Monica Woods

We are honoring our beautiful, outgoing, and high spirited, design extraordinaire Ms. Monica Lynn Woods. Born to Isabell Roberts and Maurice E. Washington, III on April 1, 1960. She departed this earthly life on June 23, 2023, at the age of 63. A loving daughter, endearing mother, sister and loyal friend. A St. Louis, MO native she was the eldest of three siblings born to Isabell Roberts. Monica spent her early childhood in St. Louis, Missouri and Indianapolis, Indiana. She attended St. Andrews Grade School, Bishop Chatard High School and later graduated from Broad Ripple High School class of 1979. Monica’s passion and eye for fashion started early in life. She began designing clothes for her dolls and later family and friends. Her creative designs were later showcased on local broadcasts by Indianapolis socialites. She went on to study fashion design at Bauder Fashion College in Miami, Florida obtaining an Associates degree. After attending college in Miami, she showcased her talents in Miami market by way of fashion shows, stage plays, and speaking engagements. In the early 1980s she expanded her talent by relocating to Long Beach, California. Her talent and creativity grew through designing elaborate gowns and suits for local organizations which allowed her to expand her talent and creativity into major films such as Coming to America, The Five Heartbeats, designing various celebrities interior designs, and mainstream television shows. Her incredible designs were showcased on televised award shows, the Indiana Black Expo Fashion show as well many fashion shows nationwide. In August of 1988, Monica and David welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Monika. In 1996, Monica relocated back to Indianapolis, IN. Monica had a big personality with a big heart, smile, and laugh. She never met a stranger and loved to help others in any way she could. She often volunteered at community organizations and believed in paying it forward by giving back to the community. Early in life Monica participated in Girl Scouts of America and was selected to represent the state of Indiana at a national event in Hawaii. Later in life she volunteered with Chea Smiles Foundation and served as a member of New Era Church. Monica exemplified her warm, bubbly, and loving personality while making a positive impact on the lives of countless young women. Her dedication to her family and her craft led her to become a renowned fashion designer, owning a fashion company and storefront for over 40 years. Monica lived life to the fullest and enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and God babies. In addition to fashion and design, she loved taking pictures, listening to music, traveling, cooking, drawing and playing with her grand dog King. Monica is survived by her mother, Isabell Roberts, daughter Monika (Alexander) Somerville, her brother, Jeffrey Roberts, her sisters, Dana Washington and Romaine Washington-Burns, and partner Damon Potter. Monica was preceded in death by her sister, Vernetta Roberts, her father, Maurice E. Washington III, her grandmother, Isabell Woods, and her grandfather, Ira Woods. Monica's legacy will live on through the kindness and generosity she displayed and her ability to make something out of nothing. Her larger-than-life personality will be remembered and cherished by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.

Monica Woods

April 1, 1960 - June 23, 2023