Tanita Monk

On April 24, 1944, Tanita Monk was welcomed to the world by her parents, Katherine Jenkings and Willie Pharr in Concord, North Carolina. Growing up, she would spend time having adventures with her beloved cousins. At the age of 16, Tanita decided to independently move to New York City. It is here, that she met and married her former husband, John Henry Monk II and started her family. Tanita has always been strong, determined and hard working. She spent her working years being a private contracted live in home companion for the elderly. Her clients became part of her family. She instinctually ensured that they were provided superior care, comfort, companionship, joy and dignity. It was thanks to this innate love and humanity that she was able to build relationships and a reputation that kept her employed by rockets, CEOs and doctors until she was ready to retire. At home, Tanita liked to create and perfect recipes and beautify her apartment in the building where she was the second longest resident. She was blessed with a keen eye for fashion and decorating. If you could get her approval on an accessory, a recipe or a home accent, no other opinion was needed. Tanita was an avid reader and self-educator. The last book that she read was “Faith Still Moves Mountains” by Harris Faulkner, which she finished in less than 4 days. She kept up with current events and had opinions about most of them. Though she was opinionated, Tanita was never judgmental. She had a gift of making everyone feel validated and loved; which is probably why some of her grandchildren are certain they were her favorite. Tanita’s sense of humor was immeasurably vast. She enjoyed laughing, even if she was the butt of the joke. Tanita was genuine class and grace personified. She loved God proudly, yet modestly. A day didn’t pass when she wouldn’t say “God willing”. Along with her creator, her family was the most important part of her life. Left to mourn and honor Tanita’s beautiful life are the children she had with her husband of 39 years; Arnitta, John Henry III, Thomas and their baby girl Desiree. Tanita also had 11 grandchildren (Theresa, Kashif, Eto, Kenyatta, Karizma, Tanita, Ky’ya, Lovey, Alicia, Kenaida and Keisha) and 6 great-grandchildren (Atalya, Ka’Liyah, her precious Krisiya Rose, Promise, Amaya and Jesse). Her marriage gained her 2 sisters; Leslie (James) Ransom and Linda Brown, 2 step sisters; Jannie Addy and Ethel Robinson (preceded in death), 1 brother; George (Jackie) Gantt, special nephew Doyle and host of nieces and nephews. Also special to Tanita were her bonus son Patrick, Sokona, Devon, future son-in-law Rev. Kenya Cagle, David Sloan and Mabel Gloster. Tanita’s life long example of faith, love, forgiveness, honesty, joy, laughter, gratitude and reverence will forever be the legacy that she leaves behind for her loved ones to cherish.

Tanita Monk

April 24, 1944 - May 12, 2023