MONROVIA: The sting of losing a parent, principally a mother, has hit the Political Leader of both the Alternative National Congress (ANC) and its umbrella fortress, the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP).
Mrs. Ayo B. Cummings, 95, died peacefully March 1, 2024 in the United States of America, according the CPP leader who posted the announcement on his Facebook page.
“This morning, Mommy as we called her, was called to rest,” the prominent Liberian opposition leader said in the post. “As we grieve her loss, we remain thankful for her prayers, love, protection, warmth and kindness that she so freely shared with us and many others. We thank God for giving her 95 years of a beautiful life.”
“We will miss her very much,” he said further.
In an official announcement, the Cummings family “regrets to announce the death of their mother Mrs. Ayo B. Cummings. This sad event occurred on the morning of March 1, 2024 in the United States of America.”
According to the announcement, Mrs. Cummings leaves to mourn her loss three children, Chaneta Cummings Lewis, Julia Cummings Weeks, Alexander B. Cummings Jr, (Teresa Cummings) and Patricia Cummings Nyepan (deceased).
She also leaves to mourn four grandchildren: Ayo Cummings, Cecil Weeks, Boikai Cummings (Lebo Cummings) and Tehana Weeks; five great-grandchildren, her sister Edna Taylor Lisborg, several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends in Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, France, the United States and other parts of the world.
The Family announcement issued on behalf of by her son, Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Condolences pour in
The Cummings family being widely known around the world, and more so family member Alexander Cummings being a charismatic political leader, tons of condolence messages have been pouring in from friends, well-wishers and admirers.
Senator Darius Dillon of Montserrado County was amongst over two thousand person who, as at the writing of this story, responded to Mr. Cummings’ doleful announcement.
He wrote: Please accept our deepest condolences, sir, and may the soul of your mother rest in peace!”
Dolakeh Jonathan Saye Taryor, a Liberian living in Oakland, California, also sent his condolences. He said: “My deepest condolences to Mr. Cummings and the entire family. I pray that God Almighty receives her soul in His celestial kingdom in a welcoming manner.”
A noted Liberian lawyer and human rights advocate, who also serves as Secretary General of the Mr. Cummings’ ANC, extended his sympathies, saying: “Rest in peace Grand Ma Ayo. May the angels receive you at the gate of St. Peter.”
Joseph M Jackson calls the passing of Ma Ayo a “devastating loss”. He wrote: “My Condolences to you and the rest of the family as you go through this devastating loss may God bless you, protect you.”
Other Liberian wrote: “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Alexander B. Cummings and his family for the loss of their mother. Losing a loved one is never easy, and the loss of a mother is especially profound. May they find comfort in the cherished memories they shared with her, and may their love and guidance remain in their hearts forever.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we hope they find solace in the support of their loved ones and the strength to navigate through this grieving process.”