By: Ben TC Brooks
River Gee County | March 28, 2026 | Deep in the heart of Kateabo Chiefdom, River Gee County, two extraordinary elders are capturing the admiration of the entire Kateabo, standing as living symbols of resilience, longevity, and the enduring strength of family’s and tradition.
At over 100 years old, old lady Mary Sunday and old man Joe B. Benson continue to inspire generations through lives marked by perseverance, leadership, and cultural pride.
Born on February 27, 1924, Mary Sunday has witnessed more than a century of social transformation, personal challenges, and remarkable achievements.
At the age of 24, she entered her marital home as the fifth wife in a polygamous household.
Through dedication, wisdom, and strong character, she eventually rose to the position of senior wife, taking on leadership responsibilities and guiding family affairs.
Her journey as a mother reflects both resilience and sacrifice. She gave birth 16 times, enduring the painful loss of 10 children. Despite that, she is blessed with six surviving children who have carried forward her legacy.
However, Mary family has grown into a vast network spanning multiple generations, including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great, and great-great-great-grandchildren, forming a strong and vibrant lineage.
Even at 102 years old, Mary Sunday remains remarkably independent. She continues to cook for herself and maintains sharp mental awareness, easily recognizing familiar faces, even from afar. Her vitality and clarity of mind are widely admired within the community.
She is a proud daughter of Potupo Administrative district of Burtieken, River Gee County, as she resides in Kateabo Yarsaken, her marital home for decades.
Though widowed many years ago, she continues to live with dignity, strength, and self-reliance.
Beyond her role as a mother and family leader, Mary Sunday was also known for her cultural contributions as a traditional dancer and singer, enriching her community’s heritage.
Similarly, born on April 10, 1923, is old man Joe B. Benson, of River Gbeh, Bensonville, a community and Quarter in his honored, and now 103, stands as a towering figure in Kateabo Chiefdom.
His life is defined not only by longevity but also by decades of leadership and service.
Currently serving as Speaker of the Kateabo Chiefdom, Sarbo Administrative district, he remains an active and respected authority figure.
His continued service at such an advanced age reflects his sharp mind, wisdom, and deep commitment to community governance.
A father of many, his legacy extends across generations through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren representing continuity, unity, and cultural preservation.
Physically, old man Benson remains impressively strong. He walks without the aid of a stick and retains the ability to recognize people from a distance.
His endurance sets him apart as a rare example of active aging. Reflecting on his long life, he often notes that many of his peers have passed on, yet he continues to live a quiet life, but a powerful testament to strength and grace.
His early life was marked by humility. Raised among a Congo family in Harper, Maryland County, he grew up with strong values that shaped his character. Known in his younger years as a hunter, he earned a reputation as an influential, disciplined, and highly respected member of society.
Together, Mary Sunday and Joe B. Benson are recognized as the two oldest living individuals in Kateabo Chiefdom, River Gee County.
Their lives embody resilience, wisdom, and the enduring importance of strong family and community ties.
Their stories go beyond personal achievement, as they serve as powerful reminders of perseverance, leadership, and living a meaningful life rooted in culture and connection.
As Kateabo Chiefdom celebrates these remarkable elders, their legacy continues to shine as a beacon of hope, dignity, and inspiration, not only for River Gee County but for Liberia as a whole.
