Shirley Monroe was born May 17, 1948 in New Iberia, Louisiana to the late Adelince C. and Clarence James Sr. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. She was preceded in death by one brother, Clarence James Jr. and one great nephew.

She was a 1967 graduate of Jonas Henderson High School in New Iberia, Louisiana. Shirley graduated from Grambling
State University with a Bachelors in Education Degree. Shirley made her home in Lake Charles, Louisiana where she was an Educator, employed with the Calcasieu Parish School Board for thirty plus years. Most of her teaching time was at Reynaud Middle School. Shirley was united in holy matrimony to the late, Mr. Clarence Monroe Jr. To this union two sons were born. They were married for thirty-eight years.

She joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church in 1978 under the leadership of the late Rev. H.C. Allison. Shirley served faithfully under the leadership of Rev. Elmore Garner. Due to health issues, Shirley was being cared for by family members. She became a Watchcare Member at the Mount Zion Baptist Church of New Iberia, Louisiana under the
leadership of her nephew / Godshon Rev. Medeate L.C. Derouen. She leaves to cherish her memories her two sons who she loved dearly, Raldoneih Monroe of Leesville, Louisiana and Saldoneih (Tasha) of Lake Charles, Louisiana; two
brothers, Lorenza (Leona) Charles and Reginald (Sonia) Charles both of New Iberia, Louisiana; six sisters, Ledger (Herman) Reese of Fountain, Colorado, Clara Briggs of Mississippi, Margenell Harris of Beaumont, Texas, Brenda James, Claudette (Carl) Austin and Leona (Johnny) Deroeun all of New Iberia, Louisiana; four grandchildren,
Ja'Quan Monroe of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ashton and Tyson Monroe of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Ny'Keria Monroe of Houston, Texas; a host of nieces, nephews, Godchildren, other relatives and friends.