Tuzylene Betty Wonnie

In Loving Memory of

Mrs. Tuzylene Betty Wonnie

(née Boi Bangura)

April 20, 1937 – January 25, 2026

Biography

Mrs. Tuzylene Betty Wonnie (née Boi Bangura) was born on April 20, 1937, in the Mogbray section of Taiama, Sierra Leone. She was the first of four surviving children of the late Pa Ansumana Bangura and the late Ya Kaday Koroma.

Although her father was a farmer and a devout Muslim without a formal Western education, he was deeply knowledgeable in the Qur’an and remarkably forward‑thinking for his time. In 1944, he made the bold decision to enroll his first daughter in a Christian missionary school in Taiama. There, she received the name Tuzylene from the missionaries. He not only supported her schooling but also encouraged her to attend church—an uncommon and progressive act at the time.

Education and Professional Training

Tuzylene began her education in Taiama and later attended Harford Secondary School, where she built a strong academic foundation and a lifelong commitment to service.

She continued her studies at the Women Teachers College in Port Loko, specializing in Domestic Science and Home Economics. Throughout her career, she earned several teaching certificates and professional qualifications, reflecting her dedication to excellence and continuous learning.

Her training equipped her to teach both academic subjects and practical life skills, and she became a mentor to many young women, instilling discipline, confidence, and self‑reliance.

Marriage, Family, and Early Journey Abroad

After completing secondary school, Tuzylene moved to Kono, where she lived with her aunt, the late Mrs. Tabitha Caulker (née Williams). During this time, she met her future husband, Mr. Donald S. Wonnie.

They were married in 1960 at the United Methodist Church in Taiama. Their union was blessed with three children:

• Mariam Wonnie

• David Wonnie

• Donna Wonnie

They also opened their home to many other children, including Donald Kamara, Collins Lewis, Mahawa Wonnie, Adama Bangura, and many more who found love, structure, and belonging under their care.

In 1965, she made the courageous decision to emigrate to the United States, joining her husband in Millersville, Pennsylvania, where he was pursuing his studies. It was her first time living abroad, yet she embraced the transition with quiet strength and a deep commitment to their shared future. Those early years were formative—marked by long days of academic work for him and the steady, nurturing presence she provided as they adjusted to life in a new country.

After that phase of their journey, the couple relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they continued building the foundation of their young family. Together, they navigated the challenges and opportunities of life far from home, supporting one another with resilience and unwavering partnership.

In 1967, with their goals realigned and their experiences abroad enriching their perspective, they returned home to Sierra Leone. Their time in the United States strengthened their bond, deepened their faith, and prepared them for the meaningful work and family life that awaited them.

Their marriage lasted 52 years, until Rev. Wonnie’s passing in 2012, and was marked by mutual respect, shared faith, and steadfast devotion.

Professional Life and Service in Sierra Leone

Mrs. Wonnie dedicated many years to teaching in United Methodist Church–affiliated and government‑assisted schools across Sierra Leone. She served with distinction as an educator in Home Economics and Domestic Science, shaping generations of students through her instruction, example, and high standards.

Her work emphasized dignity, discipline, self‑sufficiency, and service—values she embodied throughout her life.

Life and Service in Reading, Pennsylvania

In her later years, Mrs. Wonnie made her home in Reading, Pennsylvania, where her commitment to service continued with remarkable strength and consistency. She worked within the Reading School District, contributing to the growth and well‑being of students until her retirement in 2012.

Alongside her work in the school district, she became an integral part of the community through the Foster Grandparent Program, devoting more than 23 years to mentoring and supporting children and youth. Her compassion, patience, and wisdom touched countless lives across Berks County.

In recognition of her extraordinary dedication, she received an Award of Excellence from The Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement on May 20, 2019—an honor that celebrated her unwavering service and profound impact on children and families.

Legacy

Mrs. Tuzylene Betty Wonnie will be remembered as:

• A pioneer for girls’ education

• A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother

• A respected educator and mentor

• A community servant whose influence spanned continents

• A woman of faith, humility, and enduring strength

Her life remains a powerful testament to service, education, and love for humanity. Her legacy lives on through her family, her students, and the many children whose lives she enriched in Sierra Leone and the United States.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:21

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tuzylene's memory to Holy Cross United Methodist Church, Reading, PA