William Monroe Hearne

DOVER - William Monroe Hearne, son of the late William Oliver and Mary Francis Hearne, was born on Sept. 7, 1923, in Laurel. He departed this life on June 26, 2009, surrounded by family and friends. In 1950, Monroe and Virginia Hazzard were united in holy matrimony and united to this family was one son, Robert. July 30 would have been Monroe and Virginia's 59th anniversary. Monroe was educated in the Laurel School System and graduated from Howard High School, Wilmington. He was a recipient of a Bachelors Degree of Science from Delaware State College (University) and received a Masters Degree from Temple University. As a professional educator, he taught at William C. Jason Comprehensive High School, Georgetown, and William Henry Middle School, Capitol School District, for a total of 35 years. Further, he served two terms as a member of the Capitol District Board of Education. While serving in the Army, he achieved the rank of Technical Sgt. His tour of duty included Hawaii, Guada Canel, Saipan, and Okinawa, Japan. Monroe was proud to be a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., and a charter member of Dover Alumni Chapter. He was also a member of Morning Star PHA #10; DSU Alumni Association; DSU Booster Club and the Community Improvement Organization (DECAF). For many years he was a member of Shilon AME Church in Slaughter Neck. He was very active and served as a Trustee before transferring to Mt. Zion AME Church in Dover. At Mt. Zion, he served as Steward and sang with "The Voices of Thunder." Monroe was a good-spirited person with a cheerful attitude. He was loved and revered by family members as well as many who knew him. The Hearne and Hazzard families appreciated his generosity and moral support throughout the years. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of nearly 59 years, Virginia Hazzard Hearne of Dover; son, Robert of Bear; a daughter, Princess Bussy and two grandchildren of Marietta, Ga.; a host of nieces and nephews, as well as great, great-great, great-great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends. Viewing will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Mt. Zion A.M.E., Queen Street, Dover. Burial will be in Sharon Hill Memorial Gardens.