Sun Rise: September 25, 1942 – Sun Down: September 30, 2025
With profound sadness, the Kesselly, Dunn, Hyman, Johnson, and Konneh families announce the peaceful passing of our esteemed matriarch, Mrs. Linnie Mae Dunn Kesselly, in her 83rd year. Remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, Mrs. Kesselly was also the widow of the late Dr. Edward Binyah Kesselly, Founder and first Standard Bearer of the Unity Party (UP), who passed away in March 1993.
Mrs. Kesselly’s life embodied selfless service and compassion. Her distinguished career commenced in Manchester, United Kingdom, where she served as a Child Care Officer with the UK Department of Health and Social Security from 1969 to 1971. She subsequently held several significant positions within the Government of the Republic of Liberia over thirteen years (1972–1985), including Principal Secretary for Examinations at the Civil Service Commission and both Deputy Director General and Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA). In the Non-Governmental Organization sector, spanning twenty-four years (1980–2004), Mrs. Kesselly served as President of the Liberian National Red Cross Society, Member of the Executive Council of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, President of the Liberian Cancer Society, Country Director of the Christian Health Association of Liberia, and Regional Community Services Officer for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), serving in East Africa, West Africa, and South Asia. Through her dedication, she positively influenced countless lives worldwide.
Mrs. Kesselly passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She is survived by her children—Binyah Kesselly (Tianna), Varnii Kesselly (Tito), Jallah Kesselly (Tayma), and Varflay Kesselly (Kim); eleven grandchildren—Brandon (Christina), James, Varnai, Leelah, Brian, Bryson, Leela, Adrian, Abby, Briyah, and Haley; one great grandson, Edward; siblings, nieces, nephews, and an extensive network of relatives. Her eldest son, Binyah Kesselly, formerly served as head of the Liberia Maritime Authority (2008–2016) and chaired the Board of Directors of the National Port Authority (2009–2012) and the Liberia Airport Authority (2014–2015). Her third son, Jallah Kesselly, currently holds the position of Executive Director of the Governance Commission in the Republic of Liberia.
To commemorate Mrs. Kesselly’s remarkable life and enduring legacy, the following arrangements have been made:
Funeral Service:
Date: Saturday, October 25th
Time: 9:00am
Venue: First Congregational Church of Montclair
40 South Fullerton Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
The venue for the repast will be announced during the funeral.
Please search the surrounding area for hotels close to the church.
Burial:
Mrs. Linnie Kesselly’s remains will be transported to Monrovia, Liberia, for interment in the village of Nyamah-Kamahdu, Quardu-Gboni District, Lofa County. In accordance with her wishes, she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Dr. Edward B. Kesselly. The final homegoing events are scheduled for the weekend of November 21, 2025, with additional details to be provided later.
The family gratefully acknowledges your prayers, condolences, and messages of support during this period of mourning.
For further information, please contact:
Jallah Kesselly (in Liberia): +231886528179
Lauretta Kesselly-Morlu: +1 (215) 992-4714
Brandon Kesselly: +1 (757) 405-7356
Sekou Kesselly: +1 (646) 474-5009
Kesselly Family email: Kesselly.family.connect@gmail.
