Sheila E. Monroe, aged 76, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, following a brief illness. Her three sons surrounded her with love as they always have in her final moments. She was born on August 14, 1947, in Norfolk, Virginia, to George and Maxine Monroe. Her family moved to New Jersey where she graduated from Orange High School and later Essex County Adult Technical School where she earned a diploma in nursing.

Sheila left a legacy of strength, determination, and love to everyone she knew, but most importantly her three sons. As a single parent she raised her three boys in Newark, New Jersey, all of which went on to earn college degrees. Sheila believed in education, kindness, and serving others. It was her desire to serve others that launched her 38-year nursing career between New Jersey and Virginia. When she wasn’t working, she helped family and friends in any way possible. She would give people the shirt off her back and then call her son to get another shirt.

Following in her mother’s footsteps Sheila became a member of the Order of Eastern Star in 1984 in New Jersey. She later joined the Order of Eastern Star: Evening Light #48 chapter in Virginia where she remained a member until her death. In addition to her Order of Eastern Star activities Sheila was a faithful member of New Calvery Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia where she served as an usher until a decline in her health. She also served on the Golden Ages ministry.

As a small woman of 5’2 Sheila was a giant to her children when they were young and was still a giant to them when God saw fit to call her home. She gave her children her very best and now the time has come for her to rest. So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep, your love in our hearts, we will eternally keep.

Sheila leaves behind to cherish her memory and mourn the loss of such a remarkable woman her older sister, three sons, two granddaughters, daughter-in-law, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.