May God Continue to Bless You Because Your Already Blessed…… Reverend Doctor Ben Monroe was born to the late Reverend James Monroe and Katie Williams Monroe on February 22, 1946 in Raeford, North Carolina. Growing up he attended Fletcher Grove Baptist Church located in Laurinburg North Carolina. Ben received his early childhood education in Laurinburg and graduated from Shaw High School in 1963. In February 1966, Ben joined the United States Army where he achieved the rank of Private First Class E3 and was decorated with a Rifle Bar. He served in this rank until being injured and retiring receiving an honorable discharge in 1967. In 1967, Ben married Geraldine Coles and to this union two wonderful children were born-Andrea LaShawn and Ben Frank Monroe II. Ben enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had an exceptional talent for music, writing several songs and recording many records and albums. He was the lead guitar player of his bands- “What’s Happening Now” and “The Pelicans” even touring, composing and writing music for famous R&B legends Millie Jackson and Al Green traveling all over the country. Ben came to the Lord becoming a Minister and moving through the ranks being a preacher, a teacher as well as a student as he earned an Associate’s Degree in 1980. In 1986, Ben married Bevelyn Exum, and to this union came two more blessings in Children-Denarii Grace and Ben Monroe III. In 1991, Ben graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and in 1994 earned his Masters of Professional Studies. Ben decided to further his education and knowledge of the Bible and walk closer with God enrolling in the New York Theological Seminary where in 2005 he earned his Masters of Divinity and in 2009 his Doctorate’s Degree. During his time at the New York Theological Seminary, Ben founded with the assistance of his longtime friend Imhotep Gary Byrd Cold or Hot Food and Music Ministry where he developed a supermarket model of a food pantry in South Ozone Park, Queens and advanced it to include a free breakfast for senior citizens monthly and a yearly scholarship for disadvantaged youths in the community. On Sunday October 9, 2016, Ben answered God’s call for his heavenly reward, entering into eternal rest. He leaves to cherish his memory: Four Beautiful Children-Andrea Monroe-Jackson (Sam), Ben Monroe II, Denarii Monroe and Ben Monroe III (La Shaye), three grandchildren: David Holts, Kennadie Monroe and Harper Leigh Monroe, his doting nurse: Faye Young, two beloved nieces La Tonia Monroe-Chambers, Clara Wales and a nephew Levi Monroe, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and his friends and special friends: Yvette Romney, Margaret Streetman, Joyce Said, Alicia Robinson, Seibert Beatty, Lora Williams, Fred Simmons, Rohanie Ramdial, LaVenus Ross, Edith Felician, Imhotep Gary Byrd, Reverend Phillip Craig, Bishop Ozell Lucas and Bobbie Jean Lucas.