MONROVIA – The family of the late former First Lady Nancy Bohn Doe has formally notified the Government of Liberia of her passing and proposed a joint burial with her late husband, President Samuel Kanyon Doe. However, more than a week after their official communication, the family says they are yet to receive a response from the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
In a letter dated May 23, 2025, addressed to President Boakai and copied to the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Sylvester Grigsby, the children of Mrs. Doe respectfully informed the government of her peaceful passing on Wednesday, May 21. The letter, titled “Official Government Notification of the Passing of Mrs. Nancy B. Doe and Joint Celebration of Life and Burial of Mrs. Nancy B. Doe and President Samuel Kanyon Doe,” outlines plans for a state-recognized joint burial scheduled for June 27, 2025, at the SKD Compound in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.
Describing their mother as Liberia’s first Indigenous First Lady who served from 1980 to 1990, the family highlighted her contributions to national development, particularly her efforts to uplift marginalized communities, promote cultural pride, and offer compassionate leadership. They emphasized the symbolic importance of a joint celebration of life for both former national leaders and appealed for full state participation.
“The remains of our beloved mother currently repose at Stryker Funeral Home in Sinkor, awaiting formal state confirmation,” the letter states. “We sincerely appreciate any honors and ceremonies the Government may extend; however, to attain closure and ensure our grief is fully acknowledged and respected, we humbly request full and active involvement in every detail of the celebration of life and burial planning.”
The family expressed their desire for collaboration with the government to ensure that the arrangements reflect both the national significance of Mrs. Doe’s role and the cultural and personal customs of the family. All of Mrs. Doe’s children, the letter noted, will be arriving in Monrovia to participate in the preparations and have designated Ms. Veronica Mamie Doe as the primary contact for coordination.
While the family awaits guidance and support from the Government of Liberia, they remain hopeful that official protocols, ceremonial courtesies, and security arrangements will be provided to honor the late First Lady’s legacy and her contribution to the nation.
As of press time, there has been no official word from the Executive Mansion regarding the government’s position or any planned participation in the proposed state ceremonies.
