— Eulogy by His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, In Honour of the Late Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Honourable Sylvester M. Grigsby, August 30, 2019 – Houston, Texas, United States of America.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18
We gather today with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a beloved son of Liberia, a patriot, a statesman, and to me personally, a dear friend and brother—Honourable Sylvester M. Grigsby. The grief we feel runs deep, and the pain is genuine. But we find comfort in the Word of God, which reminds us that the Lord is near in our sorrow, and in the truth that love and friendship, when sincere, never truly die—they simply change form and continue to live on in our hearts and memories.
The Roman statesman, lawyer, orator, and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero once wrote, “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.” In these challenging times, I find comfort in the rich and enduring memories I have of my friend Greg—as I affectionately called him—and in the legacy he leaves behind.
Our relationship lasted over sixty years. It started during our early years at the College of West Africa in Monrovia. I was two grades ahead of Greg, and in the dormitory where we both lived, I served as Assistant Dean for Boarding when I began college. Even then, it was hard not to notice his brilliance. Compared to me, he came from a well-off family, yet he stayed humble, grounded, and respectful.
Greg was an outstanding student, a young man whose academic talent and character distinguished him, but what I admired most was his empathy and willingness to help others.
I remember a specific moment, now engraved in my memory, when I approached Greg—then in his final year and getting ready for graduation—and asked him to give up his spot in the dorm to reduce the presence of his economic disparity among some of his graduating colleagues. It was a tough request, but without hesitating, Greg agreed. He understood my concern for others. That one act of selflessness said a lot about who he was then—and who he remained all his life: thoughtful, caring, and self-sacrificing.
Our lives continued to intertwine long after our school days. We found ourselves serving our country, often alongside each other. From his early roles, including Superintendent of Sinoe County and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to his most visible post as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs during my tenure as Vice President, Greg consistently demonstrated what I can only describe as refined intelligence, professionalism, and quiet strength. He understood the workings of government—especially foreign affairs—like few others.
His service was marked not by pomp, but by purpose. I often admired his writing—clear, deliberate, and elegant. He took his time, yes, and sometimes we grew impatient waiting for him to finish a draft or complete a task. But that was simply Greg: precise, thoughtful, and committed to quality. He believed that the work done in the Office of the President had to meet the highest standards, because it reflected not only the administration but also the dignity of the Republic of Liberia.
After we both left government in 2018, I had the privilege of working with Greg again—this time at the JNB Foundation, where he served pro bono as Executive Director. He gave freely of his time and talents, again displaying that quiet sense of service and duty to our people. He was someone you could always rely on, and I did.
Today, I stand before you not only as President of Liberia, but as someone who has lost a close friend of over six decades. He was my schoolmate, my dormitory mate, my junior whom I supervised, my colleague in government, my Chief of Staff, and most importantly, my friend. His passing leaves a void that is not easily filled. I have lost a brother, a counselor, and a confidant. Liberia has lost one of its brightest minds and most dependable sons.
To his widow Cleo, also my high school mate and sister, the children, and the entire Grigsby family: I extend my deepest condolences. I cannot claim to understand the full weight of your grief, but I know what it is like to lose someone whose presence shaped your life. Know that Greg’s life was one of impact, integrity, and quiet greatness. You can be proud of who he was and what he did—not just for his family, but for his country.
Although a few may have misunderstood him (and that is normal), many recognized his patriotism, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
As I mentioned before, Greg’s memory will stay with me. He is no longer with us physically, but he lives on—in our stories, shared moments, and in the institutions and lives he helped create and support. His life was truly well lived.
To Cleo and the children, Greg is gone, but I remain committed to our long-time friendship. God bless you.
May his soul rest in perfect peace and may we all carry forward the torch of service, humility, and brilliance that he embodied.
Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
President
