Funeral Program

A CELEBRATION OF THE

Homegoing Of

Thomas S. Blidi, Sr. & Rufus G. Blidi Sunrise: November 18, 1944 Sunset: January 27, 2021

Sunrise: November 29, 1972 Sunset: January 22, 2021

Wake Keeping & Funeral St. Kizito Catholic Church Outland Community | Paynesville, Liberia

Friday, February 26, 2021 - 10:00 AM Page - 1 -

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Officiating Clergy Rev. Fr. Ambrose D. Kroma Parish Priest St. Kizito Catholic Church Rev. Fr. Joseph B.A. Mensah Assistant Parish Priest St. Kizito Catholic Church

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Order of Wake Keeping Removal from AB Anderson Funeral Services

8:00 AM

Receiving of the body at St. Kizito Catholic Parish

10:00 AM

Wake Keeping

10:00 - 11:00AM

Recitation of the Holy Rosary Songs: Tributes:

Friends Communities Sympathizers Churches Others/Organizations

Viewing of the Body

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The Mass of the Resurrection Order of Funeral Mass Introduction Rites Penitential Rites Liturgy of the Word 1st Reading : Isaiah 25:6-9 Helletha M. Blidi Grand Daughter of the Deceased Responsorial Psalm 103

The Lord is Kind and Merciful

2nd Reading Roman 6:3-4

Chindah Johnson Grand Daughter of the Deceased

Gospel Acclamation: (Revelation 14:13) “Blessed are those who died in the Lord; Let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them”.

Gospel Reading: John 6:37 -41 Songs Choir Homily Celebrant Intercessory Prayer Liturgy of the Eucharist Offertory Hymn Choir Communion Rites Celebrant Communion Hymn Choir Reflections Mass Tributes:

St. Kizito Catholic Parish

The Family Acknowledgement/Announcement Final Commendation prayer

Celebrant

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Pictorial

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Pictorial

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ch t e k S e f i L of Thomas

S. Blidi, Sr.

Mr. Thomas S. Blidi, Sr., was born on November 18, 1944.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Popo Blidi and Mr. and Mrs. K. Boima Senwah pre-deceased him.

Thomas S. Blidi, Sr., graduated from the Laboratory High School in 1967.

Upon his graduation, he was fortunate to gain employment at the United Methodist Elementary School in Monrovia where he served as Registrar. Few years later, Mr. Blidi got employed with the Government of Liberia, Ministry of Finance where he served in the position of an Accountant under the late Danette Tucker. After leaving the Ministry of Finance, he gained employment with the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare as Maintenance Director, a position he held until his retirement in 2003.

Mr. Thomas S. Blidi, Sr. was baptised and confirmed at the Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church, on Capitol Hill in Monrovia. As a staunch Catholic, who was desirous to serve God and country, he was initiated in the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International, Commandery #442. Sir Knight Thomas S. Blidi Sr. went through the ranks and file of the Noble Order as a disciplined and obedient brother, this gave him the opportunity to serve as Worthy President.

After the Civil War, and because of the proximity of his residence, he took a membership transfer to the St. Kizito Parish, where he was an active member. Regrettably, he became ill and could not attend Mass regularly.

He was a very sociable person, jovial and never overlooked anybody regardless of their status.

He was a person who one could rely on for help in solving their problems without anybody else knowing about it.

He was instrumental in the establishment of two social clubs, namely: Audi 29 and Weaver Street Friendlies. These clubs allowed friends from every nook and corner to meet and socialize by playing cards and having fun. He was also the proprietor of the famous “Auditorium” Night Club.

As he was affectionately called by his numerous friends, “Card Papay”, “Africa Best”, “The World Best”, Bob T by his Children and grandpa by his grandchildren.

He was married to Mrs. Maryann G. Cassell-Blidi on November 28, 1987.

Thomas S. Blidi, Sr. is survived by his wife, Maryann G. Blidi, his children: Anthony Blidi, Thomas S. Blidi, Jr., Sando Blidi Johnson, Zenia R. Blidi (pre-deceaased), Leyon A. Blidi, Rufus G. Blidi (pre-deceased), Konah Senwah Mabande, Euphemia Blidi, Korpo Senwah Cassell, Fayedelle L.M. Walters, Kelvin Walters, Mabel Quie, Zoe Tondo, Barbara Quie, Sam Peters, Archie Kollie, Necie M. Blidi-Grualee, Oldpa Gomah, Joseph Kono and Philemon.

HIS SIBLINGS: Tonia Gray, Tenneh Senwah, Boimah Senwah (Pre-deceased), “B” Senwah (Pre-deceased), Teetee Senwah (Pre-deceased), Philomena Blidi, Francis Blidi, Anthony Blidi (Pre-deceased), Patricia K Blidi Karnley, Sabina Blidi Thomas, Marie Blidi Miller, Jenneh Blidi, Eliza Cole, Henry Cole, and Grace Blidi Barbar.

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HIS GRANDCHILDREN: Helletha M. Blidi, Rufus Yarkpawolo, Jeanetta Dolo, Angeline Dolo, Jomax Flomo, Chinda Johnson, Laseree A. Blidi, K. Lasmie Z. Blidi, Torla Blidi, Vanessa Blidi, Basine Mabande, Daniel Mabande, Benjamin Koffa, Elias Grualee, Thomas Grualee, Euphemia Blidi, Siaffa Blidi, Pauline Jarbo, Natasha Kreyon, Courage Kreyon, Fritz Elton Barbley, Sade Victoria Nai-Ade Kotey, Kelvin Walters, Jr., Autricia Autridge, and Calvin Hoff.

GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Dalmah Okai, Daniel, Courage, Angel, Yarkpawolo, Lela Kicmett As you depart this world for the next, Thomas S. Blidi, Sr., let the peace of Christ grant you eternal rest and His perpetual light shine on you!

Rufus G. Blidi Rufus G. Blidi was born on November 29, 1972 onto the union of Mr. Thomas S. Blidi, Sr. and Madam Lassee Gomah in Monrovia. Mrs. Maryann Blidi nurtured and cared for him until adulthood.

Rufus was baptised and confirmed at the Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church and served as Alter Boy. Though he did not transfer membership, he at times affiliated with the St. Kizito Parish, where his parents are members or Providence Baptist Church where his wife is a member.

Rufus attended the Free Pentecostal Elementary school in Monrovia and later enrolled at the Carver Mission High School where he obtained his high school diploma and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Certificate.

Being desirous to further his education, Rufus enrolled at the University of Liberia in 1996 and obtained a BBA Degree in Accounting and Economics. He graduated with the Nobel Class, 2004/2005.

While pursuing his degree at the University of Liberia, Rufus worked at Finda Construction Company and later the Firestone Plantations Company. In pursuit of his career goal he later worked with Voscon Inc., Certified Public Accountants/Baker Tilly as Staff Accountant, Tax Consultant & IT Assistant.

Later he worked at the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and before his demise he worked at the Cosmos Construction Company as Logistics Officer and then Construction Supervisor.

The Late Rufus G. Blidi was married to Rose T. Johnson Blidi on 22nd February 2004. This union was blessed with four children, namely: Torla Blidi, Vanessa Blidi, Randason Varkpolor and Mark H. Mannie.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, children, mother, sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

May his soul and the souls of all who have faithfully departed, rest in perpetual peace.

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At the Grave Blessing of the grave

Celebrant

The Final Committal Prayer Hymn of the grave

God be with you Till we meet again

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TILL WE MEET AGAIN God be with you till we meet again,

By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you, God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain: Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again, ’Neath His wings securely hide you, Daily manna still provide you, God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again, When life’s perils thick confound you, Put His arms unfailing round you, God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again, Keep love’s banner floating o’er you, Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you, God be with you till we meet again.

WHEN WE GET TO HEAVEN. Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.

Refrain: When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when trav’ling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us!

Soon His beauty we’ll behold;

Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain: It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!— My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!

Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.

What A Friend We Have in Jesus What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!

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All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged— Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge— Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear; May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright, unclouded, There will be no need for prayer— Rapture, praise, and endless worship Will be our sweet portion there.

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s e t u b i Tr

Thomas S. Blidi, Sr. & Rufus G. Blidi

“Tell me not, in mournful numbers - Life is, but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers and things are not what they seem.” – An excerpt from “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Thank you all for joining us today to pay tribute to lives of Thomas S. Blidi, Sr. and Rufus G. Blidi’s.

Your support is truly appreciated.

It is never easy to say good-bye or farewell, but it is also important. We are here because they meant so much to so many people. It’s hard to put into words how much they will be missed and what a positive impact they had on each acquaintance, neighbor, co-worker, friend and family member.

Thomas S. Blidi, Sr. and Rufus G. Blidi were born on November 18, 1944 and November 29, 1972, respectively. They grew up having a really close relationship with siblings and friends.

And today - even though we are grieving, I want to highlight some of what made them so special.

Our father - Thomas S. Blidi, Sr. had a total responsibility of a father. His advisory role in the communities we have lived in is a clear manifestation. Our brother - Rufus G. Blidi, had a very good sense of humor and was known for his many jokes. On many occasions, his younger siblings’ food was as good as the older ones. We are sure each of you could add a lot more; as we all know, all of the relationships they had were unique.

As you may know, they loved their friends, partners, children, and even their dogs so much, and really enjoyed each moment they got to spend with them. At work/in the community, they were known for a lot of good deeds.

They were special; they mattered; and they were here and made powerful impacts on many lives.

We admire the way they lived and loved. We especially admired all their friends. I know each of you will miss them.

We close with a quote that has brought us comfort. We hope it does the same for you.

“All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

— Helen Keller Thank you all once again for honoring their lives with your presence. May we all continue to love deeply and may each gift of love from them remain a part of us.

Rest in Peace our husbands/fathers/brother/uncle/grandfather/great grandfather

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TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND, THOMAS SIAFA BLIDI TS, CARD PAPAY, I held your hand when you departed this world to be with our Creator. That was a unique privilege I shall cherish always. The hand you held when you took your last breath on this earth was not a holy hand, but it was simply that of a friend saying farewell to a true friend and the big brother you have been to me since 1972 when we first got acquainted.

The memories of the good times we had together, sometimes even in difficult and trying times, are so many that I am assured of memories of you for the rest of my life. The confidential experiences of our individual lives we shared with one another, the many meals and banquets, the very difficult periods we went through together, made us true brothers.

My friendship with you extended to my entire family, my children and as far as to one of my grandsons who was crawling at Weaver Street when he joined the Weaver Street Friendlies. At 15 years of age now, he was still looking to returning to Liberia and playing cards with the Legend he calls “Card Papay”.

Thomas Siafa Blidi, Sr., you were a magnate of friendship!! People from all walks of life were drawn to you because of the person you were. I recall when during our civil crisis you relocated to Duport Road junction. Most of your clients from the Auditorium at 11th Street, Sinkor, opposite J.J. Roberts United Methodist School, which you operated as a Night and Day club, discovered your new location, and It was then that the landlord misconstrued the presence of your clients to attraction to the location. They suddenly wanted their property back, wrongly believing that they could do as successfully the same business as you. That is when you intimated to me that you had acquired a parcel of land further up on Weaver Street, and asked if I thought your clients would still come if you moved the business there? I responded that even if you, TS, moved the business into the forest, we would follow you there!!

TS, it will take some time for me to find my bearings again. Like many others, most of my days were incomplete if I did not pass by to spend a moment or, sometimes, hours with you, sharing a thought, a meal, a drink or even just silence. Many days, even when we simply sat and dosed off together, we left each other feeling better than when we said hello.

TS, irrespective of what may be written on your departure certificate, I know that you made a conscious decision that you had had enough. The loss of a loving daughter few years ago, compounded by the recent death of a beloved son, was just too much for you to bear, and so, you surrendered to the Almighty. You pleaded with the Almighty that you had done your three scores and ten, plus seven years of bonus and that he should let you come to Him and pass your heavy cross to Him. LORD, you heard his plea, and took him to rest in peace with his beloved children in the bosom of Abraham.

GOOD NIGHT MY FRIEND. I will remember you to the end of my life.

TS, rest in peace!

From: Joe Keller

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Tribute in loving memory of my husband TSB, as you were affectionately called by most of your friends and others, Neighbour, Card Papay, The World Best, Africa Number 1 and our children, Bob T. As I sit to pen this tribute to you, my eyes are fill with tears and my heart bleed for someone whom I have loved dearly over the years. Your passing is like a dream that I cannot comprehend.

TS, you were not only a husband to me, but a father. You took me from nowhere and brought me somewhere to be who I am today. Word are inadequate to express my hurt, but God knows best.

We met when I was in my teens. We dated for few years, and later because of our love for each other, we were joined in holy matrimony on November 28, 1987.

This year would have made us thirty-four (34) years of being happily married. Though we had our own ups and downs, I cherished every moment we shared together, which can never, ever be placed as long as I live.

We will miss you TS. The children and I appreciate the role you played in our lives and this will forever be remembered.

Birthdays, were days I look forward to seeing my gift been placed under my pillow. Which me made so excited, what a sweet and loving husband you were.

Oh death, Oh death!! It all started after the returned of our son Rufus from the hospital with a news that he had just been diagnosed the by doctor that both kidney kidneys have been damaged and he had few days to live, AND THIS BOTHER YOU SO MUCH ,TS .

TS, we promise to continue to hold together as you have always strive for us to be. TS, your greatest life passion which was business I promise in this Public gathering that I will uphold your legacy with the support of few of your favourite associations, Adui 29, Weaver Street friendlies to name a few.

TS, Rest in peace. My greetings to our love ones that had gone ahead of you till we meet on that beautiful day!!!

Tribute to my beloved son and my name sake, Rufus Gbassy/Gballie Blidi Gbassy, as I have always called you, it hurts me so much that morning when my phone rang and was told that you had passed. It was unbelievable. I begin to wonder how to tell your father who was hospitalized at the Catholic Hospital when you hold him about your illness I was afraid because of the condition he was in.

Gbassy, your death has brought a big blow to the entire family and left a huge void that will never be filled. I will miss your constant visitations, jokes and laughers. Who will I call to drive me around again? Because you were always ready and prepare to be at our service. My people, my walking stick has broken. You meant so much to me.

Continue to rest in perfect peace, my son! We will miss you.!!

From Maryann G. Blidi

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Tribute to my husband: RB, My own, my own self own, my husband, baby when I want you to do something for me, my love when I see you with money, my gees partner when I hear something that needs to be confirmed… I am crying right now calling you all these names.

The fact that you are not around, is so hard to believe. I am wondering how this could have happened after you visited the hospital so many times. Was this how it was supposed to be? Had I known you would have been with me for only 21.5 days in 2021, maybe I would have done things differently, like sitting with you, holding your hands, telling how much you mean to me, how sad I would be if anything happen to you and how lonely life would be without you, and all these thoughts that are running in my mind.

You worked so hard, you wanted to do so much for me and the children. Even with all the financial constrains you still try to share what you had with people. I remember the last time asking you to justify some payment to contractors and for materials, after justifying, I got so confused and just said my friend, just let it be so.

You were that kind of person who even kept conversation with children. When you were in a gathering, I could hear people laughing and would wonder what crazy things you were telling them.

Thanks so much My Rufus, sometimes it was rocky, but we still stock there and were able to achieve your long-life dream to have your own home and because of this dream you put in all your efforts even you were sick, you worked.

I will miss you so. Thanks for loving me so much which you also said even when you were angry with me. I know that you are in a better place with no more misdiagnosis from doctors you must ask to run a complete test before they could even think to do and then bursting the result in your face with such unprofessionalism like that Hope for Women Hospital did.

Tribute to my mentor and father-in-law: Bob T, Father Dear, Papay, Pa Blidi….you left just like that too…ooo this is so hard. After Rufus left, I said to myself, that though my husband is gone, but my father dear is still around.

Then you left, ay Bob T. what can I do now…you were like a father. Through our difficult times, you never hesitated to mentor us…you would say “when you hear this man and his wife have been together for so many years, these are some of the things they go through that make the relations so strong.

After work, I looked forward to passing by the shop to hear you say, I have small food, these people wanted to eat, but I kept it for you or look in the bread box for your piece of rice bread.

I looked forward to us spending holidays with you and hearing you lecture about your young boy days…

Chey Bob T, and you too!!!! This is hard ooo…..

May your soul rest in peace Papay…till we meet again!

From: Rose T. Blidi

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Tribute to my dad and my grandpa: Didn’t think I would be writing to my two boys, twin, big brothers, advisers, mentors and namesakes like this or on the same day.

Dad This is not just my saddest moment but the worse year that will forever be remembered (losing this father son bond that has only just begun) I wish I had time to tell you things I never did even up to the last day we talked. Things like (I love you and I miss you and can’t wait for us to be together again so we can talk about a lot of things I’ve experienced during my stay ) because, I was feeling shy to say it and now I have my self to blame for that.

Right now My head is fill with memories that can’t stop flowing, We didn’t have the best life together but you taught me well and I appreciate you for that so very much dad ( you trained me to be a man and not just look up to people for free loading or the easy way). Dad I promise to be a hard-working person so that I can take care of our girls. I love you and will miss you so much my twin, Rest in Peace and pray you are in a better place.

Grandpa You are the best Grandpa any grandchild would wish for. I will really miss all the times we had together because there is a lot of memories for two of us namesake.

It hurts that you are gone and now I don’t have anyone to give to kind of trouble I use to give you.

I guess it is time to man up and not to be fooling around, thank you for all the advices and all the loved my mentor.

Grandpa I love you, Rest in Peace and live a better after life.

From Torla Blidi A Tribute to Grandpa and Uncle Rufus Grandpa; Sorrow comes in great waves....but it rolls over us, and though it may almost smother us, it passes and we remain. “Henry James”. My Bob T was a humble, loving, down to earth man, he never took family for granted. In life and now in death, he wouldn’t want us to focus on him. He wouldn’t want us to focus on sadness of his death, but instead focus on the happiness, and his beautiful life. He would want us to appreciate each other, take care of each other and our future. A man as humble and loving as Bob T would never be forgotten by those of us who knew him and loved him. Although we will miss him, his smile, his free spirit, his love, we take consolation in the good feelings of our memories.

As painful as this is, I feel happy I got to know the man my grandpa was, and that love that he showed us all will forever be engraved in our hearts. I love you my Bob T, now and forever. May your gentle soul Rest In Peace.

Uncle Rufus; Death is inevitable, it is with deepest sorrow and sadness that I write this tribute to you. You were an uncle in a million. You were a kind soul, full of so much laughter and life. I remember like yesterday how you never failed to make me laugh whenever you were around. I want to say thank you for being a good Dad and uncle. May God almighty keep you safe resting in perfect peace till resurrection day.

Amen. Farewell uncle Rufus.

From: Laseree A. Blidi Page - 20 -

A Family Tribute for: Thomas Siafa Blidi Sr. and Rufus G. Blidi Our brother Thomas Siafa Blidi, Sr. was the older brother any group of siblings would love to have.

He was faithful and extremely focused. He had goals and worked to achieve those goals. He started his business many years ago when he had a regular job and the business still exists. His restaurant and bar are where his customers (mostly friends) meet to socialize, play games and just enjoy being together. Maryann, it is now on you - you are capable of continuing the routine!

Siafa enjoyed being the older brother. He was fun to be with which attracted people to him. We rarely recall seeing Siafa mad. As kids, he would always redirect us when we were on the wrong track. Our parents, Francis Pupo Blidi, Sr. and Euphemia Blidi taught us to respect Siafa and seek his advice when we needed directions.

Siafa showed us the importance of family and to appreciate the simple things of life. He was faithful and dedicated as he steered our family through the country’s civil unrest. He continued to be a pillar of strength, pulling us together to rebuild family ties and structures. We did not need an invitation to visit Siafa’s home. We were always welcome. There was always food available and when we were younger, we did not leave his house without him giving us spending money. That was routine! We will miss his soft-spoken voice and oh – that laugh!

It is a double tragedy that we are celebrating two home - goings at the same time. Rufus was a bright ray of sunshine. We are grieved for this great loss during the prime of his life. We pray that his wife, Rose and children will experience God’s comfort. We love and will miss Rufus.

We are wishing all family members strength in these difficult days and pray that with time God’s peace will heal and comfort our hearts.

In love and sympathy, Philomena Blidi-Williams Francis Blidi Jr. Patricia Blidi Sabina Blidi-Thomas Eliza Seba Molley Marie Blidi-Miller

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