Monroe Brewer Sr

Monroe Edgar Brewer, Sr. affectionately known as ‘Money’, was born the second child to James and Steve Anna Brewer, on September 25, 1927 in Carroll County, Mississippi. In Monroe’s teens he moved north and eventually settled in Chicago. In his early twenties he met and married Queen E. Smith. To this union five children were born, Monroe, Jr., James, Sharon, Vanessa and Karlisa. A dearly loved grandson, Quan, was raised as a son. Monroe’s working years were spent at companies in Illinois and Indiana: Lippsett Steel, U.S. Steel, Standard Oil and Metron Steel. He retired in the early 1990’s from Metron Steel. His favorite past time was playing card – specifically coon cane and bid whist. He would often sit and wait for his next victim and play for endless hours. He loved to hang out at the ‘Fields” playing cards and socializing. Monroe often tackled many renovation/remodeling, mechanical, and gardening projects: dry walling, plumbing, tiling, car mechanics, carpentry, painting, and gardening (both vegetables and landscaping) – just to name a few. Visitors could always see evidence of his labor, whether it was complete or still a work in progress. He was often called upon by family and friends to take on projects, repairs and restorations in their homes. He loved and took a great deal of pride in his work. However he had a green thumb and gardening seemed to be his favorite. His singing and whistling during gardening always resulted in a well-organized and abundant garden, which he shared with neighbors, friends and family alike. He was a road warrior. Another favorite past time was to take trips to Mississippi, whether it was for family reunions, visits to family, hunting, or just for leisure. He never hesitated to make the drive. He also took great pleasure in opening his home to family and friends for social gatherings. Later in life he also saw the births of 4 additional children, Karen, Malander, Maurice Jenkins, and Ulisa Phillips. Monroe had an unwavering faith in God and he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He became a faithful member of Bryn Mawr Community Church in Chicago, Illinois under the leadership of Pastor K. Wilson. He was an active member of the church Men’s Club. Monroe was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James and John Brewer and one son, Maurice Jenkins. Monroe leaves to mourn his brother, Baby Ruth Brewer (Freddie Rae); children, Monroe Brewer, Jr., (Chevon), James Brewer (Lauren), Sharon Conner (Anthony), Vanessa Allen (Bobby), Karlisa Nwosu (Christian), Karen Hampton (Ronald), Malander Jenkins (Sheryl), Ulisa Phillips; and a host of grand children, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Monroe Brewer Sr

September 25, 1927 - February 22, 2013