Maurice Monks, 98, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away on September 1, 2024, at Donalson Care Center. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Bro. Tommy Graham and Bro. Billy Langford officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home.
Born on October 5, 1925, in Lincoln County, TN, Maurice was the son of the late John William Monks and Vessie Jeffries Monks. He was united in marriage to Wilma Elizabeth Swinford on December 21, 1945, and they enjoyed a life together until her passing on November 7, 2011. They had one daughter, Myra Gale Monks.
Maurice’s early career included farming, working at the Co-op Factory in Skinem, and several years at Kraft Foods. He co-owned Laten and Monks Grocery Store in Skinem, where he forged many lasting friendships. His later career took him to Boeing Company, where he retired after many years. Alongside his work at Boeing, Maurice was dedicated to raising cattle, tending to a large garden, and growing small crops.
Maurice had a strong work ethic from a young age, learning to plow fields with mules at just nine years old. He took great pleasure in hard work and enjoyed sharing stories from his past. He was an active member of Briar Fork Primitive Baptist Church in Hazel Green, AL, where he served as a Deacon and contributed to the church’s upkeep. Despite health challenges in recent years, he remained devoted to his faith, reading his Bible and praying daily. He also served on the board at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Maurice is survived by his daughter, Myra Gale Monks; sisters-in-law, Mardell S. Moffett and Patsy Monks; and his beloved bonus family, including Evan, Jana, Clay, Cayvan, Maverick, and Tony, who affectionately called him “Pops.” He was a cherished grandfather to the Mitchell boys. His surviving nieces are Julia Faulkner, Jane Butcher, Jennifer Stafford, Joan Berry, Jill Conley, Janet Steelman, Cindy Langford, Lisa Gibson, Diane Warren, and Dana Sartain; and surviving nephews include Terry Monks, Larry Monks, Chris Gibson, Jeff Swinford, and Tony Swinford.
In addition to his parents, Maurice was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Swinford Monks; siblings Mildred Holt, Vera Stewart, Frances Gibson, John William Monks, Jr., L. Paul Monks, Burlan Lloyd Monks, and foster brother Earl Gray; and nephews Harrell Stephens and Scott Swinford.
The family extends their gratitude to Lynchburg Care Center, Lincoln Manor, and Donalson Care Center for the compassionate care Maurice received. Special thanks to Betty Monks for her weekly visits, which brought great comfort to Maurice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Maurice Monks.
