U.S. Ambassador (Retired) Bismarck Myrick Sr., a proud son of Portsmouth, Virginia, transitioned peacefully on Sunday, September 29, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived by his wife, Marie-Pierre Mbaye Myrick; and three children, Bismarck Myrick Jr. (Amelia Demopulos), Wesley Todd Myrick, and Allison Elizabeth Myrick Sanders (Dr. Jeff Sanders); grandchildren, Malcolm F. Myrick, Meredith F. Myrick, Eli J. Sanders, and Holly A.Sanders. He was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth Myrick and five siblings.
Ambassador Myrick frequently stated “where you come from, by no means determines where you will go.” He came from humble beginnings and traveled to extraordinary heights. Following high school, he enlisted in the U. S. Army where he rose through the ranks to become a field grade officer. During his military career, he served throughout the U.S., and in Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Germany, and Ethiopia. His military honors include the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal. He is recognized in the National Infantry Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia. His hometown named two streets in his honor, and selected him as a “Portsmouth Notable” – the city’s highest honor.
Bismarck Myrick was especially proud of his military service. He saw it as an opportunity to serve his country while creating educational opportunities that would provide a better life for himself and his family. He earned an undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Tampa, and an M.A. degree from Syracuse University. Ambassador Myrick was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters by Spelman College.
The physical fitness requirements of the Army and the opportunity to study other cultures shaped the rest of his life. He set high standards for himself in his work and his physical fitness. He was an avid runner and competed in many races honoring people and causes that were special to him. His love of people, history and the study of other cultures, led him to join the U.S. Foreign Service following his military retirement. Myrick was nominated by U. S. Presidents, to serve as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1995, and the Republic of Liberia in 1999. He also led the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Durban and Cape Town, South Africa, and managed U.S. security assistance policies for South America and the Caribbean. His many contributions in the Foreign Service were recognized with the Department of State’s Superior Honor Award. Upon his retirement from the Foreign Service, Ambassador Myrick joined the faculty of Old Dominion University as Ambassador in Residence where he taught for over 22 years.
As the oldest of twelve siblings, Ambassador Myrick valued his extensive network of family and close friends. He inspired us with his love of running, entertaining guests, and hosting events such as his annual Thanksgiving celebrations in Portsmouth. He was a proud alumnus of I.C. Norcom, School of Champions, Class of 1959. His joy, generosity, determination, and love rippled across oceans, touching those who knew and loved him. In addition to his wife and children, Ambassador Myrick is survived by sisters, Emily Overton, Audrey Myrick, Vanessa Cobbs, Evon Myrick, and Bessie Land; brother, Donald Lee, and a special cousin, Vivian Grant.
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
© Metropolitan Funeral Service
Debra Smith says
September 30, 2024 at 6:01 pmFamily you have our condolences from Ron and Debra Smith. Praying for you all. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Angel Land-Goff says
October 3, 2024 at 6:48 amI’m sorry u had to leave so soon and even though we met for a short time u will be missed
Evon Myrick says
September 30, 2024 at 9:33 pmWe send our love and condolences to the family we are hurting and feel your pain but God will help us through this 🙏
Norma Maclou says
October 12, 2024 at 2:35 pmDeepest condolences from Malibongwe Senior Service Centre Durban SA. He’s remembered when he visited our Centre for Mandela day. What a father of many young and old. RIP
Anne Marie et Éric says
September 30, 2024 at 9:59 pmall our condolences to the grieving family and loved ones. your pain is ours. may our lord from the top of his throne welcome him with open arms. we will be with you in union of prayer. 🙏🏾
Costella Williams says
September 30, 2024 at 10:25 pmMarie and family,
Thank you for reaching out sharing this very sad news. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in eternal power, Ambassador (Ret.) Bismarck Myrick!
Junius and Costella Williams
Thiendella Fall Diagne, MD says
September 30, 2024 at 10:51 pmBismarck was a big Brother
We mutually respected each other.
He would advise me and shared pearls of wisdom during my training at EVMSi in Norfolk Va
I met him and his. Devoted Wife, my fellow country Woman Marie Pierre Myrick at a presentation at Old Dominion University where he was also a Professor.
I also caught up with them at their annual Thanksgiving giveaway in Portsmouth, Va
I hope God has mercy on his soul and pays him all the good deeds done for Country and his fellow Human Being s
Carvalho Ginette says
October 1, 2024 at 6:27 amSincères condoléances à son épouse, ses enfants et à toute la famille éplorée, que Dieu l’accueille dans Son Paradis et lui réserve une place auprès de ceux qui nous ont précédés, Amen. Union de prières 🙏🏻
Sophie Turpin says
October 5, 2024 at 3:27 pmSophie Turpin
A Marie-Pierre et à toute la famille Myrick, mes sincères condoléances! Que Dieu ouvre les portes du Paradis a ton epoux et que la terre lui soit légère.
Et à toi, ma chère, que Dieu te donne le courage
de supporter cette perte douloureuse.
En union de Prières!
Charles et Sophie T. Mellon
Adv Geraldine Dunn says
October 1, 2024 at 6:43 amMy sincere condolences to the family.
I remember Bismarck for his willingness to serve his community and his sense of humour.
May his soul rest in peace.
Rebecca says
October 1, 2024 at 6:44 amThank you for sharing this news. My deepest condolences. Sending love and prayers.
Ed Bass says
October 1, 2024 at 8:21 amMPM AND FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY. BISMARCK WAS IN MY DAILY MORNING PRAYER’S. I’VE BEEN PRAYING FOR YOU AS WELL. MPM I LOVED YOU FOR BISMARCK, I CAN STILL SEE YOU BLUSHING AFTER A CONVERSATION WITH HIM. BISMARCK truly arrived in his earthly manifestation, because he was a very CARING and WELCOMING Man TO ME. I loved him for that. MPM AND FAMILY, BE STRONG KNOW THAT GOD’S GRACE WILL PULL YOU THROUGH. Hurting this morning 💔 😢 Sincerely Ed, Valerie, and E’Lon.
Irina Grinnell says
October 1, 2024 at 8:56 amMy deepest condolences to all family and friends for your loss. Keeping Bismarck in my thoughts and prayers. He was and he will always be in our memories a great man.
Rita Addico Cohen says
October 1, 2024 at 9:14 amWe had the honor of having Ambassador Myrick as a member of our panel discussion at the inaugural African Diaspora Heritage Month Commemoration at Old Dominion University in September 2022. We send our love, prayers, and deepest condolences to his beloved wife Marie, and family and friends.
General W.L. "Spider" Nyland USMC says
October 1, 2024 at 10:10 amGod Bless you Ambassador. Thank you for your long and dedicated service to our Nation in many capacities. We shall miss you at the JOM. Semper Fidelis, Gen “Spider” Nyland
Amb. (ret) Charles Ray, Foreign Policy Research Institute says
October 1, 2024 at 1:06 pmMy deepest condolences to you and your family. The world has lost an accomplished statesman and an outstanding human being.
David Passage, US Ambassador/Ret says
October 1, 2024 at 6:33 pmBismarck Myrick was a valued friend and colleague for almost 30 years in the State Department. We both served in the Bureau of African Affairs, and he was US Ambassador to Lesotho when I was US Ambassador to Botswana. After retiring, he joined me as a Senior Fellow at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk. His family has my deepest sympathy and condolences. David Passage, US Ambassador/Ret
Momar Sene Retired Navy says
October 1, 2024 at 7:56 pmMy deepest condolences to you and your family.
God bless you Ambassador
Thank you for your services
Rip
Charlene Christopher says
October 1, 2024 at 10:14 pmTo the Myrick family,
My deepest condolences to you Marie and your family on the loss of your precious Bismarck. I pray that the loving arms of God and your family will give you peace and comfort.
Sherry Wills says
October 2, 2024 at 6:41 amMarie Pierre,
Words simply aren’t enough to express my sorrow on the loss of Bismarck. He was truly an honorable man who treasured his family and many friends. I feel blessed to have had him as a friend. I pray God continues to comfort and embrace you and your family during this time. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask.
harry thomas says
October 2, 2024 at 8:41 amMy deepest condolences to Bismarck’s family. He was a mentor and role model to scores of Foreign Service Officers. He will be missed and we will try to continue his legacy of “paying it forward” and quietly helping the less fortunate in our global community
Marie-Brigitte Faye BEYE says
October 2, 2024 at 10:16 amOhhh … Massa Marie Pierre
Toutes mes condoléances. Que Dieu accueille ton regretté époux auprès de lui et qu’Il te donne la force de surmonter cette difficile épreuve.
De tout cœur avec toi en union de prières et de pensées.
Marie-Brigitte
Angela/ Benjamin Smith Jr. says
October 2, 2024 at 10:08 pmOur hearts and sprits are broken with deep love for the loss of our Brother Bismarck Myrick And to his loving and supportive wife Marie Pierre Myrick And his lovely children we will all miss him with all our Love that our hearts can give to the family.
Mr.Mrs..Benjamin Smith.
Devi and Mamoo Rajab says
October 3, 2024 at 4:50 amDearest Marie Pierre
Both Mamoo and I have lost a very dear friend who graced our home with his annual visits to SA and in the process enriched our lives. As we excitedly waited for his visit this year we were shocked to hear of his passing Now we only have precious memories of a grand personality who once was but we are so fortunate to have known him and you always the pride and joy of his life
May he rest in peace
Devi and Mamoo Rajab
Durban South Africa
Angel Land-Goff says
October 3, 2024 at 6:47 amI’m sorry u had to leave so soon and even though we met for a short time u will be missed
Erika Freeman says
October 3, 2024 at 9:46 amTo The Myrick Family & To Our Classmates and Brothers, Bismarck Jr. and Wesley Todd Myrick, our prayers will continue to include you all during this difficult time, not only today and tomorrow but for the weeks, months, and years to come. May strength, comfort, peace, and joyful reflects override the feeling of sorrow and grief. For there is no more suffering and Mr. Bismarck Myrick, Sr. is resting in peace!
Your Nole Brothers & Sisters,
Tiger McMillon, Clyde Allen, Joy Andrews, & Erika Freeman
Phyllis Lee Porter says
October 3, 2024 at 12:12 pmMarie-Pierre and cousins:
Our family shining star lights have burned out but while on this earth his lights shined so bright. All of his life he demonstrated character which made him a success at everything he did. Not only did he make us proud but we all admired him and tried to do things that would make him proud of us. We shall continue in our efforts until our lights burn out.
WE SHALL MISS HIM
Carolyn Hurdle Cannon says
October 4, 2024 at 2:45 pmMy heart was saddened to hear of the passing of such a magnificent friend. I will forever rejoice in knowing that God afforded me the opportunity of years being in the presence of one with such good character. Bismarck your accomplishments were outstanding. Everyone who knew you felt a sense of pride. Enjoy the fruits of your labor in the mansion that God has prepared for you! Tell my sister, Shirley, hello!!
Paul Schwarz says
October 5, 2024 at 12:04 pmI never met Bismarck Sr., but I work with his son Bismarck Jr. at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. I never knew about my co-worker’s distinguished pedigree until now. What an exceptional life he lived! I thank him most of all for his meritorious service to our country, risking his life to help defend us. I won’t be able to attend the ceremony, so please accept this as my statement of love and concern.
Sophie Turpin says
October 5, 2024 at 3:42 pmSophie Turpin. N. VA
A Marie Pierre et à toute la famille Myrick, recevez mes sincères condoléances. Que Le Très Haut accueille Amb. Myrick dans son paradis céleste, et que la terre lui soit légère.
Et à toi, ma chère Marie- Pierre, que Dieu te donne beaucoup de courage pour supporter cette perte douloureuse.
Charles et Sophie Mellon
Sophie Turpin says
October 5, 2024 at 3:44 pmCharles M. et Sophie Turpin. N. VA
A Marie Pierre et à toute la famille Myrick, recevez mes sincères condoléances. Que Le Très Haut accueille Amb. Myrick dans son paradis céleste, et que la terre lui soit légère.
Et à toi, ma chère Marie- Pierre, que Dieu te donne beaucoup de courage pour supporter
R Sanders.(US Amb Ret) says
October 5, 2024 at 5:21 pmIt was with shock and sadness that I learned about the passing of one of the longtime legends and leaders of the.Foreign Service (U.S..Diplomatic Corps).Bismark was a mentor and a friend.He was known for his love of family, friends, and country, and working for the global good.May he rest in eternal peace.
Cassandra Newby-Alexander and William Alexander says
October 5, 2024 at 5:23 pmWe will deeply miss our dear friend, Bismarck. His grace, gentleness, and giving spirit were inspirational. As Shakespeare wrote, “He was a man, take him all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.”
Yoann d'Erneville says
October 7, 2024 at 7:51 amI remember the great brave man he was. I’ll miss him so bad. May he rest in eternal peace 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Adrienne Diop says
October 7, 2024 at 8:57 pmI met Bismark when he was posted in Liberia. I was marked by his kindness and gentle attitude. I am impressed by his career and his family can be proud of his achievements. My heartfelt condolences to Marie Pierre and the Myrick family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Que le Seigneur lui accorde sa miséricorde et l’accueille en son Paradis.
Sokho and Kevin Appleton says
October 8, 2024 at 2:08 amTo Marie Pierre Myrick and family, we are sending our deepest condolences and we are sharing your grief with heartfelt sympathy. We have been blessed to know Bismarck, we have precious memories of him. He will be surely missed. To my dear friend/sister Marie Pierre we are bonded to each other for many years, because of your special, kind and honorable husband Bismarck. Paradise has gained an Angel. May the love of God surround you and the family with strength and comfort.
Estherine J. Harding, NSU Retiree, 2016 Distinguished Alumna, NSUAA Life Member - Chesapeake Chapter, Member FB Church West Munden says
October 8, 2024 at 12:08 pmSincere sympathy and prayers to the Myrick family. I praise God for the life of this honorable gemtleman and his life of dedicated service to God’s people. May he rest in peace! May you be blessed in peace and comfort from God almighty during this difficult time.
Glorimar (Glo) Maldonado says
October 9, 2024 at 8:14 amMy sincerest condolences to the Myrick family. I pray Yeshua’s shalom surround your hearts. May you be comforted by the knowledge that you will see this extraordinary gentleman again, and that he has heard our Heavenly Father say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant! Enter now into your rest.”
Mame Awa says
October 9, 2024 at 8:42 amMay his soul rest in peace. Sincères condoléances à toute la famille et en particulier à ma mes sœurs Mapie et Minouche.
Naveen says
October 9, 2024 at 9:32 amWe are so sorry for your loss. Sending all our love and support to the Myrick family.
Gina Gary says
October 9, 2024 at 10:39 amMy prayers go out to you and the family.
Dr. Dr. J. Leon Knight says
October 11, 2024 at 2:41 pmMy esteem condolences and prayers are extended to the family of this brilliant First Class Gentleman of Class and Distinction, Ambassador Bismarck Myrick.
Dr. Dr. J. Leon Knight, Minister of Music at the Historic Third Baptist Church & Historic I. C. Norcom High School Social Science Educator
Mody Diagne says
October 11, 2024 at 7:58 pmDear Marie Pierre,
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your beloved husband. I hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
I promised Veronique that I will attend the funerals ceremony on behalf of the Gueye and Diagne families of Senegal.
Mody Diagne
(yali’s brother)
Angie Albergottie-Taylor says
October 12, 2024 at 9:01 amMy thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May the memories of your loved one live on forever. My condolences and prayers are with you and the family. We will truly miss his visits to St. James Episcopal Portsmouth, VA.
James E. Fields & Janice C. Fields says
October 12, 2024 at 10:57 amA great friend and fellow Warrior. Bismark, Jan and I talked continually throughout the years! always positive and encouraging living life and sharing as God had planned for him and his Family! we will miss him, without a doubt! You are in our prayers and thoughts, but I will always treasure our Monthly Calls with Bismark. God bless you always, and grant you His comfort and peace.
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