Fatu Willimina Gittens-White
July 13, 1954 ~ May 2, 2014
The White, Sherif and Gittens families announce the death of Fatu Gittens -White ("Tatu") in her 60th year. This sad event occurred at 7:56 pm at the Benson Hospital in Paynesville on Friday the 2nd of May 2014. We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of a beautiful, talented and determined wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and dear friend. Fatu touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth, amazing smile and her kindness. Fatu was an Associate Professor of Management, former Chair of the Management Department, College of Business and Public Administration, University of Liberia, former Chair of the Board of Directors of the Liberia Airport Authority, and former Commissioner of Customs, Ministry of Finance, R.L.
Fatu is survived by her mother, Mrs. Mary Z. Sherif; father, Mr. Christopher Gittens; her children, Nathan S. White Jr., Eric White, Asara White, and Joan Thomas. Fatu’s other survivors include her siblings, Vida Moore-Mensah (Joseph), Mamawah Sherif, J. Abdul Sherif Jr. (Riri), Bindu Sherif Dunbar (Tilman), Yatta Sherif, Weatta Sherif-Chesson (Marcel)), Eliza Pawoo- Jeaploe (Alexander), Gertrude Scott and Philip Henry.
In addition, Fatu leaves to mourn her many cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives and multiple friends throughout the United States, Liberia and other parts of the world. Fatu was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the J. Dwalu Kimber Episcopal School in Brewerville and former President of the Junior Usher Guild. Fatu was also the 1st Vice President of the Lion Club of Liberia.
Service for the Celebration of Fatu’s Life: The Service for the Celebration of her Life and Eucharist of the Resurrection for the peaceful repose of her soul will be said on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas's Episcopal Church, Camp Johnson, Monrovia, Liberia. During the Requiem Mass, entry into the Church will be strictly controlled. As a tradition in the Episcopal Church, tributes during the service are limited only to Fatu’s family, the church and government of Republic of Liberia. There are no exceptions.
In lieu of flowers, the families ask that anyone who so desires may contribute to the Fatu G. White Educational Fund (The aim is to provide full scholarship to bright but financially needy students at the University of Liberia and the J. Dwalu Kimber School in Brewerville). You may contact Vida Mensah, vmsquare12@aol.com (+231-770-770760), Yatta Sherif yessherif@aol.com (773-577-9957) or Rufus Berry @ rufus_berry@yahoo.com (+231-886-362332 or +231-555-206065) for more information regarding the fund.
Wake Keeping: A service of songs, praise and tributes will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Friday, May 30, 2014 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. All tributes will be made during this period. We ask that everyone respect the dignity of the service and its purpose and limit tributes to 2-3 minutes. Tributes will be made in segments interspersed with songs and praise. If you wish to be listed to make a tribute during the wake, please email rufus_berry@yahoo.com. Please note that it may not be possible for all tributes to be heard. We thank you for your understanding.
Interment: Kaiser Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Brewerville, Liberia.
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