The passing of Madam Rebecca C. Doe, mother of Emmanuel S. Wettee, a prominent Liberian advocate for dual citizenship, has deeply resonated within Liberian communities both at home and abroad. Madam Doe, a respected member of the Liberians in Columbus Incorporated (LICI) and the River of Life Global Ministries Church in Columbus, Ohio, passed away at the Ohio State Hospital on December 14, 2024. Her demise has left a void in the lives of her family, friends, and the numerous community organizations she actively participated in. Her legacy of warmth, kindness, and community support is being remembered and celebrated by those whose lives she touched.
Amidst his personal grief, Eminent Wettee continued his work advocating for Liberian unity, attending a meeting with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and First Lady Kartumu Y. Boakai on December 19, 2024. This gathering, held at the Presidential residence, served as a platform for the Boakais to extend their heartfelt condolences to Eminent Wettee and his family. Recognizing the profound loss he had recently experienced, the President and First Lady commended Eminent Wettee for his unwavering commitment to bringing Liberians together, regardless of their geographic location. The First Lady, in a poignant gesture of respect and appreciation, ceremonially gowned Eminent Wettee, acknowledging his selflessness and patriotism in prioritizing national unity even during his time of mourning.
Eminent Wettee’s dedication to the cause of dual citizenship for Liberians has earned him widespread recognition and accolades. As the Chairman of the All-Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship (ALCOD) and former President of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), he has tirelessly championed this cause, garnering both national and international acclaim. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing the discussion and promoting understanding of the benefits and complexities of dual citizenship for Liberians worldwide. This commitment has solidified his standing as a prominent figure in the Liberian diaspora and underscored his passion for fostering stronger connections between Liberians at home and abroad.
The outpouring of sympathy and support for Eminent Wettee and his family underscores the profound impact Madam Doe had on her community. Numerous organizations, including LICI, ALCOD, the European Federation of Liberian Associations (ELFA), the Federation of Liberian Associations in Ohio (FOLAO), ULAA, ULAA Persons of Eminent Council, Sinoe County Associations in the Americas (SCAA), the National Krao Associations in the Americas (NKTA), the New Kru Town Association in the Americas (NKTAA), Liberia Advocacy for Change (LAC), the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), and a multitude of other diaspora Liberian organizations, have expressed their condolences and offered comfort during this difficult time. This collective expression of grief highlights the widespread respect and affection for Madam Doe and the recognition of her contributions to the Liberian community.
To honor the life and legacy of Madam Rebecca C. Doe, a series of funeral arrangements have been planned. A wake-keeping will be held on January 17, 2025, at the River of Life International Ministry in Columbus, Ohio, providing an opportunity for family, friends, and community members to gather and pay their respects. The following day, January 18, 2025, the funeral service will take place at Brice United Methodist Church in Brice, Ohio, followed by interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. A repast will be held at the Star Event Center in Columbus, Ohio, offering a space for reflection and shared remembrance after the burial. These services will provide a platform for celebrating Madam Doe’s life, sharing memories, and offering comfort and support to the grieving family.
The passing of Madam Rebecca Doe represents a significant loss for the Liberian community. Her memory will be cherished by those who knew her, and her legacy of kindness and community engagement will continue to inspire. The numerous organizations she touched, the friends she made, and the family she nurtured stand as a testament to her enduring impact. Eminent Wettee’s unwavering dedication to his advocacy work, even in the face of personal loss, further underscores the strength and resilience of the Liberian spirit and the enduring commitment to building bridges and fostering unity amongst Liberians worldwide. The funeral arrangements provide a structured opportunity for collective mourning, remembrance, and celebration of a life well-lived.
