First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Sia Nyama Koroma, on Friday 5th February 2010, joined throngs of bereaved family members and sympathizers, to pay last respects to the late Mrs. Gladys Jemima McNeila Okoro-Cole (Nee Brown), Sierra Leone’s first First Lady.

Following a befitting thanksgiving and requiem mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Kissy, the late Mrs. Okoro-Cole, wife of the late C.E.O Cole (first President of Sierra Leone), was laid to rest at the Kissy Cemetery in Freetown.

First Lady Sia (in hat) seated in front of church looking on corpse of the late woman lying in State before the commencement of Funeral.

In a show of honour, Mrs. Sia Nyama Koroma arrived at the church very early in order to publicly pay her last respects to the late woman, just as her Press Secretary had earlier assured the general public.

After viewing the corpse and having handshakes with words of courage to bereaved family members, First Lady Sia Koroma was spotted in an emotional mood as she sat right next to the coffin.

The late Mrs. Gladys Jemima McNeila Okoro-Cole died on Tuesday 26th January 2010 after spending 86 years of life on earth.

Tribute messages were delivered by members of the Friendship Movement of the Elderly and Retired, Home Economics Department in the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports, Home Economics Association Sierra Leone, and the grand son of the late woman.

A representative of the Friendship Movement of the Elderly and Retired said the late woman selflessly worked towards the creation of awareness to care for elderly people in a bid to discourage discomfort and depression among them.

According to him, Mrs. Okoro-Cole succeeded in instilling the spirit of cordiality among elderly and young people. "She always worked towards bringing isolated people together and also towards raising funds to meet the financial commitments of elderly people" he said, adding: "Being her brother’s keeper was what Mrs. Okoro-Cole lived for".

"Mrs. Gladys Okoro-Cole has always displayed dedication, love and interest in the field of education, especially home economics" a female representative of the Home Economics Department in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and the Home Economics Association Sierra Leone said.

According to her, the late woman attended and taught Home Economics at the Annie Walsh Memorial School in Freetown. "Girls who passed through her tutoring will attest to her discipline, love, interest and stimulation" she said.

"She also taught at the Women’s Teachers College and Milton Margai College of Education and Technology, and those who passed through her will tell you about her appreciation for good taste, colour, and flowers" she said.

The late woman, according to her, was never tired of listening and advising on issues such as health and eating habits. She described Mrs. Okoro-Cole as a no-nonsense, loving, hardworking, dedicated and creative person, who would be sorely missed.