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Eric AYISI Obituary
He was born in Mampong, Ghana on Sept. 22, 1926, son of the late Kofi Ayisi and Naa Adebra. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Nayler Ayisi.
He is survived by his brother, Fred Ayisi; sister, Veronica Ayisi; daughters, Comfort Manteaw, Kathleen Barret, and Ruth Ayisi; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and dear friend, Eleanor Phillips Hill.
In his autobiography, Eric identified being "Methodist by faith, British educated, and generally politically conservative" as the primary influences on his life. He credits his mentor and guardian, the late Reverend Eric Colbatch Clark, his diverse experiences in Ghana, England and the United States, with developing his appreciation for people of all colors and races.
His hobbies included reading, research, writing and music. Eric was a respected anthropologist and professor, having earned a doctorate from the London School of Economics, under the guidance of Donald MacRae and Lucy Mair. Meyer Fortes, in the introduction to Eric's most widely read book, An Introduction to the Study of African Culture, wrote: "Dr. Ayisi must be congratulated on accomplishing a project that would have seemed impossible to most specialists on African culture and society." Other highlights of his career include serving as a Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana; a Fulbright Professor in 1972; and 15 years on the faculty at The College of William and Mary.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 2010, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel in Newport News. Eric will be buried in Ghana in August. Condolences may be sent to www.cookebros.com View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
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Memories and Condolences
for Eric AYISI
Gabriel (Dr.) Ayisi
January 3, 2011
All I can say is for the Lord to keep your soul. We will really miss you.
Tony Paul
September 9, 2010
My deepest sympathy and love to his daughters. May he rest in peace. Tony P .
William Morrow
July 17, 2010
I had the honor of getting to know Eric when we had offices adjacent to one another in the Department of Government at the College of William and Mary. He was one of the most approachable and engaging individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing--honest, friendly, professional, and outgoing. He harbored a deep-seated affection for all human beings. I have thought about him often since his retirement and am greatly saddened by his passing. I am very, very thankful for having had the opportunity to have known him, and will greatly cherish memories of our time together.
Ismail Abdalla
July 16, 2010
Prof. Ismail H. Abdalla and his wife, Beverly McGraw, wish to offer condolences to the family of Prof.Eric Ayisi. We hope his daughters will know that their father will be remembered always for his great contribution to the study of Africa. We think of them at this time of sorrow in their lives, as we remember our meeting them and enjoying their company when they visited Williamsburg. We wish them and all their family our deepest sympathy.
Beverly McGraw
July 16, 2010
Eric Ayisi brought the knowledge of African culture to a world which knew little of it. he made an incomparable contribution to African and Diaspora Studies.
Steve Waldman
July 12, 2010
Dr. Ayisi was a fascinating, wonderful man with a boundless heart. He was among my favorite professors at W & M. Those of us who had the opportunity to experience his field trips can't help but chuckle.
Eric embraced the Conservative party while living in London.
Eric Ayisi
July 12, 2010
Eric Ayisi, PhD., 1965 London School of Economics
Eric Ayisi
July 12, 2010
July 1, 2010
I was sorry to hear of Eric's passing. I enjoyed visiting with him and hearing his stories. I will cherish his books even more--he was a wonderful addition to our higher education system at William and Mary.
Holly WIlcocks Boyle
June 29, 2010
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of our dear friend Eric. He was always a bright light during our years at the College of Wm and Mary...dropping by the house with stories and ideas and being wonderful in fun with our children. During our Winterthur, DE years Eric came to our home for a formal dinner party bringing important people from the Island of Ste. Eustatius. A fascinating evening it was with laughter and stories. During one of the summer digging programs with Eric and Dr. Barka, our daughter joined them for a wonderful summer of learning. Eric gave her an "A" and I wondered about that! When husband, Tom, was on the Island for a visit, I have a feeling Eric was the one to encourage giving an Honorary Citizen award to Tom. Such joy Eric gave wherever he went...I can hear him now, laughing with the angels and planning his next project.
Zoe and Tom Graves
President, College of Wm and Mary
1971-1985
Lillian Foster
June 29, 2010
Please accept my sympathy at the lost of your loved one.One day we can look forward to seeing them again.
June 29, 2010
Sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Eric Ayisi, an outstanding scholar of African culture.
M. Barbee Pleasant
Former Assistant Director of African-American Studies at Hampton University
Frederick Smith
June 29, 2010
A great scholar who advanced important anthropological issues of Africa and the Caribbean. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends
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