Monnye Theresa Shelby Brown

Monnye Theresa Shelby Brown went to her eternal home with Jesus on September 27, 2023, at the young age of 93. She was right where she loved to be-with her family, at home.

She was born on January 3, 1930, in Dukesville, N.C., to Gladys and Ernie Shelby. She was the oldest of three and was preceded in death by her sister (Patricia) and brother (Clayton.)

She was born to be a teacher and earned her B.A. in Education from Catawba College in N.C., and then her master's degree from University of North Carolina. She had the pleasure of teaching students of varying ages. She taught preschool, middle school, and college students.

Monnye married the love of her life, William Lee Brown, on August 5, 1951. Their prayers were answered in 1965 when they had the blessing of adopting a baby girl, whom they named Laura Leigh. They lived as a family in Maryland until 1989 when they retired to Trenton, Florida. Monnye and Bill had 39 years together until his passing on August 10, 1990.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Laura (Riley) Deen, and her treasured grandchildren, John (Heather) Deen, Lee (Ashley) Deen and Ginger (Bruce) Thomas. She has five precious great-grandchildren: Ashley, Nicole, Will, Hadley, and Bruce III, and one darling great-great grandchild, Mitzi. She adored her family and invested a lot of time and energy in their lives.

She was a member of Trenton United Methodist Church for over 30 years. She sang in the choir and taught the adult Sunday school class there for more than 25 years. Monnye read and studied the Bible faithfully and would recite her favorite verses regularly. She worked to live out the Gospel through her dealings with others. She was also very active for many years in United Methodist Women, Women's Club of Trenton, the local AARP chapter, and was the pianist for the Rotary Club meeting each week.

She spent many hours volunteering at Ayers Nursing and Rehabilitation Center playing the piano for Friday night supper and other special events. She was a singer that shared the gift with others by being in the church choirs and singing for many weddings. Monnye never met a stranger and loved talking with people. She enjoyed telling humorous stories and sharing God's love with others. She was truly selfless, forgiving and was the epitome of a southern lady. Life here on earth will not be the same without her, but what a glorious reunion it will be one day in Heaven!

Laura and Riley Deen welcome family and friends to their house on Saturday, October 7th between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

A service to honor Monnye's life will be held Sunday, October 8th at 2:00 p.m. at Trenton United Methodist Church. 203 2nd St NE, Trenton, FL 32693.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. 426 West Wade Street Trenton, FL 32693. 352-469-8888.