Ethel Irene Monroe

Ethel Irene Monroe, age 95, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 15, 2023. Ethel was born on August 31, 1928 in Rocky Point, NC to James O. Watkins and Cora Lewis Watkins. She was a long-time and faithful member of Highlands Baptist Church, devoted mother, grandmother, sister and faithful friend to many.

Ethel married Gerald W. Monroe in June, 1946. Together they raised a family of six children, and many years later the family grew with the addition of seventeen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren (and soon to be twenty-three in December, 2023), and two great-great grandchildren. Ethel worked for St. Luke’s Hospital, and retired from the hospital after 10 years of her employment with them. In Ethel’s spare time, she enjoyed sewing, reading and going to church faithfully.

Ethel is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald W. Monroe; and two sisters Geneva Wroton and Maurice Vereen. She is survived by her children Judy Pruett (Jim), Jerri Lockwood (Eddie), Wanda Dow, Tammy Etheredge (Brian), Danny Monroe (Elizabeth), and David Monroe (Wanda); and one brother, Leroy Griffin (Judy). She is also survived by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; and also many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Highlands Baptist Church at 2:00 PM, 2159 Broward Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. The family will receive friends one hour prior beginning at 1:00 PM. Following the funeral services, a committal service will be held at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. Pallbearers will be Keith Messer, David Shearin, Raymond Dow, Wesley Dow, Michael Etheredge, and Richard Etheredge.

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