By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a poignant ceremony held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, alongside over 4,000 mourners, bid farewell to his elder sister and maternal figure, Agnes Deen-Jalloh (nee Bio), laying her to rest at the family’s ancestral home in Tihun, Bonthe District, Southern Region.
Agnes Deen-Jalloh, aged 74, passed away on February 18, 2024, at Choithrams Hospital in Freetown, prompting an outpouring of grief from family, friends and well-wishers.
Addressing the gathering as the chief mourner, President Bio honored his sister’s memory, describing her as more than just a sibling but a pillar of strength, a guiding light and an unwavering source of support throughout his life.
“In the garden of memories, my dear Ngor Agnes, you will forever be the most beautiful flower,” President Bio expressed, invoking a poignant metaphor. “Your fragrance lingering in our hearts and your essence guiding our paths until we meet again in a realm where love knows no bounds and souls find their eternal abode.”
Accompanied by his wife, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, and other dignitaries including Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and Chief Minister, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, President Bio emphasized his sister’s enduring legacy and the profound impact she had on their lives.
The Reverend, Father Von Tucker, a nephew of the late Agnes Deen-Jalloh, delivered a heartfelt homily, highlighting her role as a strong pillar within the family and a beacon of hope for all who knew her.
“As we mourn, let us also take solace in the promise of life after death,” Father Tucker shared, drawing from scripture to offer comfort to the grieving assembly. “I admonish mourners to believe in the scriptures and hold on to God’s word for the resurrection of our beloved Aunty Agnes.”
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the eternal peace of Agn es Deen-Jalloh, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love that will continue to inspire generations to come.
