Maurice Celeste Monroe

October 19, 1944 – March 4, 2026

Maurice C. Monroe-Lofton, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, in Avondale, Arizona, at the age of 81.

Maurice was born on October 19, 1944, in Coy, Alabama, to Landonia McPherson and Hollis Woods. Her early life was shaped by both love and resilience. After losing her mother at the age of eleven, she was raised by her devoted Aunt Lila and Uncle Johnny, whose care and guidance helped shape the compassionate and strong woman she became.

Throughout her life, Maurice lived in several places that helped shape her vibrant personality, including Atmore, Alabama; Chicago, Illinois; and New Orleans, Louisiana, before eventually settling in Arizona, where she lived for the last 23 years of her life. No matter where she lived, she carried the spirit of Southern hospitality with her. She was known for being warm, welcoming, forgiving, and friendly. Maurice had a natural ability to make people feel comfortable, and her outgoing nature helped her build friendships wherever life took her.

As a young adult, Maurice worked at Walgreens and later as a caterer, where her love for cooking and entertaining began to shine. Over time, she discovered that her greatest role was being an exceptional homemaker who dedicated herself to caring for her family. Her home was always open to friends and loved ones and was often filled with good food, music, laughter, and meaningful conversation.

Maurice was also a woman of faith who loved reading the Bible and drawing strength from God’s word. Her faith guided her life and was reflected in the kindness and generosity she shared with others.

Maurice was previously married to Woodrow Monroe, the father of her two daughters. Later in life, she married her best friend and devoted husband, Willie Lofton. Together they shared many happy years filled with companionship, laughter, and travel. They enjoyed traveling down south, hosting cookouts, playing bingo, and making memories together until his passing on December 1, 2021.

She was a lifelong card player who enjoyed games such as spades, bid whist, and pokeno. As a senior, she served as president and an active member of a bid whist club. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maurice helped restart the group, giving friends a place to gather, share meals, listen to music, laugh, and play cards together. She also hosted Mahjong gatherings every Tuesday with her friends, where they enjoyed tea, brunch, and lively conversation. She continued these gatherings and activities until she became ill in January 2026.

Maurice embraced life and enjoyed many simple pleasures. She loved shopping, and her family often joked that Amazon deliveries seemed to arrive at the house several times a day. She enjoyed trying new things and always kept her hair styled and her nails beautifully done. Maurice was well known for her fancy nail designs, which often drew compliments wherever she went. Even while in the hospital, she received many compliments from nurses and visitors on how beautiful her nails were. She was also a sports fan who especially enjoyed watching wrestling and basketball but also followed football and baseball.

Maurice leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and hospitality. She is survived by her daughters, Tamika Monroe and Tiffany Monroe; her son-in-law, Mark Shorts; her beloved grandson, Justin Shorts, who was her pride and joy; her cherished dog, Cookie; her sisters, Shirley Morris, Thelma Berry, and Doris Johnson; along with many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and countless friends whose lives were touched by her warmth and generous spirit.

Maurice will be remembered for her kindness, her ability to bring people together, and the joy she created wherever she went.