Tragically, Benedicte “Mama Bernadette” Tchenang Kouayid, a part-time employee at
Roger Miller Restaurant
(map)
was struck by a hit-and-run driver in the early morning hours one week ago. The 53 year-old immigrant from Cameroon was crossing New Hampshire to meet her ride home from an all-night mourning vigil for the father of a friend, when she was killed by an as-yet unidentified driver.

In addition to her job at Roger Miller, she worked full-time at a DC Hyatt hotel. Her goal was to save enough money to bring her children to the States. In a sad twist of fate, her friends are now trying to raise the money to send her body home so she can be buried there.

Roger Miller (named after the legendary Cameroon soccer star) is a lively place, and just blocks from my house. I often walk by there, and in the evenings and especially on weekends, the outdoor patio is crowded with patrons enjoying the West African fare, beer or wine, heated conversations, and interesting music. The restaurant is planning a fund raiser on the 18th, although they have not yet set a location. A larger venue is necessary since the number of people who will attend would overwhelm the capacity of the intimate restaurant.

Only a few blocks from the Metro Station, Roger Miller is a Silver Spring landmark. If you’d like to help, and sample something from the interesting menu, there is also a collection box inside next to the bar. I’m expecting a call from them once they’ve picked a location for the fund raiser. If you’re familiar with the place, and perhaps even remember Mama Bernadette and would like to support the effort, check back later in the comments section of this post for details. Or you can call the restaurant directly at 301-650-2495.