Virginia "Ann" Gibbs Monk, age 83, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at Wesley Woods in Newnan, Georgia, surrounded by the love of her family.
Ann was born on March 6, 1942, in Eldorado, Georgia, to John and Myrtle Gibbs, the middle of their three children. She graduated from Tifton High School. Although she had plans to attend college, Ann chose instead to begin a career at the local bank to help support her family-an early reflection of the selflessness that would define her life.
In 1964, Ann married Joel Louie Monk. They made their home in Ty Ty, Georgia, where they raised their three sons and spent the next 42 years building a life rooted in family, faith, and community.
Ann's greatest joy was her boys, to whom she devoted herself wholeheartedly. As her sons grew older, she returned to the workforce at the United States Post Office. Through dedication, intelligence, and natural leadership, Ann quickly rose through the ranks to become Postmaster, a role she held in Ty Ty and several nearby South Georgia communities.
Ann and Joel were longtime members of First United Methodist Church of Tifton and the Searchers Sunday School Class, where they formed many cherished friendships. They were also proud supporters of Tiftarea Academy, from its founding through the graduation of all three of their sons.
Ann brought the same devotion she showed her family into the kitchen, where she was a legendary cook and baker. She had an instinctive gift for cooking and lovingly perfected layer cake after layer cake each holiday, ensuring that every family member had their favorite-traditions that became as cherished as the meals themselves.
After Joel's passing in 2002, Ann retired as Postmaster and relocated to Newnan, Georgia, to be closer to her sons and grandchildren. Known affectionately as "Nana," she took great delight in spoiling her grandchildren and spending time with them. In this new chapter of her life, Ann discovered a passion for bridge and came within a few points of achieving Grand Life Master status. Through countless hours of play, she formed close friendships and traveled the world competing in tournaments in destinations including London, Iceland, and Turkey. While at Wesley Woods, she brought that same enthusiasm to her regular bridge and mahjong tables.
Ann is survived by her sons Robert Monk (Jill) of The Plains, Virginia; David Monk (Stephanie) of Newnan, Georgia; and Michael Monk (Kate) of Atlanta, Georgia; her beloved grandchildren Hembree Monk of Dallas, Texas; Lizzie Monk of Boston, Massachusetts; J.D. Monk of Newnan, Georgia; Mary Kate Monk, John Monk, and Elizabeth Monk, all of Atlanta, Georgia; her siblings Bobby Gibbs (Mary) of Macon, Georgia, and Linda Paulk (Dana) of Newnan, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Ann will be remembered as a lifelong learner and reader, for her loyalty, intelligence, and quick wit, and most of all for her deep love and devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the treasured recipes passed down to generations that follow.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Wesley Woods Newnan. As a resident there for 10 years, she had so many special relationships throughout the staff.
A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Newnan, GA. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, at 1:00 p.m. at Hickory Springs Baptist church in Tifton, GA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Ann's memory to Central Baptist Church Memorial Fund of Newnan, www.centralbaptistnewnan.org, or First United Methodist Church of Tifton, GA, 107 12th Street West, Tifton, GA 31794.