Hannah G. Willie

Biography of the Late Hannah Fatuma Gartoe Willie

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them. Revelation 14:13

Oh, a precious one from us has gone, a voice we love is no more, and a place is vacant in our hearts that can never be filled. The days of pain and sleepless nights have passed. She has rested from her labor and is now present with her Lord.

The late Hannah Willie was born on December 24, 1964, to the union of the late Mr. John Gartoe and Ms. Tenneh Kaine who is still alive (please continue to pray for her) in the city of Salala, Lower Bong County. Hannah was the third in a line of eighteen children. She grew up in a close-knit community, surrounded by love, faith, and family values.

Upon completing her sophomore class in high school, Hannah furthered her education by attending Booker T. Washington Institute (BWI) where she studied Bookkeeping in fulfillment of her dream. She also studied elementary school education and later worked at the Salala Rubber Plantation as a teacher. She worked as a teacher until her marriage in 1989 to Rev. Peter M. Willie and their subsequent call and ordination into the full-time ministry of the Church of Pentecost, Liberia.  

With a deep sense of purpose and faith, Hannah embraced her role as the wife of a Pastor with immense dedication, which led her to attend the Kakata Bible Training Center of the Living Waters Ministry where she earned a two-year certificate in Christian ministry.  

As a loving and caring pastor's wife, Hannah dedicated her life to supporting and ministering with her husband in Church planting and pastoring in Liberia, Ghana, and the United States in the states of Indiana, California, Connecticut, and Arizona spreading the message of love and hope. She became an integral part of the church community, always offering a listening ear, comforting words, and open arms to those in need.

Upon starting Life Connect Ministries International in Indy and Phoenix with her husband and other brethren, she devoted her time to fasting and prayers as the ministry was very dear to her heart. She laid the foundation of the Praise Team and the Women’s Ministry in Indy and undertook periodic visits to Phoenix. Every member fell in love with her smiles, delicious meals, and generosity – She started the Food Pantry at Life Connect Center even when she was struggling with her health.  Her seasons of intense fasting, songs, prayers, counseling, teachings, calls, and visitations to members and newcomers demonstrated her dedication to the work of God.

Hannah's nurturing nature extended not only to her own family but also to the entire church family from all nationalities including Liberians, Americans, Ghanaians, Kenyans, Malawians, Zambians, Zimbabweans, Nigerians, Togolese, Sierra Leoneans, and many more. She passionately mentored and supported young mothers and provided counsel to individuals facing challenges.

Above all, Hannah's greatest joy came from spending quality time with her beloved family. She effortlessly managed to create a loving and nurturing environment for her children, instilling in them the same values of faith, perseverance, and compassion that she held dear.

Mama, as she was affectionately called by her parents, siblings, husband, children, and church members leaves to mourn her passing; her beloved husband, mother, three children, grandson, and hosts of other relatives. 

Today, Hannah Willie’s legacy will stand out as a shining example. Her unwavering love, care, and dedication to her family and the church community reveal the strong nature of her faith in the Lord. Her resilience in the face of challenges and her compassion towards others will remain through the relationships she nurtured, and the legacy of faith she left behind.

Bye, Mama! We love you and you will forever be in our hearts.

Rest in peace in the bosom of your Maker!