It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Nathaniel Gorlee Boykai
” Chief”.
Chief passed June 19, 2025 at Methodist Hospital in Sugarland TX. Chief will be missed. Chief grew up in Liberia in the city of Salala known for its rich foundation in tribe and tradition. Chief was born to James Juah-Boykai and Gbantel Juah (forgive the spelling friends and family).
He traveled to the USA at the tender age of 19 years with his Dear big brother Eric Boakai and a few dollars in his pocket. He had also had the chance to enter the United States with twin sisters who were Missonaries.
Behind him he left his Dad, Mother, Sisters, Brothers, Cousins, Uncles, Aunts and Friends.
He started his college education (After completing his degree he humbly took a job in a small deli showing kidness to all who crossed his path)
in Lake Village, Arkansas where he meet the love of his life and married Lu Ethel Brown Henry. Early 80’s graduating from Prairie View University with his Master’s in Business Administration, he became a businessman in the industry of Insurance.
He and Lu Ethel B. Henry gave birth to their first child Natalie G. Boykai in the year of July 30, 1984. Soon after business began to bloom and the couple stayed married 7 or more wonderful years. Nathaniel “Chief” made a great name for himself while residing in Texas he and bestfriend Emmedy Harris, Jackie Harris, Mitra, and Clarence Boyee.
Chief thrived in the Texas area making a name for his insurance company Gorlee and Associates. While building his career and bestowing memorable clients and customers he met his God brothers in the country and God parents who took him as there own family. Day after day as Chief would go out early and come home late he would mention the love he had for his family here in the country and back home in Liberia. He mention traveling back home and did travel as he could. Later Chief remarried Josephine Momsey Tahju Simmons- Dennis where they have birth to a daughter Aolani Gbantell Boykai August 17, 1991 who did grew up in the Houston area. In his second marriage he became one with the Simmons- Berry family and celebrated many years of joy. After some time the couple went seperate ways he joined with Rita who made him feel joy again. After sometime the two did also grow apart, so he tried again with love. Being saddened by the break up it took several years before meeting Cleopatra who he engaged. He and Cleo began a life together moving to Richmond, TX. He soon had a son by engagement of Cleo who left us to early. Cleo soon preceded her son in death . As time passed business grew friendships blossomed and the love for traveling home increased. He did follow his heart and returned home seeing his sister Julia and brother Morris Boykai and gaining lots of land he won a long legal fight for the land left behind by father and mother. Chief enjoyed life he celebrated each community and often supported the Liberian Community. Before passing he met Leah Lea Gengora who he dated and brought to the United States to help start her new life. Many friends they made together and supported after the Hurricane here in Houston. While Cheif lived out the last of his years he remembered many and mentioned his love for all. Let us celebrate Nathaniel Gorlee “Chief” Boykai, remembering him at his place of burial. Buried on Weshimer and Dairy Ashford.
Leah Gengora contact: 832.512.4776
