Thomas W. Sherman
“If we live, we are living for the Lord, and if we die, we are dying for the Lord. So, living or dying, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8
Tom, as he was affectionately called, belonged to the Lord and He called him home on July 6, 2020 in Kiel, Germany. With profound sadness yet abiding faith in the Lord, the Sherman, Kiahon, Dempster, Fahnbulleh, Senwah, Burphy, Walker, Gray-Wayne and related families announce the homegoing of their father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, J. Bendukai & Marjon Sherman; sisters, Sarah Weyatta Sherman & Bertha Sherman-Walker. He survived by his children, Thomas W. Sherman, Jr. and Bendu Evette Sherman as well as his siblings, Bendu Sherman-DesBordes, Dr. Robert G. Sherman, William Feweh Sherman and Momo Sherman and hosts of relatives and friends in Liberia, the United States, Europe and Canada.
Tom spent his adolescent years at St. Andrews Mission (Mbaloma) after which he attended and graduated from the Episcopal High School (EHS) in 1961 then matriculated to Cuttington College (Suacoco) where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree (BS) in General Science in 1964. Shortly thereafter, he was awarded a USAID scholarship to study Geology at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, USA. He later transferred to the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he earned his degree in Geology. While enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, he took several courses in Oceanography that later proved pivotal in his career. At the conclusion of his studies, he returned home and joined the Liberian Geological Survey as a Geologist. This agency later morphed into the Ministry of Lands and Mines. Because of his performance, Tom rose through the ranks and became Deputy Minister for Administration. His keen intellect and stellar performance was noticed by the Minister, Dr. A. E. Nyema Jones who appointed him as Liberia’s Representative to the International Law of the Sea Conference. Tom served with excellence in this capacity for many years, proudly representing his beloved country around the globe that earned him the nick name, Mr. Law of the Sea. His exemplary performance was rewarded when the late President of Liberia, Samuel K. Doe, conferred on him one of the nation’s highest distinctions, Knight Grand Commander. Tom was a devout Christian. He was a member of the Saint John’s Irving Memorial Episcopal Church in Robertsport, Cape Mount and later joined the congregation of the Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Monrovia where he served as President of the Men’s Alter Guild. We are proud of his life and legacy.
While we are saddened by the tremendous loss of Tom, scripture tells us, “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Andi if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14: 1-3. Tom, Mr. Law of the Sea, is now with our Lord and Savior, and will never be alone. May the Almighty free our hearts of grief and sorrow and leave just treasured memories of him. Given the challenges that COVID-19 presents, the details of the funeral arrangements will be announced later. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, please contact any of the individuals listed below.
CONTACTS
Tom W. Sherman, Jr. 336-995-0280
Bendu Sherman 917-600-9951
Dr. Robert G. Sherman 602-770-9280
Wm. Feweh Sherman 347-938-5532
Ambassador Foni D. Sherman 613-879-6671
Marywood Sherman 585-880-6875
Mayme Wayne-Monson 770-309-7723
Martin Gargard 919-696-5406
Olivia Elliott-Wright 678-913-4933
S. Sando Wayne, II 011-231-777680468
Isaac B. Walker 011-231-886586272
Roderic Sherman 011-231-777788788
Bendu Yvette Sherman 011-231-886407844
This announcement was posted by Dr. Robert G. Sherman on behalf of the bereaved families.
