Joseph Mamadee Woah-Tee

Dr. Joseph M. Woah-Tee, a man of vision, ambition and great determination was born in a little village of Gboamu, Bong County, Liberia. He got his early childhood education from William V.S. Tubman Elementary School in Gbarnga, Bong County, and Gboveh Junior and Senior High School. Upon graduation from Gboveh in 1968, Dr. Woah-Tee enrolled at the University of Liberia where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.Dr. Woah-Tee was a born humanitarian and statesman. He had a dream and a strong determination to make a difference in the lives of his people. He refused a job offer in Monrovia and returned to Gboveh High School where he taught Social Studies. Later Dr. Woah-Tee was appointed Acting Principal of Gboveh High. It was by his ingenuity that many Gvoveh graduates were able to obtain scholarships to enter the two highest institutions of learning in the country.In 1978, President Dr. William Richard Tolbert selected Dr. Woah-Tee to get the United States to fulfill the position of Ambassador of Teachers. Upon his arrival in the United States, he quickly realized the great opportunities that lie ahead for him, as well as other Liberians who desired to further education.He earned two Masters and a Doctoral degree. He then decided to dedicate his life to improving the lives of all fellow Liberians, so he solicited the assistance of the city officials of Baltimore to establish a Sisterhood between the city of Baltimore and Gbarnga, Bong County. Those who were not able to come, he assisted with food, clothing and finances, often from his own pockets.After the death of his beloved daughter, who died tragically, he opened the Gaimei N.N. Woah-Tee multi-purpose center in her honor. The Center became well known as an outreach facility for Adult Education and Community Resource. This facility was also used as a gathering place to host meetings and social events, not only for Liberians, but other ethnic groups as well.Dr. Woah-Tee taught at the Sojourner-Douglass College and the Baltimore City Community College in Baltimore, Maryland for a number of years. He took pride in building an African Village at the Baltimore Zoo, complete with African artifacts, so the people of Baltimore and elsewhere could see what Liberia really looked like.In 2005, Dr. Woah-Tee returned to Liberia to become a candidate for Liberia’s highest office, the Presidency. He fought hard during the election to once again realize his dream of bettering the lives of his fellow Liberians. He was happy to know the people of Liberia did not forget about him, coming in 14th out of 22 candidates.Still his dream to help his people did not die. His plan was to try again to seek the office of President of Liberia in its upcoming 2011 election. Always he had a plan and a vision. He prepared himself both here and in Liberia. He became an active member of ULAA and was one of its founding members. He was President from 1982 to 1983. During Dr. Woah-Tee’s term as President of ULAA, he demonstrated tremendous leadership ability. He was actually one of the few leaders of ULAA that led the union during Liberia’s most difficult times, the Civil War. He also was a founding member of ULAA’s Council of Eminent Person; projecting programs, ideas, proposals and recognition for persons of prominence. His insight for change often times brought him into direct conflict with those who wanted things to remain status-quo. Only his senseless tragic demise could stop him.Liberia has lost one of its most prized citizens. It’s difficult to imagine anyone who could replace him, indeed no one ever will.He was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church where he attended regularly in Baltimore, Maryland.He leaves to mourn his loss, his beloved wife of 39 years, Cecelia Paye Woah-Tee, his children, Daiwor Togbah II, Ghorpu, Nycinpu, Josephine, Joseph Mamadee, Jr. and Dekwii. His daughter, Gaimei predeceased him in death. His grandchildren, Daiwor III and Donatien Sokkal. His brothers, Jerry, Paul, Stanley, Henry and Dempster Woah-Tee. His brother Shedrich predeceased him in death. Special brothers, S.Mohammed Kromah, J. Dekpah Gueh, Roosevelt Karmo, Amos Kwah and Jalo Whyte, a special sister Blanche Richards and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.Romans 8:36,37 as it written; for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered ad sheep to be slaughtered. No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Tributes

Joseph Mamadee Woah-Tee

August 16, 1948 - May 31, 2009