Marie Kennedy Gobah

Marie K. Gobah was born in 1941 in Gbonorfilay Town, Wayeeduowoo Community Harrisburg Township, Liberia, to Fomba Tamba Taylor and Tete Gblelakwe Kennedy. She was lovingly raised by Hon. Bosay and Florence Kennedy in Crozerville during the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 1968, she moved to Bensonville and joined the Oshoko family, where Dr. Oshoko employed her as a nurse aide and entrusted her with caregiving responsibilities.

The skills she gained there led her to work in the chloride unit at J.F.K. Hospital. Though her formal education ended in sixth grade, Marie faced life’s challenges with resilience, grace, and determination, drawing strength from her faith and loved ones.

In the 1970s, she married Master Surgeon Daniel Gobah, and together they built a home in Gokoyah Town. In 1975, she moved to Monrovia, living in several neighborhoods—including Sinkor Old Road, Parker Paint, and Capital Bypass—before settling in Paynesville, where she built her own home.

Marie’s home became a refuge for many—relatives, friends, and especially her siblings, whom she guided with unwavering support. She raised over fifteen children, including her own, adopted children, nieces, and nephews, nurturing them with love and protection. Her close bond with her eldest daughter eventually led to her being invited to live in the United States.

In 1999, Marie began a new life in Richmond, Virginia, where she lived for over 15 years. A devoted member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, she faithfully attended services, sang in the choir, and supported the ministry through her presence and giving. Her faith extended beyond the church as she raised her children and three granddaughters with love, discipline, and compassion—ensuring they achieved milestones she hadn’t, including graduating from high school and college.

Marie worked for over 15 years as a biscuit maker at Hardee’s while managing homeownership in a new country. Known for her tireless work ethic, she led by example and earned the admiration of her coworkers and community.

One of her greatest joys was gardening. Each spring, alongside her sons and granddaughters, she transformed their backyard into a vibrant garden filled with produce from her homeland—especially her beloved habanero peppers. A proud member of the Richmond Liberian community, she often shared her homemade pepper sauce, which became a local favorite.

In 2019, Marie relocated to Austin, Texas, to live with her beloved daughter. There, she embraced a new community that welcomed her with open arms and treated her as one of their own. Her life was marked by many accomplishments: surviving multiple wars, becoming a U.S. citizen, being honored as Mother of the Year, and passing down wisdom to three generations.

In a world full of uncertainty, Marie was a steady and faithful presence. She encouraged her family and community to trust in the Lord and reflect on Psalm 23. She lived to witness and influence three generations, always offering her humble spirit and helping hand.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Tomba Tamba Taylor and Tete Gblelakwe Kennedy; her siblings Nathaniel B. Kennedy, Faya Kennedy, Christmas B. Kennedy, Joseph F. Kennedy (Uncle 26), David N. Kennedy, Varney S. Kamara, Florence M. Kennedy; and seven of her children.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. She is survived by her siblings Alphonso B.B. Kamara, Rebekah W. Kennedy Dargbeh, and Beindu Glekeh Kamara; her children Reuben Gobah, Enise E. Hunter, Elsie S. Harris, Amula O. Gobah, and Momo Gobah; niece and daughter Rosetta Yarkpa Dennah; foster son Emmanuel Bates; and adopted daughter Retha Yamah Ebar.

She is also survived by 14 grandchildren—Randel Reed, Annita Sims, Patrick Gobah, Princess Gobah, Aude Harris, Marie Gobah, Kebah Gobah, Alijah Harris, Angel Hunter, Lou Hunter, Melody Gobah, Mikayla Marie Gobah, Malik Khalil Gobah, and Eli Jaleel Gobah—and five great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Marie will be held from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025 in the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. The funeral service will be 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the Walden Room of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home,14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. The committal service will immediately follow the funeral service in the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.