Mariah Afershe Fametta Harvey

Mariah Afershe Famatta Harvey, born on June 5, 1965,in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, service, and compassion that will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Born and raised in Liberia, Mariah was also raised in the Baptist church, where she developed a deep and abiding Christian faith that guided her throughout her life. Her faith was not only what she professed, but something she lived daily—through her kindness, her service to others, and her unwavering trust in God.

Mariah was a gifted and dedicated student. In 1983, she graduated as the valedictorian of her class from Assembly of God High School on Old Road, Monrovia, Liberia, before continuing her education at the University of Liberia, Capitol Hill, Monrovia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. Her academic excellence reflected her discipline, intelligence, and determination—qualities that defined her life’s work.

Mariah served as Headmaster and proprietor of the Congotown Elementary School on Old Road, Monrova, where she remained steadfast in her commitment to the education and the well-being of children. Her leadership ensured that countless young people had access to learning, structure, and encouragement during her formative years of their lives.

Although Mariah had no biological children of her own, she was a mother in every sense of the word. She helped to raise, guide, and mentor hundreds of children, shaping their lives with love, discipline, and wisdom. Her impact extended far beyond the classroom—she was a steady and nurturing presence to many who needed it most. In addition, she devoted herself to caring for adults with intellectual disabilities, offering dignity, patience, and compassion in all that she did.

After coming to the United States in 2002, Mariah also devoted herself to assisting in caring for her beloved brother, John Varney Harvey, during his illness, providing him with love, dignity, and support until his passing in 2002. This act of devotion reflected the deep sense of family responsibility and compassion that guided her life.

In 2002, Mariah began her professional career with the Developmental Programs Division, of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She began at Divine Providence Village as a Direct Care Worker. Her dedication, integrity, and natural leadership quickly led to advancement, and she rose through the ranks to become a supervisor and later the Director of Residential Services for the main campus. In 2012, she joined Don Guanella Village as Director of Residential Services at the Cardinal Krol Center, continuing her commitment to compassionate care and leadership. She ultimately concluded her career supporting the Development Programs’ Human Resources office. She retired from her service with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2022, concluding a distinguished career defined by leadership, dignity, and compassion.

Mariah was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and calm. She was a beloved, trusted, and mature leader who was deeply respected by her staff and peers alike. Her steady presence, thoughtful leadership, and compassionate nature left a lasting impact on every organization she served.

She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, especially hymns such as “How Great Thou Art” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Her voice could often be heard filling the hallways of the Cardinal Krol Center, bringing comfort, joy, and a sense of peace to those around her. Mariah was also an outstanding baker, known for her talent in creating delicious meals and baked goods, such as Liberian Rice Bread, that brought joy to family, friends, and all who had the privilege of tasting her creations.

Mariah was preceded in death by her mother, Hawa Harvey; her father, Charles Varney Harvey; and her brothers, John Varney Harvey, Tonieh Harvey, Ranoll M. Sambolah, her sisters, Julia Harvey and Kula Harvey, her aunt, Jeanette Hoff, among many other beloved family members.

She is survived by her beloved longtime partner, Augustine “Gus” Barney, whom she affectionately referred to as her “boo,” as well as her loving family including her aunt, Ma-Hawa Paasewe, sister in-law, Mrs. Dorothy Taylor Harvey; sisters: Jebeh Gertude Harvey Jeanette Harvey, Nancy Harvey and Massa Woodson (Gardea), brother: E. Boakai Harvey, cousin: Frances Harvey Togbah, nieces and nephews: Hawa Harvey Digker, Precious Harvey, Sadatu Harvey Moore, Geraldine Harvey Ariye, Afershe Woodson, Mardea Woodson and Althea Sambolah, Sheiku Ahmed, Charles Harvey, John Varney Harvey, Jr. (“JV”), Momo-Sam Harvey, Gardea Woodson Jr., Nathaniel Wesley, Gabriel Wesley, Mohamedu and Sando Jones, Nettie David Prall, Frances David, Massa David Norris, Magretta Gita Kiawu, Maima David, Hawah David Aboh, Ida Hoff, Jane Karmo, Dwight Harvey, Sao David, Orlando Faate Kiawu, Annette Musu Kiawu, Velma Kiawu Fahnbulleh, Luseine Alvin Perry, Massa Harmon, Alma Barclay, the Nancy Hoff Family, the Willie Hoff family; great nieces and nephews: Jonathan, Cannan, Khalif, Corey, Kemanee, Sennie (TY), Connie, Joseph (RJ), IV, Patrick, Sheikh, Sadatu, Abdullah, Mustafa, Klubo, Dabba, Mariah, Melvin and a host of extended family members in Liberia and the United States; and many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, her beautiful voice, and her lifelong dedication to serving others. Her laughter, strength, culinary gifts, and kindness leave an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though her passing leaves a profound void, Mariah’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, uplifted, and inspired. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral Services

Saturday May 30, 2026

Grace Reformed Episcopal Church

523 Clifton Ave. Collingdale PA, 19023

Viewing 9:00AM-10:00AM

Funeral Service 10:00AM-12:00PM