HOUSTON, Texas – Liberia’s Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester Grigsby, was laid to relaxation on Saturday in Houston, Texas, following a solemn funeral service attended by household, pals, and officers of the Authorities of Liberia.
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 stated. “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 considered one of affect, integrity, and quiet greatness,” the president stated. “You could be happy 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.”
Opposition chief Alexander B. Cummings additionally paid tribute, describing Grigsby as a person of “profound mind, a pointy political thoughts, and a tireless public servant.”
“His résumé speaks for itself—a life devoted to the monumental job of constructing a greater Liberia,” Cummings stated. “His willingness to serve in a number of administrations, together with most just lately within the administration of his lifelong buddy, 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 occasion 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 buddy, 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 stated. “He was by no means energy hungry. His best pleasure was being a father. He was a dreamer, a person who noticed the world accurately and never because it was. Generally individuals 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 pals. His work right here is finished, however his story lives on in all of us who had been blessed to know him. Thanks, Greg, in your selflessness, your kindness, and your love.”
