Monica Yvonne Holmes-Irby was born on November 11, 1949, to the late Theodore and Sybil Holmes.

Monica grew up in Brooklyn New York although she traveled to and lived in her parent's hometown of Barbados as a young girl. Monica was educated in the private school sector in Kentucky in her early years.

Monica prided herself for being a good student and later returned to college, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree and at the ripe age of 60, she obtained her Master's degree in Human Services. When asked how she did it, Monica said "with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other."

Monica was excellent at what she did and took great pride in servicing her community. Monica has mentored, inspired and motivated the many women she would encounter.

Monica has done as much as assisted with writing papers, creating resumes, cover letters, grant writing, you name it, she's done it, if it has anything to do with helping to get into school or a job. Resourceful Monica would earn the name "Phenomenal" and that she was.

Monica was employed with Harlem United, Bridging Access to Care and she retired as a Senior Case Manager at CAMBA Inc.  Monica was a proud Alumni of Greenhope Services for Women where she dedicated herself to the women, she would donate clothes and share her life experiences to  support the women in recovery and reentry.

Monica departed her earthly life on Tuesday, October 25  2022 at 12:42 a.m.