Ms. Monica A. Bean

Ms. Monica Bean, age 85, of Gainesville, FL, transitioned from labor to reward on September 14, 2025, in Gainesville, FL. The service for Mrs. Monica Bean will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Monica Albertina Bean was born on the Island of Jamaica on October 1st, 1939, to Esmerelda and Alexander Bean. She went to abide with her heavenly Father on Sunday, September 14 at 9:45am. Friends and family called her Betty. She was raised with six older brothers and sisters, a host of cousins, and many animals on her parents' farm in the country. She treasured these early memories in the country, and she fondly referred to them as the best days of her life. She often stated, "I'm a country girl, and there's no better life." She emigrated to the United States in her early twenties and settled in Brooklyn, New York. She worked as a key punch operator for Bloomingdale's Department store for over 30 years. Monica was a fashionista from her early days in Jamaica. Working for Bloomingdale's allowed her to hone in on her love for style and fashion. She was known for her many fabulous hats and scarves. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, candy making, sewing, and gardening. She made a lot of her clothes and sewed for family and friends. She eventually owned and operated a Caribbean restaurant in Brooklyn New York with a sister. There she displayed her culinary talents for several years. She made chocolate candies, and she baked wedding and holiday cakes. She was a member of the Fenimore United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, New York for over 50 years. There she served the Lord in several roles, including singing in the choir. She loved to sing, and she sang at family funerals. She had a strong work ethic, and she had a talent for saving money, and making the most of a dollar. She was kind to everyone, she gave to everyone, and she wanted to help everyone. She retired from Bloomingdale's in her early sixties and embarked on extensive traveling. She visited Europe, Canada, much of the United States including Hawaii, and she cruised to several Caribbean islands. Her favorite country was Australia. She loved its similarities to Jamaica. In 2003, she relocated from New York to Gainesville, Florida to join her daughter and only grandson. She joined Mt. Pleasant United Methodist church and served in several ways. She loved going to church and rarely missed Sunday service until her illness. She was preceded in death byher parents, and siblings Rumolena, Vanesence, Linda, Elieze, Hornimous, and Leyland. She is survived by her daughter, Maxine, Grandson, Stephen, fifteen nieces, and nine nephews who fondly refer to her as "Aunt Bett". In her childhood years, her mother made daily bible reading a mandatory household habit. During her illness, she walked around the house with her big fat, heavily annotated bible until it became too heavy for her to carry as her body became weaker and more fragile under the weight of her disease. Monica's most significant life accomplishment was getting to know, loving, and serving the Lord. *Monica/Mother/Betty/Aunt Bett/Grandma, we miss you madly!!* Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Chestnut Funeral Home, 18 NW 8th, Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32601.

Tributes

Ms. Monica A. Bean

October 1, 1939 - September 14, 2025