Jessie Mae Brown Monroe

Source of images and narrative: Brunswick African American Heritage Society - Pauline Hankins.

The Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary School located in Ash is named after an African American educator who devoted her life to providing care and love to young children.

Educator Jessie Mae Brown Monroe was born in Durham, North Carolina. Both of her parents died when she was very young. She and her sister were sent to an orphanage, and while there she cared for the younger children and the babies.

A visiting doctor of the orphanage, Dr. Dillard, and his wife took an interest in Monroe, gained custody and took her to live with them in Goldsboro, North Carolina, which was the beginning of a new life for her.

Upon completion of high school she entered Elizabeth City State Teachers College, Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Upon completion of her degree she was sent to several areas in North Carolina to teach (such as Mt. Olive, Phoenix, Cedar Grove, Supply, Zion Hill and Bolivia).

Her love continued to flourish for children. She married a man with five children (ages 2-11). Mr. & Mrs. Monroe had one daughter and adopted a son.

After completion of advanced studies she was assigned to La Savannah School #5 in Ash, North Carolina to serve as the Principal.

She treated each child, including the parents, with much respect, the upmost dignity and great compassion, and among other kinds gestures, brought some of the children to her home on the weekends.

Learning/education was her priority and her motto was, “we are here to teach and the students are here to learn”.

She served 44 years in the field of education.

Her Christian life was remarkable as she participated in many organizations involving the church, at home and throughout the state of North Carolina. She had many accomplishments.

Information provided by her granddaughter, Patricia Rourk, former Principal of Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary School.