Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has expressed profound grief over the passing of former Liberian First Lady Madam Nancy Bohn Doe, describing her as a woman of “grace, dignity, and resilience” who served the nation during one of its most tumultuous periods.
In an official statement released by the Executive Mansion, President Boakai extended heartfelt condolences to the Doe family and praised the late First Lady’s contributions to Liberia, both as a devoted spouse to former Head of State Samuel K. Doe and as a public servant in her own right.
Madam Doe, who served as First Lady from 1980 to 1990 during her husband’s presidency, witnessed Liberia’s complex transition following the 1980 coup that brought Doe to power. President Boakai, who served in Doe’s administration as Minister of Agriculture, acknowledged her steadfastness during a divisive chapter in Liberia’s history.
“While history may record the complexities of that era,” Boakai stated, “we must recognize the honorable and courageous path Madam Doe walked—one marked by national service, personal sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to her family and country.”
The late First Lady also held a cabinet position, though the presidency’s statement did not specify her portfolio. Observers note that her tenure coincided with Liberia’s descent into civil conflict, making her legacy a subject of both reverence and historical reflection.
A Call for National Reflection and Unity
President Boakai’s message struck a conciliatory tone, urging Liberians to remember Madam Doe’s contributions beyond the political turbulence of her time. “Her life was interwoven with our nation’s often intriguing journey,” he said, emphasizing her role in shaping Liberia’s broader historical narrative.
The statement did not delve into the controversies surrounding Samuel Doe’s regime, which ended with his brutal execution in 1990 during the First Liberian Civil War. Instead, Boakai focused on honoring Madam Doe’s personal resilience and her dignified bearing as First Lady.
Since news of her passing broke, tributes have emerged from across Liberia’s political spectrum. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first female head of state, described Madam Doe as “a woman of strength who navigated extraordinary challenges with poise.”
Details regarding Madam Doe’s funeral have not yet been made public, though sources indicate she will receive an official state-recognized memorial. President Boakai has directed flags to be flown at half-mast on the day of her burial.
In closing his message, the president called for national unity, urging Liberians to “pray that the Almighty grants her eternal rest and comforts her loved ones with peace and strength.”
