Monica Leigh Reyes

Monica Leigh Reyes was born in Nashville, TN on December 16,1969 to parents, Carlos and Linda Reyes.Monica was a sister to three siblings – two older sisters, Marinda Rice and Maria Benson, and one younger brother, Michael Reyes. From these siblings, Monica had 5 nephews and one great nephew, all of whom she adored, but her greatest pride and joy were her children – her son Brandon Harriman, and her daughter Meredith Woodward. Meredith has made Monica a grandmother four times over with Trace, Georgia, Lainey and Lottie.

Monica grew up on the outskirts of Nashville in Brentwood, TN. Her childhood was filled with days of playing in the backyard and creek. When she was very little her father built a bridge over the creek. The kids spent endless hours playing there - exploring, pretending to fish, hanging out with neighbors, and skipping rocks. Their family was also a family of divers, so Monica’s entire summer days were spent at the swimming pool – either in diving practice, at diving meets, or just goofing off with her friends.

In high school, Monica was simply magnetic. She was so very beautiful and bubbly. She was the girl that all the guys wanted to be around, and all the girls wanted to be. She was a cheerleader and on the homecoming court. She was so naturally athletic that the volleyball and basketball coaches both begged her to play on their teams. However, despite her beauty and abilities, Monica’s best attribute was always her big heart. She found great joy in the accomplishments of others, and she loved re-telling funny stories. She was a friend to everyone. That wonderful openness she had was a throughline throughout her life. I don’t believe Monica knew what the word stranger meant. She could – and would - carry on a conversation with anyone. We loved hearing that laugh of hers as she shared stories and made connections with people. Whether it was animals or strangers, she loved hard and gave fully of herself.

She will be dearly missed, and will forever be remembered by her family and friends.