Amos Janaka Manobah's Obituary
Amos Janaka Manobah was born on December 24, 1949 in Grand Cape Mount County in Liberia to his father Mohammed Janaka and his mother Miatta Kaizolu. He attended the Booker Washington Institute with his close friend, Tabe Brownell. Amos began working as an auto mechanic after he graduated from the institute in 1972. He became the loving father to his son Boakai and his daughter Miatta two years later.
Amos always held a strong belief in the importance of education and hard work. His belief and pure determination inspired him to start a new life in Philadelphia, PA in 1977. He studied at an aviation school in Philadelphia until he moved to Oklahoma in 1981. That same year he met his wife, Florence Yongor Manobah, through mutual friends. After a year of courtship, the couple married on December 27, 1982 in Oklahoma City, OK. Amos embraced his new stepdaughter, Siewadaye, as his own. He worked at a teaching hospital in Oklahoma from 1982-1990. During that time, he became the father to his daughter Kula in 1983 and his son Janaka in 1988.
In March 1990, Amos traveled alone to Virginia to prepare a new life for his young family. His family joined him in April 1991. Amos and Florence built a successful cleaning business that they operated together from 1992 until 2012. In 2009, he began working at Stafford Hospital in Stafford, VA. Amos loved his job and the second family that he formed at the hospital. His family always teased him when he would be dressed and ready for work no less than two hours before his start time.
Being a hard worker was second nature to Amos. He always felt that it was important to do his best in all that he did. He excelled at soccer, both playing and watching, playing card and board games, and cooking. Amos was excellent at cooking greens, fufu and soup, fried fish, ribs and so much more. He was an avid consumer of the news and collected newspapers that marked momentous events.
Amos was an amazing husband, father, and friend. He loved his family and friends more than anything else. Every year he called everyone he knew and gave a cheerful greeting during the holidays. For most his life, he was the photographer of the family, capturing major events and simple family moments. He took care of his wife and children for as long as his body would allow. Amos retired in December 2016. On March 20, 2017, after a tremendous and courageous battle with cancer, Amos was welcomed home by God and entered into eternal rest.
Amos leaves to cherish his memories: Florence, his loving and devoted wife; his sons Boakai Manobah and Janaka Manobah; his daughters Miatta Manobah, Kula Manobah, and Siewadaye Williams; his sister Kula Gray; his nephew Amos Gray; his cousin Mohammed Jeneka; his best friends Tabe Brownell and David Sirleaf; his loving former colleagues at Stafford Hospital; and a whole host of family and friends.
Amos' family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg, with a memorial service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Amos?
What’s a lesson you learned from Amos?
Share a story where Amos' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Amos you’ll never forget.
How did Amos make you smile?
