Monroe Hughes

Monroe Hughes was born on October 4, 1946, in Washington ,D.C., to Zola Hughes and James Nathaniel Hughes. He was raised in Washington, D.C., under the loving influence of his mother and his grandparents, Virginia Gillespie and Monroe Gillespie.

Monroe was one often children and grew up in a close knit family. The importance of family that was instilled in him during his childhood remained one of the defining values of his life. Family was of the utmost importance to Monroe. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and family man who believed in being present for the people he loved and supporting them whenever they needed him.

Monroe was a servant of Jehovah God and a member of the Landover Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the early 1990s.His faith shaped his life and his understanding of the world. He was determined to live according to his convictions and was steadfast in his beliefs.

Monroe was an exceptionally intelligent, educated, cultured, and well-rounded man. He had a natural curiosity and an impressive breath of knowledge. He was the kind of person who seemed to know something about everything and took pride in learning and understanding the world around him.

He graduated from Dunbar High School and continued his education at the University of Maryland, Montgomery College, the University of the District of Columbia, and other institutions.

Monroe dedicated approximately 45 years of service to the Government Printing Office (GPO) before retiring. He was a tremendously hardworking man who took pride in his work and rarely, if ever, complained. Sitting still was not easy for Monroe because he was accustomed to working, staying productive, and taking care of what
needed to be done.

His commitment to service extended beyond his civilian career. At just 17 years old, Monroe joined the United States Navy and went on to serve approximately 26 years in the Navy Reserve. During his years of service, he traveled extensively, including throughout Europe, Germany, Ireland, California, and other places.

During his years of service, Monroe earned repeated recognition for his discipline, perfect attendance, dedication, and commitment to duty. He was recognized on multiple occasions for exemplary attendance and service and served in leadership capacities, including as Officer in Charge for Duty/Commanding Officer at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. The discipline and dedication he developed through his years of service remained with him throughout his life and were reflected in the way he worked, cared for his family, and guided his children and grandchildren. His military service was one of many chapters of a life defined by commitment, responsibility, and service.