Dr. Eugene Victor Maafo

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. Eugene Victor Amakye Maafo, who departed this life just days before his 98th birthday. He was born on February 11, 1927, in Aburi, Ghana, West Africa, to Amakye Donkor Maafo and Ellen Comfort Ampofoa Kwofa. Dr. Maafo lived a truly remarkable life, witnessing Ghana’s independence from Great Britain and the renaming of his homeland from the Gold Coast to Ghana. He also experienced the American civil rights movement firsthand after arriving in Durham, North Carolina, in the early 1960s. Dr. Maafo initially came to Durham to work at North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company. His passion for education led him to teach at South Carolina State University, Durham Business College, Durham Technical College, and North Carolina State University. His most extensive tenure was at North Carolina Central University, where he served as an esteemed economics professor, educating and inspiring students from all walks of life. Beyond his academic career, Dr. Maafo was a devoted man of faith. He was an ordained minister, serving as senior pastor at St. Peter United Methodist Church in Hamlet and as an associate minister at Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Durham. He also served as a clinical chaplain at Select Specialty Hospital and Durham Regional Hospital, where he ministered to the sick and shut-in, offering prayers, comfort, and unwavering support. Dr. Maafo was deeply engaged in his community. He was a board member of the State Employees Credit Union (Duke Street Branch, District 10) and took pride in historical preservation. One of his lasting contributions was the 2019 dedication of the NC Historical Marker honoring the Algonquin Tennis Club on Fayetteville Street in Durham. Dr. Maafo remained a Ghanaian citizen until 2023 when he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. He was immensely proud to have participated in Durham’s 2023 municipal election s and the 2024 county, state, congressional, and national elections. He often shared his guiding philosophy: "Of all the people you will know in a lifetime, you are the only one you will never leave or lose. To the questions of your life, you are the only answer. To the problems of your life, you are the only solution. It behooves you to pray and seek God's grace and mercy—then, press on to reach higher grounds." Dr. Maafo is survived by his daughter, Selena Ampofoa Maafo Samuels of Jacksonville, Florida, daughter, Eunice Mable Amina Maafo of Ghana; son, Eugene Victor Sam Maafo of Ghana; nephews, nieces, grandkids, and other family members; He also leaves behind his niece, Justina Asare (Kwabena) of Durham and his dear neighbors, Leon and Willie Murphy, close friends: Eddie Davis, Warren Peacock, Charles Tuck, Dr. Rickey Baskett of Durham, Reverend Joe Brown of Hamlet, NC, Reverend Larry Purvis of Atlanta, GA, and Kelvin, Vera and Sadie Allen of Durham. Preceded in death by son, Micheal Maafo deceased (Lydia Opoku) of Ghana. A cherished member of the community, Dr. Maafo’s wisdom, kindness, and service will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes financial support during this difficult time, though they completely understand if circumstances do not allow. They are deeply grateful for all calls, cards, and expressions of sympathy received. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who have supported them during this time of loss. A memorial service to celebrate and honor Dr. Maafo’s life and legacy is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 2608 NC Hwy 55, Durham, North Carolina 27713, at 11:00 a.m.

Dr. Eugene Victor Maafo

February 11, 1927 - February 9, 2025