Mr. Commodore Harvey Monk Jr.

Commodore Harvey Monk, Jr. of Clayton, NC passed peacefully Friday, July 31, 2026 , surrounded by family members.

He and his wife of 54 years, Barbara Liles Monk, relocated to Johnston County after he retired from the US Bureau of Census, in Suitland, MD.

Their son, Gerard Alexander, preceded him in death. Commodore was a faithful member and ordained Deacon of First Missionary Baptist Church, Smithfield.

He was a Life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a Silver life member of the NAACP Organization. He was a proud 1970 graduate of NC A&T State University. 
Funeral Arrangements:

Viewing Thursday August 6, 2026, from 5:00pm - 7:00 pm at First Missionary Baptist Church 403 Caswell St., Smithfield, NC 27577

Funeral Friday August 7, 2026, viewing from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with a celebration of life starting at 11:00 am 403 Caswell St., Smithfield, NC 27577. 

Click on the Add Comments Line below to leave a message for the family

Guest Book

First Name: India
Last Name: Bulger
Email: masseyin58@gmail.com
Phone: 4436367478
Family or Deceased Name: Commodore Monk
Message: My heart is broken about the passing of my cousin, Harvey. He was such an intelligent and thoughtful person. He was quiet and very observant. My fondest memory is when I was a child and Harvey came into Barbara’s life . I was jealous because I thought he was taking her away from me.. lol. I grew to love Harvey and knew he was a great man for Barbara. I always admired him and he will be truly missed. Thank you Harvey for loving Barbara and making her happy for 54 years +. Until we meet again….. Rest easy God’s good and faithful servant.

First Name: Phil
Last Name: Thompson
Email: philjenbeach@comcast.net
Phone: 4436247941
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk / Barbara Monk
Message: Barbara,

I hate to hear the news about Harvey's death. Harvey was one of the first people I met when I started my career with the Census Bureau. My initial thought was "I would like to work for that guy!" Years later, I had the pleasure to work for Harvey. He meant a lot to me in my career but more importantly as a person. My sympathies go out to you and your family.

First Name: Frances Eaglin
Last Name: Garza
Email: fgarza96694@roadrunner.com
Phone: 3343007612
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: Praying for the family of Harvey Monk. I remember him as a funny, kind and caring high school classmate at E. E. Smith High School. Sending condolences.

First Name: Jim
Last Name: Kristoff
Email: jim.kristoff.jr@gmail.com
Phone: 7033238564
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: Harvey hired me & was my 1st boss at the Census Bureau. Harvey mentored me well & trained me for a challenging career. Although we didn’t agree of many issues, Harvey was one of the most intelligent people I have ever meet & I will always remember our late night drinks at Chaisson's restaurant in camp springs md. RIP Harvey!

First Name: Dr. Gettys
Last Name: Cohen, Jr.
Email: drgg1@hotmail.com
Phone: 8649786294
Family or Deceased Name: Mr. Commodore Harvey Monk, Jr.
Message: It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Mr. Commodore Harvey Monk, Jr., my fraternity brother, a beloved figure in Johnston County and a distinguished Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in our community. Mr. Monk’s service on the NAACP’s Board of Directors during my tenure as President. His service in Johnston County and the surrounding areas is a testament to his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to equality and justice. A proud 1970 graduate of NC A&T State University, he was also a faithful member and ordained deacon of First Missionary Baptist Church in Smithfield, and a Silver Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His career with the U.S. Bureau of Census and his personal integrity made him a respected mentor and friend to me and so many others. I will always remember his vision, his service, and the positive impact he had on the NAACP and the people we served. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Mrs. Barbara Monk, and to all who loved and were inspired by him; may his legacy of courage, service, and compassion continue to guide us forward.

First Name: Hattie
Last Name: Lofton
Email: loftons04@yahoo.com
Phone: 919-934-9653
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: May Your FAITH help HEAL your sorrow. In our prayers. Glenn and Hattie Lofton

First Name: Gina
Last Name: Roberts
Email: ginaeroberts@verizon.net
Phone: 3012181347
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: I worked at the Department of Commerce and had the opportunity to work with Harvey on seminars. I enjoyed watching him lead and speak and teach… Sincere Condolences to the family.

First Name: Lynne
Last Name: Walker
Email: walkerjlynne@gmail.com
Phone: 7045268253
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: Barb and Don,
Harvey was a wonderful and kind man and always so warm and welcoming to me. I loved the time we all spent together. He will be missed immensely but always in our hearts. I know he is at peace with God.
May you find comfort in your memories and precious recollections as time goes by. In that way, he will live on. God bless you and all your family.
Lynne

First Name: Bettie
Last Name: Revell
Email: bettiejoeann2451@gmail.com
Phone: 9192741567
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: My deepest condolences of your loss Sis. Barbara, my prayers are with you all.
Be Blessed to having amazing memories and loving adventures with him, never forgotten. Sis.Bettie & The Revell's Family. 

First Name: Joseph and Rowena
Last Name: Johnson
Email: flanman347@gmail.com
Phone: 9105785694
Family or Deceased Name: Commander Harvey Monk
Message: We were sorry to learn of the passing of Harvey and express our sincere condolences. May the Peace of the Lord be with his wife Barbara and the entire family.

First Name: D Hector and Brenda
Last Name: McEachern
Email: brendamceachern07@gmail.com
Phone: 3362025030
Family or Deceased Name: Monk Family
Message: Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you during this difficult period. We embrace you in prayer Barbara knowing that, you are thought of and supported by all who love you. We hope to see you on Friday. Blessings!

First Name: Hope Smith
Last Name: Drayton
Email: hsdrayton123@gmail.com
Phone: 9192315926
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: My thoughts and prayers are with you this week and always. I pray that the Lord will continue to be with you and give you peace. May the fond memories of your life with Harvey bring you comfort as you navigate in the following years without him, Please know that you have many friends that care and love you.

First Name: Nancy
Last Name: Harrris
Email: nharris10048@gmail.com
Phone: 9103226476
Family or Deceased Name: To the family of Harvey Monk
Message: “Classmate Barbara,
Please accept my sincere condolences. May the memories of your beloved husband offer comfort, and may you find moments of peace as you navigate this season of loss.”

First Name: Stephanie
Last Name: Brown
Email: stephanie@10sgirl.com
Phone: 2024377001
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: So sorry to learn of Harvey’s passing. We worked together arenas for many years. He was a kind gentleman.

First Name: Joe
Last Name: Wilson
Email: vanwlsn@aol.com
Phone: 2408768909
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: RIP Monk. AGGIE PRIDE!

First Name: Michael C
Last Name: Cook Sr.
Email: mc2cook@gmail.com
Phone: 410-271-1703
Family or Deceased Name: C. Harvey Monk
Message: To Barbara and Family - My sincerest condolences. Harvey was a prolific leader and honorable mentor for me and many others who either worked alongside him or for him. I can count it a blessing to have known him. Harvey's impact on my federal career is profound. I can honestly say that the value and confidence that he had in my expertise as a recent hire at the Census Bureau was the springboard to my decade's long career. His endorsement of me not only allowed me to remain a federal employee at the time, but his generosity, has led to countless opportunities for other Census Bureau leaders to see my value. I recall his mentoring sessions and insistence to always be on the lookout for other's who are eager to work and only need the opportunity to perform. Harvey will always be remembered by me and countless others as a trailblazer for all that he accomplished innovating the economic statistics at the U.S. Census Bureau. He is and will always be missed.

First Name: Janice
Last Name: Smith
Email: prayj9@yahoo.com
Phone: 9103094172
Family or Deceased Name: Commodore Harvey Monk
Message: It is with deepest condolences to the family in the loss of a wonderful, loving and caring man of God. I came to know Harvey, as I referenced him while he consistently cared for his mom, Mrs. Devetta Sheppard. His devotion, concern and patience were evidence in caring for her, along with his love for his fellow man. Harvey will be deeply missed because he was always a friend to all he met. I know God is welcoming another faithful and loving servant of God! Glad he came into my life. Rest in Peace, Harvey, you will be missed.

First Name: The Strong Family
Last Name:
Email: lnsadee2@gmail.com
Phone: 9195930284
Family or Deceased Name: Mr. Commodore Harvey Monk Jr.
Message: We’re sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful man of God. Our blessings and love be with him.

First Name: Vincent
Last Name: Gordon
Email: qgordon90@gmail.com
Phone: 7038550515
Family or Deceased Name: Monk Family
Message: For the family of Harvey, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. May God give you all comfort at this time. Harvey was a great mentor and leader to me and a even greater mentor and leader as my brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Even as Harvey achieved a position as an Associate Director with Census, he never shyed from continuing to enrich his culture, his Fraternity, and grow future leaders. Harvey has made a difference in the lives of others and I am proud our paths in life crossed.

First Name: Gwenell
Last Name Bass
:Email szinhaz_1@yahoo.com
:Phone 3015268617
:Family or Deceased Name Harvey Monk
:Message Barbara I was sorry to hear of Harvey passing. Cherish the memories that you and Harvey shared for more than 50 years. I heard wonderful things about him from fellow economists who were blessed to have him as a mentor. Gwenell Waters Bass, PhD:

First Name: David & Micky
Last Name: Eade
Email: meade0001@gmail.com
Phone: 502 821-7726
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: We are so sorry to hear of Monks passing. We were both hired by the Census Bureau in the summer of 1971 and reported to the office in Jeffersonville Indiana in order to help with processing the 1972 Economic Censuses. We became close friends. During that time Monk married Barbara and Micky and I married. In the fall of 1973 Monk and two other colleagues transferred up the Census headquarters in Suitland Maryland and I stayed in Jeffersonville for another 38 years. I was always so proud of Monk having such an exceptional career with the Census Bureau and relished his friendship.

First Name: Algeania
Last Name: Freeman
Email: algeania1@gmail.com
Phone: 7046401099
Family or Deceased Name: C. Harvey Monk
Message: College Chum Barbara,
May God's grace sustain you and your family now and forevermore in the loss of your beloved husband.
Much ❤️,
Algeania Freeman, PhD

First Name: NORRIS
Last Name: MIDDLETON
Email: NORRISCMID@AOL.COM
Phone: 7039985880
Family or Deceased Name: Commodore Harvey Monk, Jr
Message: Condolences to the Family.
Brother Monk was a hardworking and dedicated Fraternity Brother who joined our Chapter (Psi Alpha Alpha) in 1984 one year after me. We will miss him and are praying for God's comfort for the Family

First Name: Kenneth
Last Name: Brandon
Email: kennethbrandon8080@gmail.com
Phone: 3362538875
Family or Deceased Name: Commodore Monk
Message: RIP Monk. Aggie Pride!!

First Name: Pat
Last Name: Fosberry
Email: pat.fosberry@johnsjames.con
Phone: 8437549230
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: Harvey is a legend. I had the privilege of working with him through Foreign Trade, and respected him so much. He built an incredible staff and led our industry in moving to automation. I’m smiling right now because of the great memories.

First Name: Andrea
Last Name: Roberson
Email: 102dotcom@gmail.com
Phone: 5162444012
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Monk’s passing. He was a steady guide and mentor whose encouragement fundamentally shaped my path. Having his presence and belief in my corner meant more than words can say. Seeing his leadership gave me a sense of confidence and belonging that I will carry with me always. How blessed I feel to have borne witness to his wisdom, his strength of character, and his quietly powerful leadership. Sending my deepest condolences and love to Mrs. Monk and the family.

First Name: Bill
Last Name: Bostic
Email: williamgbostic@gmail.com
Phone: 2029060817
Family or Deceased Name: C Harvey Monk
Message: Barbara you have our deepest condolences from Ann and I. Harvey was certainly instrumental in my Census Bureau career. He was a mentor to many, he fought for what was right for diversity to ensure the Census Bureau used all of its talents and was deeply committed to the Census Bureau mission. I know from our conversations over the last several years he was dealing with significant health issues and he faced them like he did everything else through prayer, grit, and courage. I will miss him, but he is in a better place. No more pain and no more suffering. He will be missed and Harvey’s memories will last in our hearts forever. Ann and I are wishing you strength and peace as you navigate through this period of grief.

First Name: Hortense
Last Name: Clark
Email: hclark7305@gmail.com
Phone: 3014674019
Family or Deceased Name: Mr. Harvey Monk
Message: You will be missed by my entire family, you was my tax man and a mentor for my sons. Thank you again my friend may you rest in peace.

First Name: Thea
Last Name: Scott
Email: theajscott@gmail.com
Phone: 3018481287
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: Barbara, I am so sorry to hear about Harvey's passing. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.

First Name: Lawrence
Last Name: Blum
Email: lablum43@hotmail.com
Phone: 3016429027
Family or Deceased Name: Harvey Monk
Message: He was one of my branch chiefs at the Census Bureau. Great guy and so sorry for your loss.

First Name: Thomas and Faith
Last Name Mesenbourg
:Email tommesenbourg@gmail.com
:Phone 2403000781
:Family or Deceased Name Harvey Monk
:Message Barbara- Our deepest condolences. Harvey was a friend, colleague, a role model and inspiration for so many people that worked with him at the Census Bureau. It was my good fortune to start my career the same year as Harvey, to work closely together for decades, and to see first hand how he mentored and inspired so many. He will be missed.:

First Name: Crystal
Last Name: Sanders
Email: crystal.r.sanders@gmail.com
Phone: 919-588-9732
Family or Deceased Name: Monk Family
Message: Dear Mrs. Monk
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Deacon Monk. You are truly in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you can take comfort in the fact that you truly embodied the vow "in sickness and in health." You made sure that he had everything he needed and was as comfortable as possible. I hope you find some comfort in this fact.

First Name: Jimmie
Last Name: Scott
Email: jbscott50@aol.com
Phone: 3019226415
Family or Deceased Name: Commodore Harvey Monk, Jr
Message:
I have been so blessed to have had Monk part of my life journey after meeting at the Census Bureau 55 years ago. When I got the call that God had sent for Monk tears started rolling down my cheeks but quickly turned to smiles after reflecting on the wonderful times we had together and the positive impact he had on the community.
Rest in Peace my FRIEND!!

First Name: Charles
Last Name: Stokes
Email: chucksto.12@gmail.com
Phone: 9199777743
Family or Deceased Name: Barbara Monk
Message: Barbara, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. You have my condolences.