Home Going Services for
Merian “Ma-Ma” Selli

The Selli, Kemokai, Harvey, Margai, Goba, Freeman, Gbana, Blake, Kenneh, Metzger, Massaquoi and Fahnbulleh families are very saddened to announce the death of Mrs. Merian K. Selli.

Merian “Ma-Ma” Selli age 58 passed away on Saturday January 2, 2016.  She was born to the late James Peter Kemokai and Mariah Betty Kemokai on March 3, 1957 in Monrovia Liberia.

Merian Attended St. Teresa’s Convent in Monrovia Liberia, graduating in the year 1977.  She also attended Chicago State University, graduating with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1990.

On October 27, 1979, Merian married the love of her life, Mr. Francis Ndebe Selli.  They enjoyed 36 years of Marriage and would go on to have three beautiful children.  Merian enjoyed dancing and the company of close friends.  She would often be seen on the dance floor during many functions.  In the year 1994, Merian and Francis opened a clothing boutique as well as an African hair braiding shop on the Southside if Chicago.  In coming up with a name to the Boutique, they chose to incorporate the names of their three children, it became known as “VMJ Boutique”.  Merian spent countless hours in “The Shop” as it was called.  She would often be seen in “The Shop” at wee hours of the morning braiding hair as well as preparing the shop for the next business day.  Merian was a very hard worker and also worked for the Chicago Public Schools for over 15 years, with half of her service being at Avalon Park Elementary School.  Planting flowers was also a passion of hers.  She enjoyed sitting in her yard and watering plants while watching them grow.

Merian is surived by her husband Francis Ndebe Selli, daughters Jartu and Mayah Selli, son Varney Ndebe Selli, sisters Sally Kemokai and Mimmy Kemokai, brothers Albert Kemokai, Sylvester Kemokai, Samuel Kemokai, James “Jimmy” P. Kemokai Jr., and Sulay Kemokai, granddaughters Amayah and Sanayah Selli, numerous nephews, nieces, family members as well as many close friends whom she considered sisters and brothers.

Services are as follows
Veiwing   
January 22,2016
4-6pm
A.R. Leak Funeral Home
7838 Cottage Grove
Chicago Illinois 60619
773-846-6567

Veiwing
January 23, 2016
10a-11a
Freedom Temple Church of God in Christ
1459 W 74th Street
Chicago Illinois 60636
773-483-1140
Funeral immediately following the viewing   (11a-12p)
Repass 2-6pm  Same Church as above

Hotel Accommodations are as follows
Chicago Lake Shore Hotel
4900 South Lake Shore Drive
773-288-5800
Say the Name Varney Selli
Rooms will be $79 per night

For any information please contact the following people
Francis Selli             773-822-8605
Varney Selli             334-450-9050
Jimy Kemokai          773-952-9612
Sam Kemokai          408-761-2777
Sally Kemokai          856-625-3159
Vaanii Gbana           925-518-8444
Mimmy Kemokai      401-345-5006
Anthony Selli           978-609-8201
Alphonso Selli          347-200-2819
Othello Selli             817-217-2408
Albert Kemokai        011231886612911
Sylvester Kemokai   01123188891218