Cornelius Monzell Whitehead was born on January 14, 1963, in Ozark, Alabama. Although many knew him as Cornelius, he was lovingly called Monzell by family and those closest to him. He was born to the late James Bunn Whitehead and Stella T. Whitehead.

Monzell was a 1980 graduate of Carroll High School and continued his education at George C. Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama. After completing his studies, he left Ozark and built a thriving life in Maryland. He enjoyed a long and successful career with the federal government as an IT Specialist for the General Services Administration, retiring in 2019 after 35 years of dedicated service.

As a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Monzell gave his life to the Lord at an early age. He never met a stranger and had a genuine love for people. He looked out for those around him, always taking care of others. Family was deeply important to him, and his generosity and warmth were evident in every relationship.

Monzell loved eating all kinds of food, especially Doritos, being outdoors, listening to music, cracking jokes, and just having a good time. He was a huge sports fan and proudly supported the Washington Commanders.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Bunn Whitehead and Stella T. Whitehead, and his sister Tonyce Anita Johnson Stuckey.

Monzell passed peacefully on December 15, 2025, at Peachtree Creek Memory Care in Atlanta, Georgia after bravely battling a brain disease and pancreatic cancer. He leaves as his greatest legacy (in his own words), his perfect baby girl, Jordaan Alexandria Whitehead, his only child from his prior marriage to April Boyd (Anthony).

He will also be lovingly remembered by his longtime partner, Vanessa Dawson; his devoted brother, Sanche Jara Whitehead; nieces and nephews, Jarrell and Jarvon Whitehead, Iris Olivia Johnson, and Kendra Nicole Johnson; along with many other cherished family members, aunts, cousins, special friends, classmates, caretakers, and guardian angels.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/

Atlanta Neuroscience Foundation
3200 Downwood Cir NW # 550, Atlanta GA 30327
Tel: 1-404-351-0205
Web: https://www.atlantaneurosciencefoundation.org/ways-to-give/donate