Maurice G. Deese

Maurice Garrison Deese, who loved spending Saturdays working in his beautiful yard, Sundays singing his favorite hymns and worshiping, and all times in between visiting with his many beloved family and friends, passed away at home Friday, October 27, 2023. He was 61.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Home in downtown Monroe. Maurice’s beautiful life will be celebrated Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the McEwen Colonial Chapel with burial to follow at Lakeland Memorial Park.

Maurice was born Oct. 31, 1961, to the late Garrison Deese and Doris Jean Hargett. Maurice fell in love with church and singing from an early age, inspired by a treasured fifth grade teacher who told him to “love the Lord with all your heart.”

He served as choir director at Midway Methodist Church for many years when he was younger, and was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Monroe for the past several decades.

He attended Union Elementary, East Union Middle, and graduated from Forest Hills High School in 1980, where he won a blue ribbon for art, a chorus award in the 12th grade, and enjoyed talent shows, sock hops and “anything the school had to offer.”

Just weeks after receiving his driver’s license at age 16, Maurice began his first job as an elementary school bus driver. He fondly remembered the tie pins, new wallet, and many, many apples his young riders would bring, and he loved being their dedicated driver. Throughout his career, from store manager at Griffin ’88 in Pageland, S.C., to more than 25 years at Yale Security in Monroe, Maurice poured his heart into his work and developed lifelong friendships with many of his fellow employees.

In his free time, Maurice loved dancing with friends, long days at the beach and late night runs to Krispy Kreme, mowing grass and working in his yard, cooking spaghetti for family and friends and spending time with his beloved pets. He preferred to wear his shirts tucked, outfits topped with a nice hat, and always being kind to others.

In addition to his mother, Maurice is survived by his brother, Ward Deese (Penny), sister Sandra Deese Davis (Jerry), niece Penelope Deese McClenny (Justin), great nephews Gus and Bo McClenny, all of Monroe; nephew Zach Deese (Leah), great nephews Waylon and Ronan Deese, of Canton, Ga., niece Olivia Davis Gathings (Lucas) of Wadesboro, nephew Zeb Davis (Caitlyn) of Rockledge, Fla; special friend Frank Harbison of Myrtle Beach, SC and his devoted four-legged companion, Bella, who never left his side.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Council on Aging of Union County and the Humane Society of Union County.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenmonroechapel.com for the Deese family.

McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Maurice Garrison Deese.