LANETT — Mrs. Rebecca J. Monagan, 92, of Lanett, AL passed away Monday, March 12, 2018 at her residence. Mrs. Monagan, the youngest of 13 children, was born November 1, 1925 in White Plains, Ala. to the parentage of the late Alex and Nancy Stowes James.

“Big Mama,” as she was affectionately called by many, received her education in the Chambers County School System. At an early age, she joined the Pine Grove United Methodist Church in White Plains. She was a faithful member until failing health. She was  a member of the Usher Board and the Kitchen Committee. She was eager to serve others anytime she could.

Rebecca was united in holy matrimony to Herman Johnson, who preceded her in death. After being a widow and raising her children, Rebecca found love again and united in marriage to Bobby L. Monagan, who also preceded her in death. With this union she was able to help share in the rearing and loving of four children. “Big Mama” loved to share her home and cooking with anyone. There was never a time you could go to her house and not get a meal. Her home was always filled with love and care for her children.

Rebecca was employed by WestPoint Pepperell until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Herman “Box Supper” and oldest daughter, Patricia “Pat” and her twelve siblings.

Rebecca leaves to cherish her memories three sons, Rev. Curtis Johnson of Carrollton, Ga, Bobby Johnson of Lanett, Al, and Ricky Johnson of LaGrange, Ga.; two daughters, Theresa Farrow (Sammie) and Vicky Johnson of Lanett, four step-children, Bobbie Reid (Bobby), Oscar Monagan, Johnny Monagan (Shirley) and Marion Bryant. She also leaves to cherish her memories and legacy 16 grandchildren, four  that she raised as her own, Rashieka Halcromb (Charles), Marcelyn Johnson, Taressa Thompson (Ralph), and Sadaka Johnson, DeWayne Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Juan Johnson, Lamar Johnson, Dexter Martin, Rod Johnson, Jovita Johnson, Sandricka Reed, Jarnez Reed, Jasmine Winston, Ricky Johnson, Jr, and Candice Johnson;  26 great grandchildren, eight that she raised as her own: Jamal Johnson, Rasean Halcromb, Janecia Jackson, Victor Jackson, Tiaria Johnson, RJ Johnson, Katada and Tiffany Copeland and 11 great great grandchildren. Rebecca also leaves four special daughters in love, Ms. Bessie Johnson, Ms. Thelma Hodo, Ms. Cynthia James-Johnson, and Ms. Rosemary Warren; a life-long neighbor Mrs. Ruby Dean Summers; a very special friend the late Ms. Elsie Trammell, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.,

A homegoing celebration will be held Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 1 p.m. EDT at the Pine Grove United Methodist Church in White Plains with the Rev. Cecelia Broome, pastor and eulogist, Rev. Leonard Autry, Bro. George James, and Rev. Kelsey Barnes officiating.

Interment will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery. The remains will lie in state at the church on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 12 noon  EDT until the funeral hour. To express online condolences, please visit our website at:www.mwleemortuary.com .

Final arrangements have been entrusted to M.W. Lee Mortuary of West Point, Ga.