Paris "PJ" Monday Jr., age 92, of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on March 14, 2015 at Fountain View of Monroe, while surrounded in love by his children.
Born January 1, 1923, PJ was the son of the late Paris Sr. and Rhoda Jane (Rogers) Monday. PJ attended Monroe Public Schools and was a 1941 graduate of Monroe High School.
PJ served his country honorably and proudly as a Sergeant in the United States Army during WWII. He served from January 19, 1943 until being honorably discharged on January 23, 1946. For his heroism in service, PJ received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, 5 overseas Service Bars, 1 Service Stripe and the Good Conduct Medal.
On May 3, 1947, PJ married the former Floretta Edmondson at First Baptist Church in Monroe, sadly, after 44 years of marriage; she preceded him in death on April 23, 1992. Thankfully, PJ had the good fortune to experience two great loves in his life and he then married the former Grace Rowland Essary on July 31, 1993 at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church.
PJ was employed as a welder for Consolidated Paper Company at the Southside Plant from 1941-1972, he then went to work for Ford Motor Company at the Woodhaven Stamping Plant until his retirement in 1988.
PJ was a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, Moose Lodge #884, Monroe Senior Center, and Frenchtown Senior Citizens. PJ enjoyed competing in Euchre tournaments, where he and Grace won many championships. He also enjoyed golf, Bridge, bowling, ballroom and country western dancing. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with family.
PJ is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Grace, four loving children: Brenda Monday (Jack DeHorn) of Muskegon, MI, Duane (Debbie) Monday of St. Peters, MO, Janet Monday (Ed Gogol) of Westwood Hills, KS, Marilyn (Karl) Steinman of Monroe, and a step-son, Fred (Karen) Essary of Monroe.
Cherished grandchildren: Danielle (Drew) Pretzer, Michelle DeHorn, Jim Monday, Nick (Kimi) Monday, Peter (Madelaine) Gogol, Juliana Gogol, Samantha Steinman, Kara Steinman, Chris Essary, Casey (Sara) Essary, and Kelli (Andy) Boldyreff; seven great-grandchildren, and sisters-in-law, Fontella (David) Lyke of Monroe and Francella "Bea" (Bill) Guyor of Santa Barbara, CA, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and his first wife, Floretta, PJ was preceded in death by a grandson, Ben Monday, brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Virginia Monday, sister, Helen Merz, and two sisters-in-law, Freena Ciacelli and Frankie Edmondson.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161 where funeral services celebrating PJ's life will be held on Wednesday at 11 AM. Becky Brown, PJ's niece, will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where VFW Post #1138 will conduct military honors.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe and American Cancer Society