Monica Lea Southern

Monica was always a daughter, became a sister, was once a wife who married the one true love of her life, spent 37 years as a widow, and dedicated her life to being the best mother, grandmother, mother-in-love, aunt, great-aunt, sister, housemate, and best friend to her children and granddaughter. She was full of life, love, and joy and had a fierce “fight-for-you” love for her family.

She was born in 1956 to Ralph and Hazel McPherson, whom she adored and believed God had chosen for her the best parents anyone could ask or hope for. Monica graduated from Sprayberry High School in 1974 and graduated from Floyd College with an Associate of Applied Science in Information and Office Technology in May of 2000.

For over 30 years, Monica dedicated her professional life to working in higher education, specifically in administration for Atlanta area technical and community colleges, and retired in 2015 from Chattahoochee Technical College in Dallas, GA, as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President.

In September of 1976, Monica married her sweetheart, Michael Anthony “Tony” Southern. They enjoyed ten wonderful years of marriage. Tony preceded his bride in death in 1987. Monica never remarried. Once you’ve had the best, it’s hard to look at the rest. A woman of profound faith, she could draw strength from 1 Tim 5:5, knowing that “The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.” She poured herself into her children, family, and work.

Monica and Tony brought into this world two amazing children who survived her, Michael Shannon Southern (Tabatha) of Dallas, GA, and Amanda Lea Southern Mann (Nicholas) of Douglasville, GA. The absolute light of her life came along in 2014 when Miss Charlotte Rose Thompson graced the world stage and stole her heart. Charlotte’s dad, Tim Thompson, always held a special place of gratitude in Monica’s heart.

Monica’s favorite pastime was spending time with Charlotte and all three of her parents. They loved playing video games, reading, painting, and listening to records. Monica was a huge fan of live-play productions, traveling with family, and enjoying time with her loved ones.

Monica’s siblings were some of her favorite people who she loved deeply. She treasured her family. She and her sister, Marlena, were able to vacation together a few times, and Monica was always convinced the waves in every ocean knew her and called her by name. She is survived by all her siblings: Alicia Pope of Acworth, GA, Marlena Dodd (Mike) of Acworth, GA, and Wendell McPherson (Andrea) of Stoneville, NC. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and one great-niece.

Monica’s beloved toy poodle, Willow, also survived her. Willow has been missing and looking for her and will continue to be lost without her in the days/weeks to come.

Monica was a private person, but she was a very kind, considerate, and sharp-witted woman who fiercely fought for those she loved, especially her children. She was committed to being there for them at every joyful event and their soft place to fall when life became too hard. Life without her is impossible to imagine, and the only comfort found right now is in knowing she’s free from the terrible suffering she endured and is reunited with the love of her life, Tony, and the savior of her soul, Jesus Christ. We believe that on July 26th, around 2:00 AM, she was in front of her Lord and could honestly say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

A private homegoing service will be held for Monica’s immediate family on Monday, July 29, 2024. Interment will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made via paypal.me/GeekStudioGA to help offset medical and funeral expenses. Any size donation will be greatly appreciated.

Carmichael Funeral Home-Marietta has charge of arrangements.

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