HOUSTON, Texas – Household, associates, authorities officers, and outstanding Liberian leaders gathered in Houston, Texas, over the weekend to bid farewell to Liberia’s fallen Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester M. Grigsby, remembered for a life outlined by humility, patriotism, and “quiet greatness.”
Among the many mourners have been officers of the Liberian Authorities, together with Deputy International Minister Deweh E. Grey, who learn the nationwide gazette; Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, Liberia’s Ambassador to the USA; and Joseph Boakai, Jr., son of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who delivered an impassioned eulogy on behalf of the President.
Additionally in attendance have been Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, political chief of the Various Nationwide Congress, and his spouse, Mrs. Teresa Cummings; Ambassador Dew Mayson, former Liberian Ambassador to France; Mrs. Cleopatra Grigsby, widow of the late statesman; alongside together with his youngsters, family, and associates from Liberia, the USA, and different components of the world.
Delivering a tribute on behalf of his father, President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., Joseph Boakai, Jr. recounted the president’s six-decade-long friendship with the late minister, which started throughout their days on the School of West Africa in Monrovia.
“Though I used to be two years his senior, Sylvester was a definite character and a person of excessive mind,” President Boakai mentioned. “In these difficult occasions, I discover consolation within the wealthy and enduring reminiscences of our friendship and the legacy he leaves behind. In comparison with me, he got here from a well-off household, but he remained humble, grounded, and respectful. He was an excellent pupil, however what I admired most was his empathy and willingness to assist others.”
The president additionally recalled that after each males left authorities service in 2018, Grigsby served as Govt Director of the Joseph N. Boakai Basis earlier than returning to public service as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.
“Grigsby’s life was one in all impression, integrity, and quiet greatness,” the president mentioned. “You may be pleased with who he was—not just for what he did for his household however for his nation. Though a number of might have misunderstood him, many acknowledged his patriotism, dedication, and dedication to excellence.”
Mr. Cummings, commonplace bearer of the Various Nationwide Congress (ANC), hailed Grigsby’s file of service throughout a number of administrations as proof of his dedication to Liberia above politics.
“His résumé speaks for itself… For Sylvester, the work of uplifting Liberia was extra essential than any single celebration or particular person,” Cummings famous.
“His willingness to serve in a number of administrations, together with most lately within the administration of his lifelong good friend, President Boakai, was not an indication of political comfort; it was a testomony to his unwavering patriotism. For Sylvester, the work of uplifting Liberia was extra essential than any single celebration or particular person.”
Cummings, who shared a private bond with Grigsby, added: “Past the statesman, I used to be privileged to know Sylvester the person—the schoolmate, the good friend, the supporter. He was a person whose knowledge was matched solely by his kindness, whose counsel I sought and cherished.”
In a deeply emotional tribute, his widow, Mrs. Cleopatra Grigsby, mirrored on their journey collectively since assembly within the late Sixties and marrying in 1974.
“Greg’s mild spirit and real kindness drew me to him,” she mentioned. “He was by no means energy hungry. His biggest pleasure was being a father. He was a dreamer, a person who noticed the world appropriately and never because it was. Generally folks took benefit of his giving nature, however he by no means let that change him. He stored providing kindness to the world.”
She added: “Greg devoted his life to his nation and his coronary heart to his household and associates. His work right here is completed, however his story lives on in all of us who have been blessed to know him. Thanks, Greg, in your selflessness, your kindness, and your love.”
Different tributes underscored each the challenges and triumphs of Grigsby’s public life. Eminent Liberian and former Liberian Ambassador to France Dew Tuan-Wleh Mason described him as a statesman who rose above criticism and false accusations with dignity.
“Greg by no means provides credence to those accusers… He lived effectively and proper. Could the angels and the saints come to fulfill him,” Mayson declared.
The solemn ceremony introduced collectively a cross-section of Liberians within the diaspora, reflecting the broad respect Grigsby commanded throughout his years of service. His passing has been described as a profound loss to each Liberia and his household, however the tributes in Houston highlighted a life lived with patriotism, compassion, and quiet greatness.
Ambassador Sylvester M. Grigsby had a embellished profession in public service, serving Liberia in a number of capacities, together with Ambassador, County Superintendent, and Minister of State for Presidential Affairs—the final high-profile place he held earlier than his passing on August 9, 2025, on the age of 74 in the USA, the place he had traveled to hunt medical remedy.
In honor of his lifelong dedication to training, his household has established the Sylvester Mondubue Grigsby Scholarship to help Liberians attending the School of West Africa (CWA), his alma mater. The scholarship extends his legacy of serving to many Liberians achieve entry to training.
