George J. Borteh
23 April 2008
The remains of the man regarded 'as the Poor Man's Lawyer," Cllr. Payne Nyenawelie Gibson was Saturday, April 19, 2008 laid to rest following funeral activities characterized by weeping and reflections.
He lost his life following a protected period of sickness, which he and his family members fought endlessly. He served in various capacities as legal consultant, especially in the private sector.
He died on April 6, 2008 at the Harbel Hospital in lower Margibi County. Friends, relatives, and love ones who converged at the funeral service held at the Assembly of God Church in Clara Town rained eulogies on the fallen lawyer for his contributions to the Liberian nationhood, county and family.
Many sobbed as those who closed to him and his activities as a professional lawyer mirrored his life through tributes. Family sources said the late Cllr. Gibson rendered legal services to business and private entities, but most importantly his heartbeat was to cater to the poor, those who has no financial means to fight their cases in court.
The phrase: "Poor Man Lawyer" dominated every page of any writings concerning his activities. His Life Sketch bore witness to the fact of his contribution to the poor in terms of legal services.
In his life sketch, the late Gibson, like many, fought for the creation of River Gee County. His brother, Mr. Jerry Payne told the gathering that Cllr. Gibson served as lawyer for the poor.
"He was poor man lawyer. He rendered services to people who never have money to pay back for his legal service rendered", his brother, Jerry K. Payne read in the life sketch.
At the funeral service, the President of the Liberia National Bar Association, Cllr. N. Oscar Tweh made a cash contribution of US$1,335.00 on behalf of the LNBA to the family of the late legal practitioner. He was the National Treasurer of the notable legal profession.
LNBA regrets the death of Cllr. Gibson. He said the amount is intended to help pay the school fees of the children of the late Cllr. Gibson. As others did during tributes, Cllr. Tweh also encouraged the bereaved family not to lose hope, but that they take courage because God knows why their brother had to go to rest this soon.
The the Senior Pastor of First A.G. Church - Clara Town, Rev. Moses Chea described the late Gibson as "lawyer for the poor people" and one who obeyed the call to duty and service to humanity.
Delivering the funeral discourse, he challenged other Liberian lawyers to seek justice not only for the rich but also for the poor. The AG prelate told the congregation that the battle for the late Cllr. Gibson is completely over and urged others to follow the good examine he set.
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