"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the rightaeious judge shall give me at that day; and not to thee only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. II Timothy 7:8

Sister Orastine Ward Monk, affectionately known as "Stean" was born December 6,1928 to the late Levi and Clara Ward-Bickham and reared by Elder John Bickham in Bogalusa. God called her home to await her crown of glory on Sunday, August 28,2011. She was united in marriage to Willie C. Monk who preceded her in death. There were two children born to this union. She attended and graduated from Central Memorial High School and attended Grambling State University, Louisiana State University and received a B.A. degree from Southern University. She later earned a Master's and plus 30 from Southeastern Louisiana University.She was one of the elementary teachers at Poplas Elementary School under the principalship of Mrs. McBride and later Mr. A.L. Jordan and later moved to Pleasant Hill Elementary School where she retired after 30+ years of teaching!
Sis. Monk was a devoted and loyal member of her church. She loved and respected her pastor. Sis. Monk was the dedicated financial secretary of her church, even during her illness she maintained her job of taking care of the churches finances. Sister Monk was a dedicated Sunday School teacher for the Junior High School Class. After becoming disabled she became a student in the senior Women's Class. Sis. Monk loved her children and grandchildren and spoke of them often. There was another love of her life "Brutus" her pet dog who traveled everywhere with her. After moving to Texas, Sis. Monk had daily telephone calls with a dear precious friend, Sis. Pearl Johnson who would give the pastor and church her love. She leaves to cherish her memories one son, Darryl (Tressa) of Mansfield, Texas and five grandchildren. One brother, Johnny Lee Ward of Mobile, Al. One devoted sister-in-law, Vera Ward of Bogalusa and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends, and a loving church family. She was known to call on her loyal and supported close knit family friends, Mitchell and Carrie Causly.She was preceded in death by her Mother, Father, step-father, her husband, her daughter Sharon Monk Myres a grand daughter Whitney Nicole Myres, one brother, Willie Ward, one sister Rosie Ward Allen.
Visitation will be 2-7p.m. Friday, September 2. Funeral Service will be Saturday, September 3 at St. John Temple COGIC. Elder Bobby R. Brown, Officiating. Interment Bogalusa Cemetery.