We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Father, Honorable GBENIMAH BALU SLOPADOE I; former Representative of Buah Statutory District #1, Grand Kru County, Liberia.
Who passed on January 12, 2025, in Massachusetts, United States of America.
Our Father was a beckon of hope; a man of strength and high principles, your passing has left us at a staggering loss. His good nature and kindness of heart will deeply be missed, and his selflessness will forever be cherished in our hearts. In his presence, we found comfort. With his words, we saw true wisdom.
With grief, our hearts are swelled; in our minds, his legacy shall forever dwell. Although gone, his memories will forever live on.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.
Funeral Arrangements are as follows:
Febuary 1, 2025
Funeral Service is @ Christ Jubilee International Ministries
101 Smith Street.
LOWELL, MA, U. S. A.
Arrival of the body | Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | Roberts International AirPort, Brussels Airlines.
Signing of the Book of Condolence | February 5,2025 | 10:00am | Capitol Building, Monrovia, Liberia.
LYING IN STATE
Removal from St. Moses Funeral Parlor | Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 11:00am
To the Capitol Building, Monrovia, Liberia | 12:00pm
Removal from St, Moses Funeral Parlor | Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 8:30 am
FUNERAL SERVICE
St. Kizito Catholic Church
Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia | 10:00 am
Interment | Shiata Flowers & Vaults Cemetary
Careysburg, Montserrado County, Liberia
Contact Information:
Siede Slopadoe-Davis:
+19787260981 USA
Gbenimah Balu Slopadoe II Esq.:
+12022711422 USA
Life Sketch of Honorable Gbenimah Balu Slopadoe I
Gbenimah Balu Slopadoe I, born on November 22, 1951, in Gee City, Buah Statutory District, was the beloved son of Samuel Slopadoe and Ale Blo Gbeni. He was a devoted family man, a leader in his community, and a champion for education and economic development. Gbenimah was a brother to Nancy Slopadoe, Victoria Slopadoe, Pehn Slopadoe, Gbeni Rebecca Slopadoe, Susanna Slopadoe (deceased), and Chea Gelapoye Slopadoe (deceased). He was also a cherished cousin to Othello Nyan, Patrick Chea, Nyanti Sika Slopadoe, and Lucy Toe.
Gbenimah was a proud father to Agnes Slopadoe, Siede Slopadoe-Davies (Eric Davies) Gbenimah Balu Slopadoe II, Avita Slopadoe, Munah Slopadoe- Cambridge (Joshua Cambridge), Jessica Slopadoe-Nyekan (Robert Nyekan), Bioh Slopadoe, and Gmahdi Slopadoe. His legacy continued through his grandchildren Adlene Hamiepo Kahn, Yonnie Zolu, Vana Jarbo, Miykal Davies, Eliyannah Nyekan, and Elias Nyekan.
He graduated from Wells-Hairston High School in 1974 and pursued higher education at Morehouse College USA, from 1982 to 1984, specializing in banking and finance. His professional journey began as a nursing assistant at JFK Medical Center in 1974. He later worked as a bookkeeper at a funeral home and as a spare parts clerk at Jos-Hansen & Soehne, where he rose to Spare Parts Manager. After further studies at Morehouse, he returned to Liberia in 1986 and became the Spare Parts Manager at Toyota. He also served as the National Supply Manager for the Family Planning Association of Liberia (FPAL) from 1986 to 1990.
In 1990, Gbenimah and his family fled to Ghana due to the outbreak of war in Liberia. In 1996, he was appointed as one of six Electoral Commissioners, tasked with managing logistics in an ad hoc capacity under the auspices of the United Nations, with support from the Jimmy Carter Foundation. His work during this critical period not only facilitated a smooth electoral process but also created numerous employment opportunities for many Liberians.
After the 1997 elections, Gbenimah transitioned into business before dedicating himself to public service. From 2005 to 2011, he served as the Representative for District Number 2, Buah District, where he was a passionate advocate for small businesses. During his tenure, he spearheaded the Liberianization Bills, aimed at economically empowering Liberians by reserving specific business sectors exclusively for them and allocating public construction projects valued at up to one million U.S. dollars to Liberian-owned businesses.
Notably, Gbenimah was entrusted by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to lead the passage of the Amendment to the National Investment Commission (NIC) Incentive Act in the Liberia House of Representatives. This amendment was a critical requirement for Liberia’s qualification under the IMF’s Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which ultimately resulted in the cancellation of nearly one billion U.S. dollars in national debt. Despite initial resistance from many lawmakers, his leadership ensured the successful passage of the NIC Act amendment.
After his tenure in the House of Representatives, Gbenimah remained deeply committed to grassroots initiatives, legislative projects, and community development, leaving a lasting legacy of service and impact. In 2017, he relocated to the United States to reunite with his family, continuing to inspire others with his unwavering dedication to public service until his final days.
Gbenimah married his beloved wife, Gbalee Siede Blamo, on September 6, 1980, at St Joseph Parish, Our Lady of Lebanon in Monrovia, Liberia. Their marriage lasted 36 years until 2016, marked by love, partnership, and a shared commitment to their family and community.
Known for his eloquence, leadership, and ability to unite people, Gbenimah had a deep appreciation for education and profound love for his country, Liberia. He was a man of style, simplicity, and compassion, dedicated to his people in Buah District. Though he did not attend church every day, he ensured his children were raised with strong Christian values. Above all, he was a unifier, a devoted family man, and a pillar of his community. His legacy of service, resilience, and love will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
