Jean-Pierre Sohahong-Kombet

Jean-Pierre Sohahong-Kombet, 81, returned to his Heavenly Home on January 25, 2017, surrounded by close family and friends, after a formidable battle with cancer. His devotion to his family and his Catholic faith sustained him throughout his life, and particularly, during his final stages.

Jean-Pierre was born to the late Gamambelo and the late Nando in Berberati, Central African Republic on March 26, 1935. From an early age, it was evident that Jean-Pierre was destined for success. Born to illiterate parents, he defied the odds when, as a teenager, he was exclusively selected from his small village to study in the capital city of Bangui, the first student to receive this honor. This laid the foundation for a lifelong career in international politics. He eventually graduated from the University of Paris (now Sorbonne) in 1959 with a Master’s degree in Political Science, Latin and Greek studies.

At the age of 27, Jean-Pierre accepted the position of ambassador, becoming the youngest foreign ambassador to the United States. In a distinguished career, spanning over four decades, he honorably served his country in numerous capacities, including Secretary of State for the Department of Foreign Affairs; Plenipotentiary Minister; and ambassador to the United Nations (twice), the United States (twice), Canada, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Pakistan, China, North Korea, Sudan and Chad.

Jean-Pierre was also blessed with a large and loving family. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. To all who knew him, he was the embodiment of ambition, perseverance, fortitude, and conviction. He could captivate an audience with his infectious smile, humor and unmatched ability to tell a story, of which he had many! As the patriarch of his family, Jean-Pierre lovingly instilled in his children (and theirs), the principles of hard work, accountability, respect, compromise and faith. Though he is no longer on this Earth as we know it, his legacy lives on through his many descendants. He has unquestionably left an indelible mark on this world. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, though they rejoice in the fact that he is now at peace with his Creator.

The funeral mass for Jean-Pierre will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church on February 3, 2017 at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Reverend Roberto Suarez. The mass will be followed by a police-escorted procession to Arlington Memorial Park, where his body will be interred in the St. John Vianney Catholic Gardens. A reception will follow at Sherwood Event Hall. The family gratefully appreciates prayers, condolences and memories.

Arrangements under the direction of Sandy Springs Chapel, Sandy Springs, GA.