This is based upon a person who has had a profound effect on my life so far, and although passed on I am sure this effect will continue and last until we meet again. Nana Sue (Susanna Edith Melrose Sylvah).

Born on 28 April 1931 in Bathurst Village, Mountain District, Sierra Leone, West Africa. She was one of seven children 5 of whom are now deceased and two surviving sisters, Mrs. Theodora Hamilton and Mrs. Nancy Thomas both of Freetown. Also blessed with eleven grandchildren, and one great grand daughter.

Nana Sue entered the nursing profession where she worked for four years. She then changed from nursing to the teaching profession and taught in a number of schools in Freetown and some of the suburban villages for a total of 35 years, until she retired in 1989.

Nana Sue travelled to England in May 1990 to help her daughter and my mother, Sitnah Palmer care for her grandchildren, and this is where my experience of my truly wonderful grand mother began.

Whilst in England, Nana Sue(a name founded by her grandchildren) not only proceed to take care of us, the grandchildren of which she came for, she seemingly took care of everybody she came in contact with; a ‘Nan’ not only to her own grandchildren and great grand daughter but to many other children and adults alike. From baby sitting for those in need, to giving advice as a senior figure to the more mature and even going a step further in helping my mother by working with her at her newly founded, after school club being instrumental in getting it off the ground and most importantly keeping the kids off the streets whilst educating them. Nana Sue kept the work up weeks before she departed from England.

Due to few periods of ill health doctors and she decided that the cold weather in England was no longer good for her on an ongoing basis therefore, she would be spending the English winter months in Freetown and the Freetown rainy season in England. She returned to Freetown on 8 December to grant herself her wish, when she suddenly passed away on Saturday 31st December 2006.

It is hard for me to see the true impact Nana Sue had on the world; as I have only really known here for 16 years (roughly one fifth of her life time). But from what I have learnt from Nana Sue, both in direct teachings and observations I can say with 100% confidence that it was a completely positive impact. Nana Sue is a lady that wanted to see the best become of each and every person she came in contact with, this was evident in her words and actions, from the backhand slap I received for disposing of my fruit and taking sweets as a young child, to her reassuring encouragements, even with her fierce criticisms. Being a nurse and teacher it is Nana Sues nature to help others better themselves.

Nana Sue taught me many things, especially within my school subject but the most important thing she taught me were lessons in life. To work hard to achieve your goals, help others in need, it should be a pleasure to keep in contact, never forget where you're from, keep family and friends close and much much more.

Although Nana Sue has moved over to heaven, I am sure she will continue the good work that has made her so loved by living through those she has left behind; her sisters, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and generations yet to come.

Missed but never forgotten, I love you Nana Sue!
Trevor "Mandee" Palmer (Grandson)