METROPOLIS, Ill. — Jessie Mae Monkman, 80, of Metropolis, went peacefully into the arms of our father in heaven on June 19, 2021, at Baptist Health Hospital, in Paducah, Ky., while surrounded by her loving family.

Jessie was born on June 27, 1940, in Clinton, the daughter of John O. and Frances B. Alwood.  She married Richard Monkman on July 25, 1956 in Clinton.

A visitation with the family will be held from 10-11 a.m. at Metropolis Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, with a graveside service immediately following. 

Jessie was a devoted Christian wife to her husband Richard for nearly 65 years. She lived each day showing the love of a wife and mother to her husband and five children whom she loved very much.

She was a not only a loving mother to her five children but also to a special man, Dean Gambrel (Kathy), who she loved like a son. Jessie always placed faith and family first as she encouraged and supported all her children in eve-rything they did and was always very proud of all their accomplishments in life.  It came natural to her to inspire others and make them believe that they could do it, too. Helping others reach their dreams and get to the point in their lives where they were happy with everything was the moment she lived for. 

She was known for her hamburgers and nut rolls, as she loved to cook for her family and others. She spent the rest of her time quilting, reading and most of all, she loved playing cards with her family.

Jessie was a loving mother who appreciated the simple things in life. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Jessie is survived by her husband; her three sons, Richard Monkman (Ladonna), William Monkman, and Mike Monkman (Lisa); her two daughters, Barbara Harding and Christina Burnham (Keith); seven grandchildren, James Davis (Cassie), Michael Monkman, Ricky Monkman (Jessica), Makaela Johnson (Jarelle), Allen DeLacey (Chrissy), Zachary Burnham, and Brock Burnham; four great-grandchildren, Carter Bell, Jillian Monkman, Oliver Monkman, and Jerzey Johnson; sister, Dorothy Sutton (Art); brother, Charles Alwood (Poge); several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Bertha Lane and Polly Alwood; four  brothers, William, John, Claude, and Joe Alwood.

Memorials may be made in honor of Jessie to:  St. Jude’s Gift Funds – Please include your ID # (7096161) on the checks that are mailed in or paid online.  Mail to the follow-ing address. ATTN: St. Jude Gift Funds, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Arrangements are entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home in Me-tropolis. Condolences may be left online at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.