Monica Michelle Cooke

Monica Michelle Cooke was born February 8, 1968 in Bartow, Florida to Melvin Benn and the late Reverend Marcia Ann Jones. Monica is survived by her 3 loving children. Son Brandan Hinton, Daughter Raphael-Monet Cooke, and Daughter Ryann Cooke.

In 1986, Monica graduated from Haines City High School and joined the United States Air Force where she served until 1988. Her journey in the air force led her to make her home in Washington, D.C where she met and married her husband Ralph Cooke in April 1992. Monica shared a remarkable friendship with her husband. Their enduring bond was a testament to their mutual respect, shared love for their children, and the deep connection they shared. They remained close friends to the end.

Monica was a fountain of knowledge. Between 1999 and 2022, she achieved numerous academic milestones, including obtaining a Computer Information System Certificate from Strayer University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of the District of Columbia, graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors upon completing a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology at Leslie University, and securing another Master’s Degree in Distance Education and E-Learning from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2022.
From 2002 to 2008, Monica embarked on her teaching career. Her career journey then led her to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she worked as a retirement and benefits specialist from 2010 to 2019. In 2023, Monica returned to her passion for teaching, becoming an educator at Colleton County Middle School, where she remained until her passing. She found immense joy in being a grandmother and was blessed with three grandchildren, Adam, Elizabeth, and Audrey Hinton. Monica’s family was the center of her world, and her love for them knew no bounds.

She is survived by her siblings Wandra Washington, David Phillips, Kelley Gilberry, Christopher Jones, William Lucas and Domonique Benn-Spratley. Monica had a heart of pure gold, always ready to give with kindness and generosity that touched the lives of everyone she knew. May she rest in peace, bringing comfort to those who dearly miss her.

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