November 11,1928 – December 31, 2025
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”, Psalm 119:105
The Cole-Kiawu, Marshall, and Knuckles families deeply mourn the passing of Mr. James Ansumana Kiawu, Sr., affectionately called Uncle James, Brother, Jimmy, or Kiawu. During his formative years, he was known as James Cole. James transitioned from this earthly life in his 97th year. This profound loss occurred on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Loudoun County, Virginia, USA.
A Legacy of Family and Service
James was devoted to the strength and unity of his family. His life was marked by humility, kindness, and a commitment to fostering genuine relationships within his community. He exemplified generosity and service to humanity, sharing his resources, talents, wisdom, and the fruits of his labor with others.
His legacy is closely tied to his significant contributions in the fields of agriculture and horticulture, especially through his work at the Kakata Booker Washington Institute (BWI). He played a pivotal role in infrastructural development and farm management at the University of Liberia, making a lasting impact at both the Fendell and Monrovia campuses. James also served as a civil servant in pre-civil war Liberia while attending the former Liberia College.
Cherished Family and Loved Ones
Jimmy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mrs. Robertetta Knuckles-Kiawu; three sons, James A. Kiawu, Jr., Timothy Kiawu, and Sangba Kiawu; his parents, Mr. Sambah E. Cole and Madam Hawah F. Marshall; as well as his deceased family members from the John F. Marshall and Cole-Kiawu families.
He is survived by two daughters, Hawah and Tonia Kiawu, one son, Alvin Kiawu, and an adopted son, Nathaniel Freeman; as well as a daughter-in-law, Ruth Kiawu. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Eugene Bedell Jr., Eugenie Bedell Selimaj (Albi), Varsay Kiawu, Cornell Lake, Malik Julius, Verdant Julius, Jeremy Julius, Jasmin Kiawu, Kylil Kiawu, Sydney Kiawu, and Avidan Kiawu. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Eli Kiawu, Jase Kiawu, and Edoni Selimaj.
Also mourning his passing are numerous siblings, including brothers: Morris Kiawu-Cole (Mary), Morris Cole, Jerry Kiawu (Ruth), Sekou Cole (Margaret); sisters: Hawah Famatta Cole, Miatta Kiawu, Sando Cole-Gbeyi (Prince), Massah Cole, and Patience Teyte Kiawu; his aunt, Irene Marshall; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family members and friends.
MEMORIAL SERVICES, USA:
Date /Time: Saturday, January 31, 2026
9:30 AM, EST. Viewing , Praise and Worship, Tributes
10:30 AM, EST. SERVICE
CHURCH: Epiphany Episcopal Church
3301 Hidden Meadow Dr.
Oak Hill, VA 20171
FUNERAL SERVICES, Sinkor-Monrovia, Liberia
Date /Time : Saturday,February7, 2026, 11:00 AM
Church: St. Stephen Episcopal Church 10th Street, Sinkor-Monrovia, Liberia
In his preparatory notes, Uncle James recommended the following colors for his funeral. Please note, these colors are only suggestions to consider:
Women: Light gray
Men: Charcoal gray
Contacts in USA
Hawah Kiawu (571) 209 0471
Tonia Kiawu (704) 236-4620
Alvin Kiawu (763) 910-5885
Morris K. Cole (910) 286-9329
Jerry Kiawu (609) 638-0909
Robert Knuckles (nephew) (918) 855-6230
Contacts in Liberia
Dr. Albert Coleman (nephew) 011 231 7702 97002
ZB Knuckles (nephew) 011 231 8885 62276
Alex Knuckles (nephew) 011231 8865 10332
Hotels in the area
Candlewood Suites Washington-Dulles Herndon
13845 Sunrise Valley Dr, Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 793-7100
Washington Dulles Marriott Suites
13101 Worldgate Dr, Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 709-0400
Homewood Suites by Hilton Dulles Int’l Airport
13460 Sunrise Valley Dr, Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 793-1700
Staybridge Suites Chantilly Dulles Airport by IHG
3860 Centerview Dr, Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 435-8090
