MONROVIA — National Security Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Attorney Samuel Kofi Woods, has described his late brother, Roosevelt A.K. Woods, as “a soldier on the frontline” of the Woods family.
By Augustus D. R. Bortue
Speaking on behalf of the Woods family during the funeral service held Saturday, August 29, at St. Matthew Methodist Church in Upper Caldwell, Montserrado County, Kofi Woods said his brother was deeply involved in the affairs of the family and consistently took responsibility for addressing the concerns of its members.
He said Roosevelt’s death had created a significant void in the family.
“Today, I am filled with great joy because he lived a life that I can reflect upon, and all of us can reflect upon with joy,” Woods said as family members, friends and sympathizers wept.
“We want to thank God for the time He gave us with him, the impact he made, the contributions he made to our society and the impact he made on each of our lives. He was a good, gentle and great soul,” he added.
Reflecting on his last encounter with his brother at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Woods said Roosevelt’s final look at him made him realize that his brother’s condition was critical.
“When Roosevelt stretched his eyes and looked at me, I knew his time was near. Two hours later, I received a call informing me of his passing,” he said.
Woods said he felt consoled by the tributes paid to his brother and by the life Roosevelt lived.
“I am happy because I sat here as tributes were paid, and for a moment I thought it was me. From the day Roosevelt came and met me, he never left my side. He kept coming back,” Woods said.
He described Roosevelt as an ambitious and dedicated person who pursued higher education and committed himself to public service.
“He went to school, earned his master’s degree and returned to work. He worked for the Foundation for International Dignity, which I established. For more than 15 years, Roosevelt committed himself to that organization with honesty and dignity,” Woods said.
“This is a proud moment for me. Roosevelt is not gone. Roosevelt left all his trademarks. He was so talented. I do not weep for Roosevelt anymore,” he added.
In his closing remarks, Woods said the presence of mourners and the tributes offered had strengthened and comforted him.
“I am consoled by the many people I see in this church today. I am consoled by the tributes you have offered to my brother. I am happy. I have been relieved of my weeping today and made stronger again,” he said.
“It is a great responsibility to take this on, but he knows he left us behind to carry it forward,” Woods added.
Pastor Urges Mourners to Live Right
Delivering the funeral discourse, Pastor Urias C. A. Pappoe said the Woods family had responded to God’s call through the death of their loved one.
“My dear brother Kofi Woods and the rest of the family members have agreed to respond to the summons of God. Kofi stands as the complainant, while Pastor Pappoe is the defendant,” he said.
Preaching on the theme “A Legal Conference with God,” drawn from Isaiah 1:18, Pastor Pappoe said God’s judgment is final and cannot be appealed.
He urged mourners and the wider public to live righteous lives and maintain a proper relationship with God.
Roosevelt Woods Remembered
Roosevelt A.K. Woods was the former executive director of the Foundation for International Dignity, a pro-democracy and human rights organization. He also served as a commissioner of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission until his death.
He died on Sunday, August 2, at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Sinkor, Monrovia, following a brief illness.
The wake and funeral service were attended by several senior government officials and members of Liberia’s civil society and human rights communities.
Those in attendance included Vice President Jeremiah Koung; Minister of Justice and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh; Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel A. Stevquoah; Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman; and officials of the PPCC, among others.
Government officials paid tribute to Roosevelt Woods and consoled the bereaved family, urging them to take solace in God, who gives and takes away.
During the funeral service, an official gazette was read, highlighting Roosevelt Woods’ educational background and contributions to Liberian society.
Following the service, his remains were interred at the family’s burial site in Lower Caldwell, Montserrado County.
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