Sunrise: January 6, 1926
Sunset: January 8, 2024
Our matriarch, Gertrude Loba Kollie (nee Turay) passed away on January 8, 2024 at the age of 98. Affectionately known as old ma, ma, mama, grandma, dorma, citi bank, darling girl, and G-girl, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Born in Lofa County, Liberia to Karmah and Lusu Turay on January 6, 1926, Gertrude emigrated to the United States in 1981. Upon her arrival to the United States, Gertrude lived in Cleveland, OH and later in Houston, TX. In 1990 she moved to Staten Island, NY, where she lived for the rest of her life. Before her retirement, Gertrude worked in the nursing profession, providing top level care to her patients both in Liberia and here in the United States. In her spare time, Gertrude enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, being an active member of the Church, singing Gospel hymns, helping others, watching Matlock and other daytime soap operas, knitting and cooking. Gertrude loved her Church, St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, and her Church family dearly.
She leaves behind to mourn her cherished children, son Charles Yates (Eliza), and daughters Hannah Turay-Selli (Alphonso) and Cornelia Katherine “Kate” Banks, as well as her loving grandchildren Loba, Miata, Cordelia, Kaifa, Musu, Decontee, Karmah, Johnelle, Siafa, Varma, Olivia, and TuRay; and great-grandchildren Omar, Azana, Nweka, Silas, Solomon, Savannah, Joann, and Choice. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those who were lucky enough to know Gertrude truly loved and adored her and were likewise loved dearly by her. She will forever be our Matriarch.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Gertrude using the following link: http://act.alz.org/goto/gertrude-kollie
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Visitation: Friday, January 26, 2024 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm
Martin Hughes Funeral Home
530 Narrows Road S, Staten Island, NY 10304
Funeral Service: Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10am
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
225 St. Paul’s Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10304
Interment: Alpine Cemetery
703 Amboy Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Repass: The Crystal Room at 2pm
67 Olympia Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305
Contacts:
Charles Yates: (916) 216-8908
Hannah Turay-Selli: (646) 220-7529
Cornelia Katherine “Kate” Banks: (973) 960-7043
Loba Yates: (707) 712-4406
Cordelia Banks: (973) 960-7083
Johnelle Mannie: (973) 968-9407
Hotel Reservations:
Hampton Inn & Suites 1120 South Ave Staten Island (347) 328-0561
Hilton Garden Inn 1100 South Avenue Staten Island (718) 477-2400
Ramada: 535 North Gannon Avenue Staten Island (888) 861-8331
