Mai K. Elliott

Mai Kou Dawoyea Harris-Elliott was born in Ganta, Nimba County Liberia to Johnny Dawoyea and Whe Welelay on July 21st 1959. She completed her primary education at the Ganta Methodist Mission School in the early 70’s and then migrated to Monrovia under the guardianship of Jessie Harris and his family where they resided on Benson Street. She attended the Williams VS Tubman High School where she completed her high school education. Later she attended clerical school in Monrovia, which enabled her to obtain a job at The National Housing Bank, a position she held until she migrated to the United States in the early 1980’s. Mai received the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a young lady during her years at Ganta Methodist Mission and became a member of The First United Methodist Church now Turning Point UMC of Trenton, New Jersey. In 1989 when Reverend Dr. Daniel Grimes Gueh decided to start a Christian Ministry in the Trenton area, Mai decided to join her fellow Liberians and together built a ministry that allowed her to serve God and her people. She was a faithful and dedicated member of the African United Methodist Church where she served in many roles, such as choir member/ treasurer, women’s president, SPPRC Chair Lady from 2002-2004. For her tireless efforts and unrelenting services, she was crowned Mother of the Year 2000-2001. Although sick and in pain during her later years, Mai still pressed her way to her church, especially her choir on Sundays and any other day needed. The African United Methodist Church has lost one of her strongest pillars. Mai was married to Wilmot Elliott this union was blessed with four loving children, Gardea Elliott, Elvira Elliott, Dekontee Elliott, and Brittany Elliott. She fostered several other children including Adeola Oyefosobi, Nelson Suah, Sam Heron, Madison Sober, Dylan and many many more. Her love for her children was unconditional, and she sacrificed everything to make sure they had the best that any mother could give. She worked tirelessly to maintain a roof over their heads, and food on the table. To her children, she was not only their mother but their rock, friend, confidant, advisor and protector. Her home was always opened to all that came by and in need. Jokingly, her home was known as the “Trenton rescue Mission”. Affectionally called “MeMa” by her grandchildren, whom she loved, watched and protected from her sick bed. The love she showered them lit up the home they shared. She made sure they had a meal before they went to school and when they’re returned home from school. Even while in the hospital and nursing home, she always looked out for them, saving snacks and juices making sure anyone traveling in the direction of her home would be able to drop them off. Mai leaves to mourn and cherish her loss, four children, Gardea Christian Elliott, Elvira Joy-Marie Elliott, Dekontee Taneha Elliott, Brittany Nicolette Elliott; seven grandchildren, Teona McNeal-Elliott, General Maalik Elliott, Nuri Smith, Galani Elliott, Nasir Smith, Orlando Kidd, Zara Rickerson, Memphis Kidd; one great-grand daughter, Maalia Elliott; 35 brothers and sisters in the USA and Liberia including, Seybold Dawoyea, Steve Dawoyea, Martha Dawoyea-Gbeintor (Isaac), Johnny Dahn Dawoyea and Kou-Cee Wonokay (Steve), several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Several friends in the United States and Liberia, and her AUMC Church family. Mai will forever remain in our hearts and will truly be missed. Rest in Perfect Peace, until we meet again on the Resurrection morning.

Mai K. Elliott

July 21, 1959 - October 15, 2018