Born on Aug. 19, 1962, in Lexington, she was the second of four daughters born to Joyce Dudley Keiser and the late Zane Vernon Keiser.

In her childhood and teen years she loved drawing and painting and volunteered as a candy striper at Stonewall Jackson Hospital. In high school, Monica was a magnificent basketball player. In 1980, she became the first female athlete at Parry McCluer High School to be awarded an athletic scholarship. (She will be posthumously inducted in PMHS sports hall of fame in October.)

She went on to graduate from James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in education. Monica loved teaching, especially sixth and seventh grades. After a diving accident in 1990 left her a quadriplegic, she persevered and was determined not to allow her paralysis to stop her from living her life as normal as possible. She became a mother, drove using her wheelchair accessible van and continued to teach for several years after her accident. With her service dog Ben by her side, she inspired many of her students and fellow teachers. After increased health issues, Monica retired from teaching so she and her son moved back to Buena Vista to be closer to her family.

Monica was a lover of animals, owning many cats and dogs over the years. She also loved the beach, Diet Dr. Pepper, ice cream, shopping, her TV shows, sunflowers and the color purple. Monica was very appreciative for her neighbors and their care and thoughtfulness over the years. Monica also loved her son and her large family.

Other than her mother, Monica is survived by her son Timothy Forrest Clark; her sisters Lisa Keiser, Trina (David) Carter and Kristin Keiser Dorsey (Mike Wilhelm); nephew Brad Carter; nieces Amber and Morgan Carter, Megan and Ella Dorsey; great-nephews Jayden, Jacob and Jaxon Ruley and Kaycen Dudley; and great-niece Kazleigh Richmond.

Thank you to Bolling, Grose, and Lotts Funeral Home for their assistance and Monica’s cremation.

A celebration of life ceremony in planned for Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at the double decker pavilion in Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista.

Memorial contributions may be made to Forever Friends animal rescue in Buena Vista, adoptaclassroom.org, chadd.org or decoding dyslexia at deslexia. org. NG