Patricia Francis Monroe

Patricia Francis Monroe was born on March 19, 1942 to Althea Perry and Emmett Monroe in Phoenix, Illinois. She was the third youngest of six children. During her childhood years, she attended Coolidge Middle School in Phoenix and graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1959. Eventually, Pat married Jerry Williams. In 1962, Pat and Jerry had their first daughter, Kelly. Shortly thereafter she gave birth to her second daughter, Kamela. After graduating from high school she went straight into the workforce, starting with Chicago Title and Trust Co. and then eventually was hired at Illinois Bell. While there she was promoted to management and retired in 1991. She also opened a Travel Agency called “Points of Interest” with her lifelong friend Helen Jett. But always one who enjoyed staying busy, after retiring Pat began working again part time at Rogers and Hollands Jewelers and also became a licensed realtor at Century 21. Pat was one of a kind, always making friends wherever she went. People always felt comfortable and at ease in her presence. She was well known for her love, kindness, and being an exceptional listener. She was extremely generous towards her family and friends, giving whatever she could and more. Pat was the go to person whenever someone needed advice or just a listening ear. Pat was especially loved and known by her grandsons as their ‘Nana.’ Pat loved to travel, especially to the islands of the Bahamas which was her second home. She loved the ocean, beaches and a nice plate of cracked conch served alongside peas and rice, macaroni and cheese, and plantains. Pat also enjoyed cooking large meals and getting together with family and friends. She was an animal lover, being particularly fond of cats. Pat was always conscious of her spiritual need throughout life. In recent years, she began her own personal Bible study with her grandson, Jose. During her study, she began to develop a personal relationship with her Creator, Jehovah. She appreciated learning about Jehovah’s wonderful qualities and promises for the future. Pat decided that she wanted to dedicate her life and become a baptized servant of Jehovah. However, due to her declining health she was not able to fulfill her goal. On the afternoon of July 19th, 2015, after a long fight with a variety of health issues, Pat fell asleep in death. She was preceded in death by her father, Emmett Monroe; older sister, Sheila Monroe Hawkins; and youngest brother, Ross Allen. Pat leaves behind her two daughters, Kelly Ortiz (Ismael) and Kamela Norfleet; two grandsons, Jose and Enrique Ortiz (Tekila); mother, Althea Allen; sister, Sonya Monroe; brothers, John Childress and Jack Allen; nieces, Kim Whitted, Kyla Jones and Karen Broome; nephews, Robert Jones Jr. and Pasqual Allen; great nieces, Nicole Thrash, Noelle Whitted, Micaela Williams and Kia Wheeler; great nephews, Nicholas Whitted, Kimari Wheeler and Lucas Broome; cousin, Helen Martin; and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and special friends.

Tributes

Patricia Francis Monroe

March 19, 1942 - July 19, 2015