The Cordor and Tellewoyan families sadly announce the passing of Dr. Similih Managwalah Henry Cordor. His transition occurred on Thursday, June 29 in Livonia, Michigan, U.S.
He is predeceased by his parents Jallah Massaboi and Kabe Kortu Cordor, his sisters Yenneh and Dogba Cordor and his brothers Kollieboigee and Bordor Cordor; his son Lawrence Cordor, his daughter Florence Cordor, and his wife, Mary Ann Weedor Tellewoyan Cordor. He leaves to mourn his brother Dorbor Cordor; his daughters Evelyn Cordor-Rivas in the U.S., Alice and Bordor Cordor in Liberia; his sons Cyril Cordor in the U.S. and Patrick Cordor of Liberia; his grandchildren Peniel Koto of the U.S., and King Kollie, Boubarence Cordor, Courage Cordor, Alexander Fallah, Bendu Seh, and Clarence Morloe of Liberia, as well as many other family, nieces, and nephews.
Born in Voinjama, Lofa County, Dr. Similih M. Cordor (known by many as S. Henry Cordor) was a scholar, a journalist, an analyst of Liberian politics, and a professor of literature, humanities, and creative writing. In particular, in the 1970s, Dr. Cordor championed the literary works of Liberian writers and wanted to cultivate an authentic Liberian literary tradition. He published one of the very first literary anthologies to solely feature Liberian writers telling Liberian stories titled Modern West African Short Stories from Liberia (1977), possibly his most successful publication to date. He was also known for his own works delineating the Liberian experience, including his collection of short stories So Say One, So Say All (1977) and political account of the events surrounding the 1980 military coup, Liberia Under Military Rule (1980). Dr. Cordor helped to establish Liberia as a literary force worthy of belonging to the canon of modern African literature which did not include many, if any, Liberian works.
He served in many scholarly roles both in Liberia and in the U.S., including Director of Voinjama Extension High School (1966), news writer for Liberian Broadcasting Corporation (1969-74), Dean of Faculty and Instruction at Monrovia College (1974-79), Chair of the Department of English and Literature at College of West Africa (1973-74), associate editor of the Liberian Studies Journal (1985-95), and of course a professor of humanities at institutions such as the University of Liberia, Kennesaw State College (now University), and Florida Community College at Jacksonville (now State College at Jacksonville). His legacy and work for Liberia will live on for many years.
Memorial Service:
Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 12PM
O.H. Pye, III Funeral Home
17600 Plymouth Rd.
Detroit, MI 48227
Livestreaming of Memorial Services:
The memorial service will be streamed on YouTube. You can search “OH Pye Similih Cordor” in YouTube or choose one of the following channels (which channel is not given in advance):
Interment directly after service at:
Detroit Memorial Park West
25200 Plymouth Rd.
Redford, MI 48239
Contacts (United States):
Cyril Morluyan Cordor, 734-255-0835, ccordor@yahoo.com
David Tellewoyan, 313-969-6798
