Ramsay Gbelawoe

Ramsey Gbelawoe, 60, of Los Angeles, passed away on September 16, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with sickle cell anemia. Though his body endured constant pain, Ramsey’s spirit never dimmed—he was a bright light who filled every room with his contagious laugh, uplifting energy, and genuine love for people.

Born on July 8, 1965, in his grandfather Kermue Gbelawoe’s home in Suakoko, Liberia, Africa, Ramsey was the beloved son of Patrick Gbelawoe and Cecilia Yonger Briggs. He was one of five children by his father and one of seven by his mother. In his earliest years, he was raised by his mother and adored grandmother in his grandfather’s home, where he discovered joy in simple things—playing in an old car that became his playground and learning life lessons from the women who nurtured him.

At the age of 8, his mother made the brave decision to send Ramsey to America with hopes of better medical care and greater opportunities. Ramsey carried that hope with him for the rest of his life, transforming it into perseverance and vision.

Ramsey graduated from Frank M. Morrell High School in Irvington, New Jersey, in 1985. During those years, he worked sweeping floors and stocking shelves at a liquor store, later opening his own video rental shop. Ramsey was never short of visionary ideas. Even as a teenager, he lived independently, pursuing his passions with determination. His friendship with Dana Owens, who would later become Queen Latifah, began in those years. Believing in her talent, Ramsey helped fund her early demo recordings. As her career flourished, he became part of Flavor Unit, helping to guide artists towards success.

In 1994, Ramsey relocated to Los Angeles, where he continued working alongside Latifah during her time on Living Single, as well as her road manager while on tour. His creativity later led him to the Writer’s Guild of America, where he co-wrote The Cookout. Over the years, Ramsey poured himself into screenwriting, penning scripts he dreamed of one day directing.

Beyond the entertainment industry, Ramsey’s passion for people led him to serve as an Executive Child and Family Mentor in Washington, DC, where he worked with foster youth for three years, offering guidance, compassion, and stability. Returning to Los Angeles in 2011, he pursued his love of writing once again, attending the Los Angeles Film School.

Ramsey’s pride and joy were his children, Joshua and Luna. They were his world, and he never stopped talking about them with admiration and excitement. He cherished every visit and every conversation.

In addition to his love of family and his work, Ramsey found joy in cooking, gardening, photography, drawing designs for Luna Brand Jeans (a clothing line he created for his daughter), listening to music across genres, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

Ramsey is survived by his father, Patrick Gbelawoe, and stepmother, Shirley Gbelawoe; his children, Joshua Gbelawoe and Luna Gbelawoe; his brothers, Elton Gbelawoe and Joe Morris; his sisters, Victoria Johnson, Varbah Gbelawoe, Janet Briggs, Leamu Gbelawoe, and Queata Gbelawoe; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Cecilia Yonger Briggs; his brothers, Phillip Haword and Lawrence Nyanplei; and his sister, Marline Gbelawoe.

To say Ramsey will be missed is a great understatement. His legacy of love, creativity, resilience, and faith will continue to live on through his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. As a Christ-professing son of God, we take comfort in knowing that he now rests peacefully in the arms of Jesus.