The funeral service of the late Honourable Justice Nyawo Finda Matturi-Jones took place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Jaiama Nimikoro, Kono District, in the presence of the bereaved family, members of the judiciary, senior government officials, traditional leaders, a large crowd, and His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio. The solemn occasion also saw heartfelt tributes to a woman who broke barriers and set a high standard for others to follow as Justice Matturi-Jones’ decades of service to the law and the community were recognised.
At the service, speakers paid tribute to the distinguished career of the retired Supreme Court Judge and spoke of her integrity, professionalism and unflinching commitment to the rule of law. Justice Matturi-Jones, believed to be the first female lawyer and judge in Kono District, paved the way for generations of women to enter the legal profession, take leadership roles in public life, and work in governance and academia.
She made a great contribution to national development throughout her long career. Apart from her contributions to the judiciary, her work as the first Chancellor of Kono University of Science and Technology and as Chairperson of the Judicial Tribunal in 2021 enabled her to make a difference in the higher education sector. She was well respected for her leadership and unwavering commitment to justice and left an indelible mark.
The grieving family at the funeral publicly thanked President Bio for his compassion, support and solidarity in their time of mourning. They thanked him for backing them and honouring the memory of their matriarch, whose life of service touched many people.
Justice Nyawo Finda Matturi-Jones will be remembered as a patriotic public servant dedicated to justice and national service all his life, leaving an indelible imprint on Sierra Leone and not only as an outstanding jurist and trailblazing woman of excellence. Her legacy will be an inspiration to future generations of legal professionals and leaders.
