William Gurley

William Nyan Gurley was born in Nimba County, Monrovia, Liberia to Kau Mapu Saye and Saye Loiqui Gbradeh on November 29, 1952. William grew up alongside his two younger sisters, Yazoweh and Annie, working on the family farm. He enjoyed playing soccer, and eventually went on to become a Professor of Math (at school name).

In February of 1987, William moved to New York, New York to join his sisters in the USA. There, he married Wilhelmina Teena Sawyer in 1994, and they would go on to raise their family of seven in Saint Paul, Minnesota. William loved traveling, math, his business affairs, his faith and his family dearly. He is remembered by his daughters for making (scrumptious) eclectic snacks, teaching them to be independent in all areas of life and trying to pass on his love for math and learning. He was not above saying something goofy to make his children smile and laugh, or busting out a dance if a favorite song of his came on (-especially if it were Michael Jackson or Shakira). William had strong faith and always reminded his family of the grace of God, and to always trust in Him.

William worked to launch his travel agency, a business plan that had been years in the making in the time leading up to his death. He passed on September 18, 2025 at 8:15pm due to complications of illness in Fridley, Minnesota. William is preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his sisters: Yahzoweh and Annie, (ex?) wife: Wilhelmina, his seven daughters: Rebecca, Diana, Ciana, Wilhelmina, Aaliyah, Shamira and Shamara, and his seven beloved grandchildren: Carianna, Emerie, Geneveive, Reign, Nico, Lyla and Uri.

William will be dearly missed. The boundless love and admiration that he showed to his family, especially his daughters, cannot be replicated and will forever be remembered and deeply cherished. Funeral services will be held on October 11, 2025 at Simple Traditions Funeral Home, 488 Humboldt Ave, St Paul, MN 55107, with a viewing set to start at 12pm and Mass at 2pm.