Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. John 11:25-26
The Gonleh, and Bantu families announce with profound sadness, the home going of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, niece, cousin, and friend, Mot. Deac. Bessie Bantu Gonleh. Goodfriend, as she was affectionately called by Dad, was called from labor to rest on April 08, 2023, at her home in Montgomery, Alabama with her beloved husband John, daughter Johnette, and son John Jr by her side.
Mom was born on March 15, 1956, unto the union of Pa Vaye & Ma Nyleah Bantu, in Graie, Nimba County, Liberia, West Africa.
Along with her late parents, Bessie was also predeceased by one of her son’s– John Dennis Gonleh Jr.
She leaves to mourn her loss and cherished memories, her loving, caring & dedicated husband of 47 unbroken years, Rev. John D. Gonleh Sr; her loving children – Chester Gonleh, Kelbeh Kortor (Emmanuel), Jerry Karbah (Mieke), Gloria Gonleh, Dennis Gonleh, Vivian Howard, Kou Gonleh-Selmah (William), Kou Dorliea (James), Monica Gonleh-New (Albert), John Dennis Gonleh Jr. (Shaquana), Johnette Gonleh-Hendricks (Reome); her beloved grandchildren: Nelson T. N. Ballah, Jamesnetta Biah, Bennie E. Kortor, Josh Gonleh, Jerry B. Karbah Jr, David M. Kortor, Jerelyn S. K. Karbah, Joy-Victoria Page, Ahmad New, Grace-Marie Page, Cody Thompson, Grace Z. Selmah, William K. Selmah Jr, Joshua E. O Karbah, Love D. Page, Sylvia Biah, London C. Hendricks, Ava R. New, John D. Gonleh III, Reome L. Hendricks Jr, Jhavia Iva Gonleh; her siblings: Martha, Etta, Takpor, Josephus; her cousins Isaac, Esther, Jallah, Aquoi, and Alex, Watson and ; her in-laws: Alfred (Amalia), Aletha, Oliver, Phillip, Victor, Ophelia, Washington (Elove), Ethel (Eric), Rhoda (Verdier) and Wonyen; her friends of many years: Jemima Queeglay, Deac. & Mot. Deah & Family, and Rev. Constance Kennedy, and a host of other relatives and friends in America, and Liberia.
Deac. Bessie began her primary education at C C. Dennis elementary school in Graie, Nimba County. Upon her completion from elementary school, she matriculated to Monrovia where she lived with her Auntie, Ma. Vonyee Karbah to further her junior and high school education. Mom graduated from Charlotte Tolbert Memorial Academy in 1975. She attended the Leigh Sherman Vocational School. Mom worked as a banker and later served in several other roles working at Bank of Liberia, Chase Manhattan Bank. She also worked at Meridian Bank up until the civil war.
During the civil unrest, Mom relocated to Danane, La Cote D’ivoire where she and her family joined the Union Baptist Church in Danane, La Cote D’ivoire. She served as a deaconess, a prayer warrior, a choir member, and was a staunch church member.
Mom later served as a volunteer classroom teacher and as a HR coordinator at Dujar Technical Trade School in Danane, La Cote D’ivoire. Mom traveled to Sweden to meet with donors who awarded the school scholarships and provided essentials.
Her late father, Pa. Vaye Bantu lead her to the Lord during her early school days. Mom was a very strong, devoted, committed Christian and was a strong prayer warrior as well. She was ordained as Deaconess at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Paynesville, Liberia. Mom and Dad joined First Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL when they relocated to the US. She worked at First Baptist church Learning Center for many years and sang in First Baptist Church choir. Mom also sang in the choirs and served as a Sunday School teacher.
Mom was quiet, kind, loving, peace loving and generous.
She did her utmost best to exemplify Christianity in all her doings. Mom will be greatly missed by her family and friends and all the lives she touched and impacted. Rest in peace until we meet again, sweet angel. We love you but God loves you best.
Private visitation
Husband and children, Friday, May 5, 2023, from 11am- 12noon, E. G. Cummings Funeral Home.
Wake keeping
Friday, May 5th, 2023, 6 pm
Montgomery City of Refuge Church
3820 Woodley Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36116
Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at 11:00 am – First Baptist Church, 305 S Perry St, Montgomery, AL 36104.
Interment
Alabama Heritage Cemetery, 10505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery AL, 36117, with the staff of E. G. Cummings Memorial Funeral Home directing.
Repast
Montgomery City of Refuge Church
3820 Woodley Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36116
Contacts
For more information, please contact:
Rev. John Dennis Gonleh (Husband) – 334 669 7313
Kou Gonleh – Selmah (Daughter) – 231 777576350
Monica Gonleh (Daughter) – 502 224 3017
John Gonleh Jr (Son) – 612 408 2663
Donations
Cashapp $RhAlona
Zellè 504-224-3017
ApplePay 504-224-3017
Hotel Accommodations
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