November 10, 1932 – March 12, 2023
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
The Gibson, Purvist, Menjor and Dempster families announce with profound sadness the peaceful home going of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great grandmother, Aunt, Cousin and Matriarch Mrs Martha Jane Gibson Menjor(TETEYO).
This sad event occurred on Sunday March 12, 2023 at 300am at the home of her son Prince S. Menjor in Caresyburg City, Montserrado County, Liberia.
Teteyo as she was affectionately called by everyone, was born and raised in Owensgrove, Grand Bassa county, Liberia. She was married to the late Samuel Yondai Menjor and this union was blessed with many children. Teteyo and Papa resided in Kakata, Margibi Co. from the late 60s until she relocated to the USA in 1992.
She resided in Silverspring MD with her daughter Matilda and Son in law Ruel F. Dempster for 27 years where she was a surrogate mother, friend and confidante to Africans and others from all countries and cultures. Teteyo’s kitchen was never without African food or the sweet aroma of African food being prepared.
Teteyo who was the last remaining sibling of 15 children was predeceased by her parents – Lewis Urias and Martha Purvist Gibson, husband – Samuel Y Menjor, grandson- Tombeikai S Dempster, son in law- Ruel Francis Dempster, 15 sisters and brothers and many nieces/nephews amongst others.
Cherishing her memories are her children: Mother Evangelist Matilda Menjor-Dempster, Prince Sar Menjor (Watta), Tamba Norman Menjor, Finda Menjor-Kromah(Abraham), Cora Menjor Peabody, Esther Menjor-Toweh(Prince), Winifred Menjor, Angerline Menjor Wariebi, Gloria Y Menjor, Marie Kumba Menjor(deceased), Isaac Menjor, Dolly Walters, James Armah Massaquoi (Jannave), Siedi Bedell, Boakai kollie(Charlyne), and Janga Kollie.
Grandchildren: Sia M Dempster- Willie (Jentry), Enjolokee Jones ( Fatu), Victor Jones, Ruel F Dempster Jr, Prince Y Jones, Samantha A Menjor, Dewenla L Jones, Pastor Atty. Feweh T Dempster(Shena) David Massaquoi(Olee),Bill Massaquoi(Mutoni) and Whemon Massaquoi(Dennis). Many great grandchildren, Nieces/nephews and cousins which includes: Carlnette Harris(David), Johnny Russell Smith(Zelda), Emma Gbai, Celestine Johnson, Mardia Peabody, Obias Higgins(Wyatta,), Alvina Peabody, Evangeline Lewis, Thomas Gibson, Arthur Gibson amongst others.
On Thursday April 13, 2023, there will be a night of reflection and time of remembering our mother at the home of her son prince Sar menjor in the city of Careysburg beginning at 3:00PM. This gathering brings together all family members, well-wishers, sympathizers, choirs and singing groups to remember our mother in a way befitting her fulfilling life.
On Saturday April 15, 2023, the remains of our mother will be removed from the Samuel Stryker funeral home in Sinkor Monrovia and taken to the Seys United Methodist Church located in Careysburg, Montserrado county, where funeral services will be held beginning at 10:00 anti meridian. She will be interred at the cemetery in Kakata city, Margibi county.
The events of the reflection night and the funeral service will be carried live on Vision-TV. All are asked to tune in and be a part while you are in distance land or even nearer, if you cannot be with us.
Teteyo you were one of those mothers that is hard to find. You were an angel sent by God to the countless people ministered to when you counseled them, fed them, took them into your home, and the list goes on. Your home was a safe haven and a transition point for many of us during the Civil War in Liberia. You not only took people in during the war, but you fed everyone to their satisfaction, with your own money, and money that Matilda, Finda, Prince, and Tamba provided. When I brought my friend Simeon Smith, you had our food ready everyday. Both during the war and normal time in Liberia, if transfers came to your home, it was hard for them to tell the difference between your own children, and the others that lived with you. This was because you treated everyone one the same. You were a darling mother. When I graduated from BWI, you cooked and hosted family (Reverend and Mrs. Howard) that came from Monrovia. You, Matilda and Finda did so much to help my mother who could not do much for us her children. Teteyo, you cared so much for other people and their children. And I see this love in your children too. I could write a whole book about you and the Godly character you demonstrated by your lifestyle, but I have to stop here. I don’t have time to mention about your gift of singing. Your ministry of worship in singing brought people to the Lord. That gift you passed down to many of us, and we promise to continue to use it for our Lord Jesus.
I love You so much Teteyo, and we will all miss you. Your daughter Zelda smiles all the time when she thinks and talks about you.
Rest in God’s perfect peace. Your beloved nephew, Johnny