Maurice was born the son of Andre Mushali Shalishali and Francisca M’Chanikire on May 15, 1953 in Bukavu, a city in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He received his undergraduate degree in Biology and Environmental Protection with highest honors from the National University of Kisangani in DRC (‘76). He earned both his master’s in Fisheries and Aquamarine Cultures (‘86) and Ph.D. in Economics (‘93) from Auburn University.
In 1980, he married Faida Maramuke Mitifu. Together, they raised four wonderful children. In DRC, Maurice served as the Director of The Eyala Botanical Garden in Equateur and managed the Nsele National Park in Kinshasa. He then became a well-loved college professor for the next thirty-two years at the University of Kinshasa, Tuskegee University and Columbus State University. With Maurice’s incredible love and support, Faida also went on to teach, earn her Ph.D., and serve as the DRC Ambassador to the United States for seventeen years.
Maurice and Faida spent forty loving years together. In addition to being a devoted husband, Maurice loved his children and cherished being “Taté” or “Grandpa” to eleven grandchildren.
When not engaging with students, Maurice enjoyed watching Auburn football, spending time with family and traveling. Known for his infectious gap-tooth smile, Maurice touched so many along his journey despite his quiet nature.
Maurice was preceded in death by his father, Andre; his mother, Francisca; his sisters, Therese and Suzanne; and his brother, Fabien. He is survived by his wife, Faida; his sister, Albertine; his children, Francine, Andy, Nadine and Alex; his sister-in-law, Rosette; grandchildren, Nyota, Nydia, Noria, Najua, Assante, Juhudi, Hodari, Shujaa, Zuri, Mila and Elise and several cousins, nieces and nephews. While his spirit and legacy will continue to live on, Maurice will be greatly missed.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Columbus State University Foundation (with Maurice Shalishali Fund on the memo line), with the checks mailed to Columbus State University, Advancement Services, 4225 University Ave, Columbus, GA 31907. Donations can also be made online at giving.columbusstate.edu. Under gift information, please select Gift Type (One-Time gift). For Designation, please select "Other" and enter "Maurice Shalishali Fund." You can specify that the gift is in memory of Dr. Maurice Shalishali.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Shalishali family.
Due to Social Distancing and COVID-19 protocols, funeral service seating is limited. We strongly encourage people to attend remotely using a live feed through the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/StrifflerHamby/live/
