Alexander Jelleh

Alexander Jelleh, beloved member of the Liberian community in Nashville, passed away on July 24, 2018.

He was known for his generous spirit, and for exuding hope, enthusiasm, and optimism, no matter what barriers he encountered. He was wise and patient, and never took for granted the opportunities he was given by his employers, friends, and loved ones. He was a gifted mechanic, able to bring back to life lawnmowers, cars, weed eaters, carpet cleaning equipment, and all matter of machines. His curiosity about how things worked helped him solve many problems over the years. He was a valued and well-loved employee in the engineering department at the Omni Hotel. Over the years, he was willing to take on any job that would help him provide for his family.

He worked long hours, but he also loved spending time with family and friends, hosting barbecues, helping organize Liberian Independence Day celebrations, and being an active member of his church. He went to son Vledy’s soccer games, took daughter Poni to a father-daughter dance, helped organize an international festival at Charlotte Park Elementary, and spent time with all of his children playing soccer and volleyball and doing Bible studies.

Alexander and his family fled war-torn Liberia in the 1990s as members of their ethnic group were being killed by rebel forces. They lived in a refugee camp in the Ivory Coast for 13 years, where Alexander worked for a logging business and as a skilled electrician for the High Commission of the United Nations for Refugees in Africa. The family was re-located through Catholic Charities Refugee Services to Nashville in 2003. Alexander was devoted to his family -- including relatives scattered around the United States after the civil war in Liberia. He loved his children and his wife Nyonkonfee deeply.

He was passionate about soccer, and deeply grateful for his life in the United States. Over the years, he helped many other refugees get on their feet as they resettled in Nashville. He believed in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the life of the world to come.

He leaves behind his wife Nyonkonfee (Agnes), five children still at home: Vledy Jelleh, Blessen Jolobi, Poni Jolobi, Eric Jelleh, and Sheri Jelleh; and six grown children: Nelson Jelleh, Hansen Jelleh, Prince Jelleh, Mercy Jelleh, Isaac Jelleh, and Albert Jelleh.

The family wishes to thank the many friends who have surrounded them with love and support in the past month.