In loving memory of Monica Michelle Locke:

Born Monica Michelle Anderson on November 19, 1958, in Queens, New York to the late Daisy Jeannette Anderson. Not long after, her path crossed with James Locke, Jr., her future husband, who lovingly adopted her, and she became Monica Locke; she was affectionately known as "G" by those who cherished her.

From her early years, Monica radiated a natural blend of passion, sweetness, and kindness that resonated deeply with those lucky enough to cross her path. From a young age, her favorite color was blue, and she made that known.As a young adult, she had a love for activities like handball, board games, and cards, especially spades; she always "killed it" in spades; and you know when she was winning from the clanking of her silver bracelets. Monica also loved her "Old English" and she had a distinctive whistle that you can hear from down the street. People knew it was Monica when she whistled, especially her son, Sha.

In April of 1986, fate introduced her to Rudy, and their union on May 30, 2001, led to countless shared adventures and cherished memories that kept a smile on their faces to the very end.

She was an avid traveler, and reader, she was the life of the party and loved to dance, a no "junk" taker and most of all a great cook that brought friends and family together. You knew when she walked into a room, her presence was felt and known. Generosity flowed freely from her; if she had it, she shared it.

While she was working at DTCC, she attended Medgar Evers College and graduated in 2002 with a degree in Applied Science. Even though her home and heart remained in Brooklyn, she relocated to Tampa, Florida. Once she retired from DTCC; she gained new hobbies including gardening, reading, and even becoming a nail technician through "YouTube University." She loved to go on her power walks even joining a neighborhood power walking group . She found solace and joy when she went out for walks, her enthusiasm was evident in every step. She also grew fond of the color green. Later, she attended Carmel Friendship Church and often talked about the sense of wholeness that her church community brought to her.

Every morning she would wake up before the sun,and enjoy her coffee, and whatever game she wanted to play on her tablet. If she was not on her tablet, she was out in the garage practicing different nail techniques or doing her own nails. She enjoyed that quiet time before going out to her garden and seeing what new vegetable or fruit was ready to be picked. She found peace, tranquility and appreciation for the world every time she worked in her garden.

On August 3, 2023, in Tampa, Florida, Monica was called home. She leaves to mourn her beloved son Shondell, her husband, Rudy, her father, James Locke, siblings Russell, Gregory, Terence, Lisa and Yvonne. Alongside a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews a host of relatives and friends.

Monica's life exuded warmth, love, care, and joy, leaving an enduring impact on countless lives. Her absence creates an irreplaceable void, but her memory will live on forever.

Hodges Family Funeral Home (Zephyrhills)

Hodges Family Funeral Home (Zephyrhills)