the States, but fate had other plans, and you You made it past three scores and ten, reaching a century. Indeed, you returned to Monrovia. We kept in touch as the years began to take were a phenomenal woman who was blessed and highly favoured. a toll on you. When my first child, Boakai, was born, I consulted you Your heart of gold will continue to live through me, touching many for his name. Six months after, we paid you a visit to receive your lives with the light of God. blessing. The plan was to do the same when Varney was born, but a sudden twist in the health of your dear son (my father) kept us in Rest in God’s perfect peace, Nanie. Ghana as his social support. Distance did not weaken our bond, and Your Small Mus we continued to communicate regularly. Sadly, we had to visit you in what must have been one of the saddest periods of your fulfilled life, the memorial service of your only son, the third of three children for whom you grieved. I saw and heard you mourn, and I felt the heaviness you carried. You were a prayerful mother and a devout Catholic who never ceased praying for the family. You were always happy to receive calls from family and friends spread across the globe. Your eyes would light up with excitement. You made everyone feel accepted. Madia and Napooma became so fond of you in their brief 14 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

tribute in loving memory of our great grandmother By Antu By Boakai and Varney Nanie, if tears could build a stairway, and Our dear great-grandma Nanie, we did not get to know memories a lane, then I would walk right up to you for long, but from what we do know about you, heaven and bring you home again. There will you were an exceptional great-grandma. You were never be a day when I won’t think of you and loving, kind, helpful and understanding. We wish you wish you were here by my side. Death leaves a heartache could live longer, maybe for two centuries or more, but God needs no one can heal, and your love leaves a memory no one can you by His side as well. steal. We love you so much and are sad you had to go. But we are also People say time heals all wounds and that someday the happy you are reunited with Grandpa and watching over all of us pain will subside, But Nanie, I can tell you I think they must from heaven. We thank you for giving us such a loving grandpa have lied cause no amount of time can take my pain away. and through him, a wonderful father. Having you around was one of the greatest gifts I ever had. Nanie, you are loved so very much and deeply missed. Not many are fortunate to meet their great-grandparents. Luckily, Wherever you’re right now, may you Rest in Peace, I love we were blessed to have met you and spent some time with you you Great-Grand-Mother, today, tomorrow, and forever till though brief. Mummy told us you gave us our beautiful names we meet again. Boakai and Varney. We love our names and were especially excited to hear you mention them whenever we spoke on the phone. We will always love you no matter the circumstances. We will be good boys like you always told us to be. Until we meet again great grandma. Love from your great-grandchildren. Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 15

tribute in loving memory of our beloved sister E By Joseph Fredericks ternal God, we thank you and adore you for the life of sister Elizabeth Barbah Swaray. She gave her best in service to her family, her fellow man, and the Lord our God. The Lord was gracious to her and gave her the length of days amounting to one hundred years and three months. She was called from active life on April 30th, 2023. Sister Elizabeth knew that life is essentially a spiritual quality, not merely a physical state. She knew death is a transformation of physical life to spiritual life and that life continues, we really do not expire. We change our state of being and await the time of the Lord Jesus for the resurrection in Christ. Significantly, after the demise of our father Mr. H. Q. Fredericks, sister Elizabeth took full responsibility for addressing the needs of all her siblings the best way she could. We were eighteen in number, and she was there for all of us. She took care of all of us and did a yeoman’s job for the family. Elizabeth was a staunch catholic and a regular attendant at the holy mass. The priests usually visited her home whenever she needed their help. She did not meddle in people’s affairs but rather used her spare time crocheting. She made children’s wear such as socks, sweaters, and caps. Her other hobbies included gardening, evident by the beautiful flowers around her dwelling, and painting. And she was a great cook. We shall remember sis Lizzy for her honest accountability, her perseverance, her commitment to her voca- tion, and her appreciative disposition. Thank you, sis, for all the sacrifices. May God give you a peaceful rest and eternal life. Your loving brother, Joseph. 16 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

By Brother Quarshie By Rosita Fredericks Safo (Mrs) o God be the glory, great things he has done. Our big sister It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to bid farewell to my has left us, but we are blessed with the memories of a life sister, my friend and my counsellor, Mrs. Elizabeth B. Swaray! Sis., as well lived. Death has left our hearts pulsating with grief that I affectionately call you, was also a mother to me even though she was my elderly sister. Tonly God can heal but we will always Cherish the love we After the death of our dear father, Hon. H. Q. Fredericks, it was decided to send some of us (younger ones then) to Ghana to be cared for by shared. our only uncle, Mr. G. Q. F. Ashong. My younger brother, Paa Nii, and I did not hesitate to move and looked forward to the new adventure and I fondly remembered when I saw my sister for the first time after I settled beginnings and it has been over 40 years of a bitter-sweet and roller- in my adopted country the USA. The year was 1974. She was in transit coaster ride. from Canada to Liberia and had a stopover at JFK. Even though she had just a few hours to spare before her flight, she prioritized visiting with Sometimes, God puts people in uncomfortable situations in order to me. My wife and I picked her up from the airport and took her home with save or help others out of their predicaments. When the unfortunate us. We had lunch together and she gave us her blessings. war in Liberia started, Mrs. Swaray relocated to Ghana and became my light at the end of the tunnel. She gave me an opportunity to have On another occasion when she was residing in Accra Ghana during the a ‘real family’ closer to me, after several years of being alone (as my Liberian civil conflict, she invited me to visit with her. It was such a joy younger brother had moved back to Liberia). During her years in Ghana, to see her. She looked remarkable considering all that she had been she was particular about my education, mannerisms, how I carried through. I just thank our God for giving her such an extraordinary life. myself, and how I related to people. She will not sleep at times when I How many people live to be over a hundred years old? Not that many. had not gotten home yet, showing great care and pure motherly love. A She was a very special person in God’s sight. memorable incident was when Sis paid for my final exams, as it was a period of great financial difficulty, as my guardian and uncle, Mr. Ashong, I bid you goodnight sister, rest in peace. had passed on to eternity and all other sources of funding had dried up. Your brother Quarshie. Mrs. Swaray will often say to me: “I haven’t regretted sending you to Ghana…you know how to handle issues in Ghana…like your father, you don’t tolerate nonsense…I am proud of you…do the thing just like him.” Sis., it had been my heart’s desire to see you on your 100th Birthday Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 17

but circumstances couldn’t allow us to meet for our usual “ks.. ks”…”ooh, yoomo akotiko…no response…ooh!” I had always wished for you to surpass the 103 years that the matriarch, our grandma, Madam Mary Akyere Buxton, reached, but alas, it wasn’t to be. Surely, you have lived a good and impactful life…you have made your mark. You are gone physically, but your memories will forever be etched on our minds, your pieces of practical advice will be cherished always, and the impact of your life’s journey shall be our guide. Till we meet again, Sis., sleep peacefully! Sis., yaw)ogbo))! Amen!!! 18 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

tribute in loving memory of our cherished cousin CBy The Family of the late Archimore A. Fredericks love; a mother with a big heart for her family and for those who ousin Lizzy, as we called her, was a beloved member knew her. of our family, a cherished friend, and a kind soul. Her passing leaves us with a deep sense of loss, but we My earliest memories of Cousin Lizzy as a boy, take me back take comfort in the memories and the legacy she to the delicious birthday cakes she would present to us on our leaves behind. She lived a full life and touched the hearts of so birthdays and other special occasions. I can still remember sitting many people. We will always be reminded of her contagious smile, in her kitchen with my mother (Mrs. Esther Mills-Jones) while she warm heart, and kind spirit that made everyone feel welcomed created her delicacies and waiting with anticipation for the little and loved. She always had a zest for life, and a great sense of piece of “taster” cake she would always give me when we went to enthusiasm that brightened your day. Although we mourn her visit her. Her face would always break into a satisfied smile when passing, we celebrate the life that she lived. We honour her she saw the glee and joy with which I dug into the treats that she memory by cherishing the time we had with her and by carrying would offer up from her oven. I know that many family members her spirit forward. have similar recollections of these happy evenings with her. With all our love, Cousin Lizzy had a way of making us feel happy and loved when The Family of the late Archimore A. Fredericks we were around her. On special days and holidays, she would come around and, together with my late grandmother (Grandma GBy Dr. George Fonderson, on behalfof the Mills family Elizabeth Mills), round up as many of the children as they could rowing up, those of us who were younger took a find, and take us all off to Fredericks Island – to “The Farm” as cue from our elders who called her “Cousin Lizzy,” we called it back then – for a day of play and fun. We would enjoy and adopted the name also. In truth, she was, and canoe rides, fishing, digging up crabs at the riverbank, and picking remained throughout her life, one of the respected and cashews to munch on. Those were happy days! As I look back on beloved Big Mothers of our family. She was a mother with a lot of those times, I realize how lucky I was, how lucky we all were, to have had Cousin Lizzy in our lives during our formative years. Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 19

Years later, as the Liberian civil war dispersed us to different parts the reality that you are no more. of the African continent, Cousin Lizzy stood proudly beside my wife, Aunty Lizzy or Ma Lizzy as we affectionately Florence, and me in Accra, as we celebrated our wedding. She was called her, was a loving and affable person. One a true symbol of family unity, stability, and love for those of us who period we your cousins cannot forget was when found ourselves in Ghana during those years. She was always joking you relocated to Ghana from Liberia during the and smiling. Many of us remember the pseudonym “Leakie-Leakie” conflict. The South Labadi Estate in Accra is where that she coined during those years, and the many laughs that we all my late father and your uncle used to regularly visit you. You always shared as we called each other by that name. mentioned my name in such a soft tune asking two questions – “John, how are you? Are you studying hard?” Cousin Lizzy, throughout your life, your love never wavered. Even as you aged and we physically saw less and less of you, we could always Your legacy is love and pleasant memories. They will always linger feel your ever-present smile on the other end of the phone. God was in our hearts. We could not have asked God for a better person. Your pleased with your work on this earth, and that is why He blessed you acts of great sacrifices of love for all of us were remarkable. The with a long life of 100 years, and gave you a lucid mind, even into your impact these have on our lives is huge. senior years. Know that you were a woman of impact. You impacted us positively, and we are all better people because we had you in our Aunty Lizzy, while we mourn today, we take comfort in the fact that lives. your mission on this journey of life on earth has been fulfilled. We thank the good Lord for your well-lived life and for us having been You have earned your heavenly wings. Take your rest, Cousin Lizzy. privileged to experience a part of your story. We will always hold You will always be in our hearts. you in our hearts and there you will remain forever till we By John Gray meet again in the afterlife in the father’s bosom. Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray, sleep joy, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue well employ.” MHB 427 Aunty Lizzy, rest in perfect Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray, where do we start from and what words do peace we use to tell the tale of the happenings that have ended with such Till we meet again, Amen sadness? Regardless of your age, we still cannot come to terms with 20 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

tribute in loving memory of our dear one By the Swaray Family “There’s a land that is fairer than day, And by faith we can see it afar, For the Father waits over the way To prepare us a dwelling place there.” Dear Mother, We celebrate your life today and thank our Almighty God for allowing you to spend such a remarkable life with all your loved ones. Your home was ours as well. When you celebrated your monumental 100th birthday in January this year, you were seated with that signature warm infectious smile, and you did manage to give us your last dance. You were that admirable Queen Mother of the family who lived an exemplary life; thereby, leaving an irreplaceable legacy, that we will all strive to emulate. You were the embodiment of a calm and loving spirit, and you always held your arms open to all of us. You were indeed the Matriarch of our family, who will be deeply missed, and whose memory will forever be cherished by all. Goodbye, Mother. May your beautiful and gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 21

tribute by lahai and leona swaray 22 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

tribute by GBy Professor Onike Patricia Rodrigues randma Elizabeth, as I fondly your girls called her, became my friend when her grandson Mus, Nanny, took me to their home in You will always be in our hearts. You lived a very full Dansoman somewhere in the early life, and we can’t repay you for the role you played 2000s and introduced us to each other. in raising Small Mus. We will always remember your We hit it off immediately and I just loved distinct laughter and how you would whisper right before saying visiting to have a chat and a drink of fruit something funny. juice with her. She was warm, caring, and motherly and I just fell in love with All of us were excited to meet you when you visited the States. her zest for life. We would tell each other Aseneth was fortunate to reunite with you when you landed in Georgia and of course, you continue to leave a lasting impression. stories about our lives’ experiences. Whether I was in her company for 30 minutes or 2 hours, she was never boring. She was a very Your love, selflessness, and kindness know no bounds. In fact, intelligent woman, very articulate and even in her 9th decade she was when Madia and Napooma first met you, you stated that you very lucid and up to date with world affairs. were taking up the role of their grandmother since Ma Eva had passed on. Taking your role seriously, whenever you and Pulu I enjoyed the time I spent with her. When she left Ghana for the USA, would speak, you would ask “How are the Bassa women doing”. I did not know when we would meet again. But I was fortunate to be You always checked in on your girls. able to visit her in Liberia in 2018, which was the last time I saw her. Grandma had not lost any of her warmth and friendliness even then. You deserve all the praise and love, and you deserve to finally I have lost a dear, dear mother and friend, rest from all the things you strongly carried throughout your life. but I thank God for her life and the time we We love you and will miss you. Thanks for all the care and love. had together. She has gone home to rest. Your girls Magdalene “Pulu”, Aseneth, Madia and Napooma. ❤❤❤ Grandma Elizabeth, rest in perfect peace until we meet again. Your daughter, Onike. Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 23

Tribute by Counselor A. B. Clarke saying, “It is well with my soul. I am no longer a prisoner trapped in a 100-year-old broken body, in pain and unable to walk. hen Socrates was dying, friends and relatives gathered It is well with my soul, because even in my darkest hours, when the at his bedside and were crying. He raised his head, pain became so unbearable, Jesus taught me to say it is well with my looked around, and asked, “Why are you crying?” They soul. And when the lights went out in my life and death and darkness were in my room, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Wtold him they were crying because he was leaving So, at this divine hour, I say to all of you, it is well with my soul, it is well with my soul. them, he was dying. He said to them, “Do not cry, Socrates is not dying, this is the body in which Socrates lived.” And so, we are here not to weep and mourn for Elizabeth Swaray, because this is not Elizabeth Swaray, rather, it is the body in which Elizabeth Swaray lived for one hundred years. For one hundred years, her presence enriched our lives. Living, walking, talking with us, and sharing with us the gift only a few women are afforded: the blessing of living one hundred years. So, rather than weep and mourn over the body in which Elizabeth Swaray lived, instead, we at this ordained hour, gather to sing and give praise, and say, thank you Lord for giving her one hundred years. My mother, Marie Clarke, Elizabeth Swaray, and a few others were the first boarding students when The Convent opened in 1937 under the tutelage of the first principal, Mother Fergus. Elizabeth and Marie were childhood friends whose friendship flourished as they grew older. They participated in each other’s weddings and were godparents to each other’s children. She held me in her arms when I was baptized, and she became Godma Lizzie. She was my godmother, and I was her first godchild. I believe we will see Elizabeth Swaray again. Not in my time…. but in God’s own time. And when that day shall happen, this body in which Elizabeth Swaray lived shall wake up and rise. And somewhere in the crowd, Elizabeth Swaray shall step forward and proclaim her faith 24 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray

By Stephen Doe you. We will FOREVER be grateful for the love you shared with us and for giving us the brief opportunity to be of service too. Thank Lizzie Swaray had a German tenant in you for giving us such a caring and loving brother in the person of her house in Congo Town opposite the your grandson Mus. He was always concerned about you. We can German Embassy. He taught me a few see you living on through him. May God bless his children with German lessons when I was preparing such unction. You have fought a good fight, you have finished the for my studies in Germany. race, you have kept the faith. Take your rest, Nanny. We love you. Martha and Wannie She also shared some of her German experiences. One of them was when she went to a store and a store Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 25 attendant made a racist remark about a black woman having a lot of money. She didn’t hesitate to answer him in German telling him that he lived in a bird’s cage. Thank God for her life and the pleasant memories and moments we shared with her. May the Good Lord grant her soul rest and peace till we meet on that great getting up morning. By Martha Haddad Nebo & Wannie Massaquoi The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 Yours was a life of service, a life of love outpouring. We are grateful we got to experience a bit of it in your frail moments. You were such a sweet and gentle soul who would always say “Thank you and God bless you” after our time together. Your hugs and smiles filled the entire gap of our grandmothers who predeceased



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What a blessed mother you have been to me With strong hands, you molded me to be and my late siblings Attracta, Augusta and hardworking and upright. With a warm heart, Mus, to your grandchildren, to the family at you showed me how to love and with the most large as well as persons you have taken under contagious laughter, you showed me how to your care and mothered.” be happy and embrace others.” Your influence helped shape As the Matriarch of our family, you have left an our lives forever. No one can incredible legacy, one that spans the globe. Your replace you, Grandma” absence will be felt for many years to come, and your impact will forever be cherished.” Thank you for pouring into my life.” Thank you for your sacrifices, your care, your concern, your love, and everything that you 30 | Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray have done for me.”

We shall remember sis Lizzy for her Your heart of gold will continue to live through honest accountability, her perseverance, me, touching many lives with the light of God.” her commitment to her vocation, and her appreciative disposition.” l bless God for allowing you to share the last 12 You deserve all the praise and love, and you years with me, from being anxious because of your deserve to finally rest from all the things you reputation as a disciplinarian to finding solace in strongly carried throughout your life. We love you as a loving grandmother.” you and will miss you.” Your legacy is love and pleasant memories. Sometimes, God puts people in uncomfortable They will always linger in our hearts.” situations in order to save or help others out of their predicaments. Forever in our hearts - Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray | 31

Thank you SCAN FOR DIGITAL COPY The family of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Swaray is profoundly grateful to each of you for your warmth, love, support and prayers during this difficult period.