-As Former Vice-President Jewel Howard Taylor Calls for Peace and Reconciliation
GBARNGA, Bong County, Liberia — A wave of grief, gratitude and reconciliation swept through Bong County on Wednesday, February 18, as family, political leaders, traditional elders and ordinary citizens gathered to celebrate the life of the late Mr. Charles Neilson Philip Taylor, son of former Vice President Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor and former President H.E. Dhakpana Dr. Charles Ghankay Taylor.
The funeral observance, which is expected to be in three folds, is detailed in the official itinerary released by the family, began in Gbarnga on Wednesday, February 18, before returning to Monrovia for services, wake-keeping and final interment on Saturday, February 21.
From the moment of removal at Samuel A. Stryker Funeral Services to the solemn services at the County Administrative Building in Gbarnga, thousands lined the streets and filled venues in a powerful show of solidarity. The ceremonies will culminate at Harvest Intercontinental Church in Monrovia, followed by burial at Shiata Flowers and Vaults Cemetery in Lower Careysburg, Montserrado County.
“My Only Son Has Now Metamorphosed Into Many Sons”
Speaking during the celebration of life, the organized in Gbarnga, former Vice President Howard-Taylor delivered deeply emotional remarks, reflecting on her loss and the overwhelming outpouring of support she received.
“God is good and He has never failed us,” she began, acknowledging the presence of national leaders, party officials, members of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, clergy, traditional leaders and citizens from across Liberia.
She revealed that in the weeks following her son’s passing on January 20, she had received more than 4,000 visitors from all walks of life.
“It was a real shock for me to see the amount of love and care and concern that the passing of my only son has now metamorphosed into many, many, many, many sons,” she said emotionally.
Her words drew prolonged applause and tears from mourners, many of whom had traveled from distant counties to stand in solidarity with the former Vice President and her family.
Bong County at the Center
The decision to begin the funeral rites in Gbarnga carried symbolic weight. As a political stronghold and emotional home base for the Taylor family, Bong County turned out in force.
Taylor recounted her conversation with the County Superintendent about bringing Philip to Gbarnga before returning to Monrovia.
“When I called you and said it would be better for me to bring Philip to Gbarnga and from Gbarnga to come back to Monrovia, she said, ‘Forget it, it’s done.’ I didn’t have to do anything. I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
She paid special tribute to Senator Prince Moye and members of the Bong County Caucus for their unwavering support, as well as the clergy who ensured that every aspect of the ceremony was orderly and dignified.
A Moment of Reconciliation
Beyond personal grief, the former Vice President framed her son’s passing as a moment for national healing.
“I think this is a sign of true reconciliation,” she declared. “Because when something happens or a death occurs, I believe the dead waters everything down.”
Her remarks were widely interpreted as a call for political tolerance and unity in a country that continues to navigate the legacies of conflict and division.
She also conveyed appreciation on behalf of former President Charles Taylor, noting that he had sought to extend his thanks to the people of Bong County.
“He wanted to say thank you to the Bong County people… because I know that it’s not only because of me. It’s also because of him and where he is,” she said.
A Call for Unity
In what many described as the most powerful portion of her remarks, Taylor called for a spiritual and moral turning point.
“May God use this opportunity for a turnaround. May God touch all of our hearts and let go of whatever we have and come together,” she urged.
Declaring her pride in her home county, she added: “I always believe that Bong County is the greatest county in our nation. Because God didn’t make a mistake to put us in the middle of Liberia. Anything that happens here shows everywhere. With this, may we make peace that we have never before, that we’ll forget all ills, and that we’ll hold together as one.”
She concluded in Kpelle, saying, “Ka shei kpor â damma haay”—translated as “Thank you so, so much”. Kpelle is the language predominantly spoken in Bong County and yea Liberia.
A Nation in Mourning
The funeral itinerary reflected a blend of family, political and public observances. In Monrovia, viewing and prayers are expected to be held at Peace Praise Gospel Ministries in Barnesville, followed by a stop at the National Patriotic Party headquarters in Congotown. A wake will later be held at Harvest Intercontinental Church before Saturday’s final funeral service.
Leaders from across the political spectrum are expected at various events, underscoring the broader significance of the moments.
As Liberia continues its journey of reconciliation and democratic consolidation, many observers noted that the unity displayed during the funeral ceremonies offered a rare and hopeful image of national solidarity.
In grief, a family mourned a son. In gathering, a county affirmed its loyalty. And in the words of Jewel Howard Taylor, a moment of loss became an opportunity for peace, humility and collective healing.
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