Obituary of Monroe Clyde Hite Jr.

Monroe Clyde Hite, Jr., departed this life peacefully on July 28, 2023, comforted by his family under hospice care at Christiana Hospital. He was born on January 9, 1939, in Richmond, Virginia to Monroe Clyde Hite, Sr., and Mabel Lee (Bailey) Hite. He was an only child. Monroe Jr. received his early education in the public schools of Richmond, Virginia, and Maggie L. Walker High School. Then, he graduated from Virginia Union University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. While at Virginia Union, he was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Upon graduation, he taught at Saint Emma Military Academy and Pocahontas High School in Powhatan, Virginia. While in Powhatan, he met Mary Frances Simms and they later married in Richmond, Virginia on June 1, 1968. After moving to Delaware, Monroe Jr. and Mary embraced their new community while staying connected with family in Virginia. From this union, they had two children: Monroe III and Monique. Monroe Jr. was active in the Newark community, serving as a volunteer coach for youth basketball (Monroe III) and softball (Monique) as well as with Troop 56 of Boy Scouts of America, where Monroe III achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was a devoted member and former trustee of Eighth Street Baptist Church, now known as the Resurrection Center in Wilmington, Delaware. At the church, he was active with the Golden Agers and attended bible study. He also enjoyed going to the Newark Senior Center and watching all sports on television, especially the Philadelphia Eagles, Sixers, and Phillies. He retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital after 29 years of service and many years of service at the Wilmington Hospital (Medical Center) as a Medical Technologist. Leaving behind to cherish his memories are his devoted wife of 55 years, Mary Simms Hite; a son, Monroe C. Hite, III (Kertrina); a daughter, Monique Hite Head (Kris); one grandson, Monroe C. Hite, IV; three granddaughters, Mya Garrison, Kasandra L. Head, and Kora L. Head; one aunt, Lillian Judkins (Henry); one brother-in-law, Pete Simms (Ercelle); sisters-in-law, Evelyn Graham (Robert), Deborah Taylor, Marlene Anderson (Sonny); close friends, Dr. Joseph M. Stills and Willie Dean, also Omega Psi Phi Fraternity brothers; and family, cousins, nieces, nephews, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., The Monday Club, and dear friends. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Manor Care (Wilmington) and Christiana Care Hospital (Newark), and Compassionate Care Hospice. His Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Congo Legacy Center, 501 W. 28th Street, Wilmington, Delaware; with a viewing from 9-10:30 a.m. At 10:30 AM Omega Psi Phi Service will begin. Interment will occur on August 18, 2023, at Greenbrier Baptist Church in Powhatan, Virginia.