Madame Nancy Bohn Doe, who passed away on May 21, 2025, leaves behind a profound legacy as Liberia’s first Indigenous First Lady and a tireless humanitarian. Born on July 18, 1954, in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Nancy’s early years were marked by resilience and ambition. She moved to Monrovia in the 1970s, where she became a successful merchant a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and determination. Her life changed dramatically when she married Samuel Doe, then a young soldier, in 1971. Together, they had seven biological children, four of whom are currently living. Nancy’s role expanded dramatically after the 1980 coup that brought her husband to the presidency. As First Lady from 1980 to 1990, she served during one of Liberia’s most turbulent eras, marked by political upheaval and civil war. Despite personal loss and public scrutiny, Nancy Doe’s compassion and commitment to her people never wavered. In her final years, she was cared for with extraordinary devotion by her daughter, Veronica Mamie Doe a gesture of love and sacrifice that deserves the nation’s deepest gratitude.
Empowering Women and Building Community
Nancy Doe’s humanitarian work was rooted in her own experience as a market woman. Understanding firsthand the struggles faced by Liberian women in commerce, she established a national market women’s association during her tenure as First Lady. This initiative gave women traders a unified voice and support network, empowering them to advocate for their rights and improve their livelihoods. Her vision culminated in the construction and commissioning of the Nancy B. Doe Market in Jorkpeh Town, Sinkor a bustling center of commerce that continues to serve as a symbol of her commitment to women’s economic empowerment. Through these efforts, Nancy Doe helped hundreds of women gain financial independence and dignity, ensuring that the market would benefit generations to come.
Championing Education and Opportunity
Nancy Doe’s impact extended far beyond Liberia’s borders. During her first visit to the United States in June 1983, she negotiated with Chicago State University to secure hundreds of scholarships for Liberian students. This groundbreaking partnership opened doors for talented young Liberians who otherwise lacked access to higher education abroad. The ripple effect of this initiative is still felt today: graduates of the program have become leaders in healthcare, education, business, and public service, contributing to the progress of both Liberia and the Liberian diaspora in the United States. Nancy Doe’s foresight in investing in education demonstrated her belief that the nation’s future depended on nurturing its human capital.
Enduring Adversity and Advocating for Justice
After the tragic assassination of her husband in 1990, Nancy Doe endured years of exile and hardship. She returned to Liberia before 2005, only to face continued challenges, including a prolonged legal battle for her rightful entitlements as former First Lady. In 2019, after years of struggle, the ECOWAS Court ruled in her favor, ordering the Liberian government to pay her over $18 million in benefits a judgment that, heartbreakingly, remained unfulfilled at the time of her death. Despite these injustices and the lack of recognition from successive governments, Nancy Doe remained a steadfast advocate for peace, reconciliation, and national unity. Her daughter Veronica’s recent public letter highlighted the pain of neglect and the need for Liberia to honor those who have served with dignity and sacrifice.
A Legacy of Love and Service
Nancy Bohn Doe’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy endures in the lives she touched and the institutions she built. Her contributions to women’s empowerment, education, and social justice have left an indelible mark on Liberia. Above all, we honor and appreciate the unwavering care provided by her daughter Veronica, who stood by her mother through every trial, ensuring Nancy’s final years were filled with love and dignity. Nancy Doe’s life reminds us that true leadership is measured not by power, but by service, compassion, and the courage to stand up for what is right. Liberia is richer for her presence, and her example will continue to inspire future generations.
MAY HER PRECIOUS SOUL REST IN PERPETUAL PEACE 🙏
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