Constance Jean Monroe

1930 - 2023

Constance Jean Monroe

September 25, 1930 - December 4, 2023

Manteca, California - Constance Jean Monroe, affectionately known as "Connie," went home to her Heavenly Father on December 4, 2023. Connie was a beacon of love and grace throughout her life, leaving an indelible mark as a devoted wife, nurturing mother, cherished grandmother, and doting great-grandmother.

Connie was born in Curryville, GA, to Noah and Desma Chaney Mann. She was the second of five children. Her family moved to North Carolina in 1936. She graduated from Winchester Avenue High School in Monroe, NC in 1947. Upon receiving her degree in Elementary Education from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC, in 1951, her childhood dream of becoming a teacher became a reality.

During her first teaching assignment in Lumberton, NC, she met the love of her life and future husband, Robert, on a blind date. After marrying in 1955, she put her teaching career on hold to join him at Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico as he had volunteered to serve his country in the United States Air Force. During the next four years, they were blessed with three children: Robert, Jr., Silvy, and Sonya.

While living in Abilene, TX, in 1961, before school integration and before kindergarten was a part of the Texas Public School System, preschool education was not available for African-American children. Realizing the importance of such an experience, she courageously opened a kindergarten, which she operated for five years. Before leaving for another military assignment, she was honored by the community for her civic contributions. Subsequent teaching assignments were at Tachikawa AFB Japan and the Merced City School District (Chenoweth School), from which she retired in 1989.

Through the years, Connie was involved in her children's lives, actively engaging in their schools and extracurricular activities. She dedicated herself to community service through her church, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority programs. Her dedication extended to countless committees and initiatives, making a lasting impact on the lives of many.

She enjoyed sewing, cooking, crafts, shopping, and collecting dolls and angel figurines. She also enjoyed traveling with Robert to the mountains and seashore. Her most meaningful journeys took her to Israel, Egypt, and Turkey, where she embraced spiritual and cultural experiences. In her later years, she enjoyed reading, solving puzzles, and making "Creative Memory" albums, leaving cherished legacies for her children and grandchildren.

Serving the Lord was always first in her life. For many years, Connie was a dedicated member of the Auxillary of The Gideons International, holding offices at the local and state levels. She enjoyed the privilege of distributing God's Word. She was a faithful member of the Christian Life Center in Merced for many years.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband of almost fifty-eight years, Robert Lee Monroe, Sr.; parents, Noah and Desma Chaney Mann; brother, N. Horace Mann, Jr. (DDS) (Barbara); and sister, Joyce Lofton (William Lofton, DDS). She leaves behind a legacy of love and enduring memories, cherished by her son, Robert L. Monroe, Jr. (Lauren), daughters Silvy Monroe and Sonya January (Michael), grandchildren Christopher Monroe, Cameron Monroe (Laura), Sarah January, and James January, and great-grandson Cameron Monroe, Jr. (CJ). She is survived by her brother, James G. Mann, MD (Jocelyn, deceased), and sister, Christine Darden, D.Sc. (Walter), and numerous other relatives and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. She will be greatly missed.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Sonder Hospice and Mirna Garcia for their support and loving care during the past 3 years.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Christian Life Center in Merced on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Connie will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 692121, Stockton, CA 95269 (Camp Number U04324) or Christian Life Center, 650 E. Olive Avenue, Merced, CA 95340.