Sam Nynswah Saylee

Sam Nynswah Saylee, age 72, transitioned to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in the comfort of his home in Clayton, North Carolina. Early that morning, the clouds lifted, and he was peacefully ushered into heaven.

A funeral service for Sam will be held Friday, June 16, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 US 70 Business Highway West, Clayton, NC 27520. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

The family will recieve friends from 12 noon until 2:00 PM at the funeral home, prior to the service.

From his birth in Saybliah, Liberia on November 10, 1950, to his death, Sam nourished people around him with love, faith, and generosity. He was born in the countryside of the West African tropical country known as the “Land of the Free” to Joseph Saylee Woto and Nancy Jutee Woto. He stood tall in personality and stature among a large family clan too vast to count. What could always be measured, however, is their love for each other, which was as deep and as wide as the ocean that would later come to separate them after his emigration to the United States in 1976.

Filled with dreams and aspirations, he embarked on an arduous journey to seek a brighter future for himself and his family. Sam’s hard work, sacrifices and vision were the ingredients needed for him to navigate the complexities of living in a new country and to carve a path for his own success. For over four decades, Sam worked tirelessly in the construction industry in Chicago, Savannah, and New York City, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of the communities he served. With an unwavering commitment and eye for detail, he poured his heart and soul into his craft, ensuring that each project he undertook was executed with excellence and precision. His dedication to his work was not merely a means of financial security, but also a testament to his unwavering determination to be an example for his family.

For the past twenty-five years, Sam has been fortunate to share his life with his dearest wife, Muna Ines Saylee. They shared a special love and friendship, seamlessly blending their families together from the very beginning. Over the course of Sam’s life, he was blessed with six sons, Augustine, Otis, Jay, Christopher, Stephen and Charles and five daughters, Cecelia, Mimi, Mabel, Neteh, and Sametta. He was a loving and devoted father to his children. Despite the long hours and physical demands of his profession, he always tried to make time for his children, providing unwavering support, guidance, and a nurturing presence. His love and sacrifices knew no bounds and he taught us the importance of family, unity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Over the years, he would also come to adore his thirteen grandchildren.

Sam's home was a sanctuary of love, laughter, and warmth. His compassionate heart extended beyond his immediate family, reaching to neighbors, friends, and even strangers in need. He possessed a genuine desire and ability to uplift and inspire others.

Although he was far away, Liberia was always present in his mind and heart. Over the years, Sam maintained a deep connection to his homeland. He returned often to visit family, acquire property, and invest in his native village. He loved to share stories of his upbringing, vibrant culture, and traditions that shaped his identity. Through his teachings, he instilled in his children a sense of pride in their roots, fostered an appreciation for diversity, and encouraged them to embrace Liberian culture in their daily lives while embracing the opportunities America had to offer.

In 2012, Sam retired, eventually moving to his final home in North Carolina. His favorite pastime was watching his beloved soccer and American football. It is hard to narrow down his favorite teams as he loved these sports so much that he would watch any match or game being televised. To keep his mind sharp, he spent hours challenging himself with complex crossword puzzles. He was a master in his own right. Notably, Sam was also an excellent cook and thoroughly enjoyed cooking traditional Liberian dishes for his family and friends. It was one of the many ways he showed love to them.

The only thing Sam loved more than his family was God. He began his walk closer to God in adulthood. He dedicated his life to the Word of God and held it tightly in his heart. As required by the Word, he actively served God through the church as a member of Gethsemane SDA Church. Although his health issues made it harder for Sam to attend service in-person, he enjoyed worshiping and attending bible study virtually.

Left to honor and remember his love is his wife Muna Ines Saylee, his eleven children, Augustine (Carmencita Whonder) Saylee, Cecelia (Mohamed Kaba) Saylee, Gemama “Mimi” Saylee, Otis Saylee, Sam “Jay” Saylee, Mabel Saylee, Neteh Saylee, Christopher Saylee, Sametta Saylee, Stephen Saylee, and Charles Saylee; siblings Bessie Saylee, Nyon Nagbae Geleh-Saylee, Alfred Saylee, Beatrice Saylee, Wea Geleh, Saykou Saylee; thirteen grandchildren; and many siblings, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends. Sam was preceded in death by his father Joseph Saylee Woto, mother Nancy Jutee Woto, and several cherished brothers and sisters. As he continues his walk even closer to God, he will be remembered as a loving force of nature to those he touched in big and small ways.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com for the Saylee family.

McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina is honored to be assisting the Saylee family.