Thomas G. Robertson

It is with profound sorrow and immense love that we mourn the passing of Thomas Gahien Robertson, aged 83, on Thursday, March 21, 2024.  

A native of West Africa, Thomas was born on April 27, 1940, in Cape Palmas, Liberia to the late Weade Nebo Robertson and Alfred Kpaflo Robertson. He was the oldest of five children.   

In his youth, Thomas excelled academically and athletically in soccer and cherished living along the coast, where he honed his exceptional swimming skills in the local rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. He was a self-taught tailor, highly sought after for his impeccable taste. He also worked on his father’s rubber plantation and farm where he helped grow rice, cacao beans, and sugar cane.                       

After graduating from Cape Palmas High School and briefly working in the banking industry, Thomas immigrated to the United States under the guidance of local Episcopal priests to further his education with hopes of returning home to Liberia to elevate the conditions of his people. Life in the United States began briefly in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, before moving to Philadelphia and becoming a U.S. Citizen in the very same city that gave birth to our nation.  In Philadelphia, his journey culminated in a life dedicated to his family and neighborhood community where he was affectionately known as “Mr. T,” to the youth.

Raised in the Episcopalian tradition, Thomas was an active member of the St James Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.  Later in life, he joined Faith Chapel Baptist Church. He enjoyed sharing his extensive biblical knowledge and nurturing the spiritual growth of others. His pursuit of education continued at various greater Philadelphia area institutions of higher learning, reflecting his belief in education and the constant improvement of the human mind.

A 32nd degree Sublime Prince distinguished member of Prince Hall Freemasonry and Shriner, raised in Cephas Lodge No. 98, Thomas lived by the principles of Charity, Friendship, Truth, and Brotherly love. His service to these organizations and the broader community reflected his commitment to making a positive impact on those around him as he honored the duties owed to God, his neighbor, and himself.

Despite many years of illness, Thomas was resilient and never lost his will to live, with the medical diligence and healing hands of his dedicated caregiver and beloved wife, Martha. As fate would have it, one of the priests revealed to him on his departure to America that he would meet an extraordinary woman who would change his life.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Martha Ann Collins Robertson of Philadelphia, PA; his son, retired Philadelphia Police Officer Nathaniel D. Robertson, daughters, Diana Robertson of Monrovia, Liberia, and Colonel (Retired) Racine Weade-Elizabeth Robertson Randolph (Cory) of Washington, DC; his grandchildren both in America and Liberia, Creed, Collins, and Case Randolph of Washington DC; Darlington Kwiah of Philadelphia, PA; and Willie, Mushe, Wahye, Yarkie, and Thomas Kwiah of Monrovia, Liberia; his sister Henrietta Robertson of Pleebo, Maryland County, Liberia; cousin Jerome Freeman of Monrovia, Liberia; dear friend, Munah Jappahof New York; special nieces, Marie Seton of Connecticut, Alexis Seton of Georgia, Valerie Jimenez of Texas, Rena Johnson Nyenkan of New York; Florence Johnson; descendants of the Collins, Baines, Brickhouse, and Burton families from the Eastern Shore of Virginia who truly integrated Thomas into the family with love and respect, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and youth.

Thomas is predeceased by his parents; parents-in-law, Elizabeth Baines Collins Giddens and Richard Stanley Brickhouse; beloved stepson Goler; his sister Comfort Robertson; his brothers Isaac and Anthony Robertson; special first cousins Alexander J. Seton, Dweh Tute Johnson, and his best friend, Stanley Holcomb.

Thomas Gahien Robertson leaves a legacy of strength that has profoundly impacted all who came to know him. May his soul find eternal rest, and may his life inspire us to embody resilience, compassion, hard work and an unwavering quest for knowledge and spiritual growth. 

In lieu of flowers, condolences may be sent to the decedent’s widow or children.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas G. Robertson, please visit our floral store.