John Onesimus Pewee

Obituary
John Onesimus Pewee, age 60, born on November 6, 1964, in Bondowehen at Firestone plantation, Liberia and Co-owner of Martha’s International Market, went home to be with his Lord on August 18, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Martha T. Pewee, founder and president of Martha’s International Market; their six children: Onesimus Pewee, Ishmel Pewee, Mayama Sackor, Leelie Neyamenee, Leemu Neyamenee, and Marthaline Pewee; and nine grandchildren: Jacob Pewee, Rashid Wonten, Roland Wonten, Jaden Neyamenee, Lilian Neyamenee, Messiah Neyamenee, Malachi Neyamenee, Destiny Gaylah, and Ethan Othins. He is also survived by his two brothers, Dongo Pewee (Lisa) and James Pewee (Maureen), along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Kesselley Z. Pewee and MaryAnn Konah Pewee, and four siblings: Alice Pewee Brownell, Robert Yarkpalawolo Pewee, Esther Pewee Karsor, and Victor T. Pewee.
Educated at William V.S. Tubman High School in Monrovia, Liberia, John later attended the Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute (KRTTI), where he earned his teaching certificate. He went on to teach middle and high school, while also cultivating his lifelong passion for photography.
Like all who live through national tragedy, the Liberian civil war was a cosmic wind that uprooted and shaped all who lived through it. John was no exception! The war branded his character to that of resilience. He developed fortitude and determination to overcome obstacles.
After immigrating to the United States, John and Martha settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He took accounting courses at Grand Valley State University, and together they worked tirelessly in factories, grocery stores, and long-term care facilities as they adjusted to their new life.
John and Martha didn’t just acclimate to a new environment, they would excel to a new height, establishing Martha’s International Market, a well-known ethnic grocery store in West Michigan. Their remarkable story was even featured in Forbes Magazine, (one of the top five business magazines in the world), which praised their commitment to community and highlighted that “for the Pewees, relationship building is still an important foundation for success.” – Forbes January 16,2025. Their entrepreneurial spirit further led them to the creation of Meatta Guesthouse in Monrovia, Liberia, a business providing accommodation to domestic and international travelers, thus creating employment opportunities for many in a nation crawling out of the ravages of war.
But John’s true legacy cannot be measured by the number of pounds of goat meat sold or gallons of palm oil in shoppers’ baskets. His true impact lies in the lives he touched. Beyond the store, he was a trusted resource in the immigrant community, assisting with tax preparation, immigration paperwork, and always offering encouragement. Many also remember him as the DJ who brought joy to countless birthdays, graduations, and community celebrations.
Friends lovingly called him “John Glang-glang,” a Liberian colloquial phrase meaning “Mr. Difficult” – a name that captured his humor and strong personality.
Scripture reminds us: “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13).
John’s life was one of resilience, love, and service. May his legacy inspire us, and may his memory always be a blessing.

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