Johnny Morlu Musa

The Liberian Community of Akron, Ohio, has lost one of its pioneer members with the passing of Johnny Morlu Musa on February 5^th, 2024. Born on November 18, 1952, in Horniahun town Lofa county, Liberia, to Bowah Musa and Jartu Mama Kollie Musa. Johnny had a spirit that was the embodiment of hospitality. He was generous, friendly, and welcoming to all those he encountered. His home was the community’s home.

Johnny was the beloved husband of Beatrice Clement Musa for 34 years. He was a great father to his six children: Doris Daye-you (deceased), Catherine Musa, Satta Weesaye (Clarence), Johnny Morlu Musa Jr., Samuel Boakai Musa, and Jennifer Jartu Musa. He was a loving grandfather to Mickey Tyler Scofield, Davonna Beatrice Musa, Tamika T. Daye-you, Measia Jayla Musa, Johnny Morlu Musa III, Jonyasia Shyree Musa, Myla Destiny White, Michael Weesaye, Ashley Weesaye, Harriet Weesaye, and Jayden Omari Musa. A wonderful great grandfather to Monta, Mylan, Malayasia (deceased) and Mi'ere Jeffery, and Jeremiah Kyrae Musa; was a cherished brother to Mrs. Sandoe Musa Dawolo and Karmo Musa (deceased). He was a delightful nephew to Harry Kollie of Atlanta and Jackson Salley of Maryland; and beloved to numerous nieces and nephews, other extended family members, and life-long friends in Liberia, U.S., and Europe.

In his early years, Johnny moved from Horniah town Lofa county to Harbel Firestone to live with his brother Mulbah. He enrolled in Firestone public school where he graduated with honors. After graduating from Firestone public school, he went to Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute (KRTTI). After graduating from KRTTI, he moved to Bong Mine where he was employed as a security guard and later was transferred to Bong Port in Monrovia.

To further his education, he found his way to the United States and landed in the State of New jersey where he worked at the Burlington Coat factory. He left New Jersey for his Uncle Charles and Dorothy Lombea in Alliance, Ohio and later to Canton, Ohio.

Our Dear Johnny was an orator that had charisma and immense knowledge of his topics. He was passionate about the rule of law and the judicial system. This motivated him to move to Kent, Ohio where he enrolled at Kent State University and received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice.

Upon graduating from Kent State University, he was hired as a case worker at Oriana House and later was promoted to Case Coordinator. He worked in that role until his retirement.

Johnny was a peaceable man with a humble spirit. He exemplified Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Johnny submitted to the Lord and was baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio. Thank you for your confession of faith. May we who remain be stirred up to seek to be identified with the Lord Jesus Christ. We will love you always and your memory will forever be etched in our hearts. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)

Family and Friends may pay their respects at the wake/tribute on Friday, February 23rd from 7:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Tallmadge Community Center, 80 Community Rd, Tallmadge, Ohio 44278. A viewing will take place on Saturday, February 24th from 10:00a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Wilkinson Funeral Home, 1158 Arlington St, Akron, Ohio 44306. Funeral service begins at 11 a.m. at Wilkinson Funeral Home. Interment will follow service at Mount Peace Cemetery, 183 Aqueduct St, Akron, Ohio 44303. Repast program at Leona Farris Lodge, 5027 Stow Rd, Stow, Ohio, 44224.