larcenia wheaton moncrief

1896-1970

Life Story

Birth & Parentage

Larcenia Wheaton was born on December 25, 1896, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Dyer Wheaton (1856–?) and Frances Johnson Wheaton (1864–?). She spent her early years within a close-knit rural family environment rooted in farming and church life.

Marriage & Family

Larcenia married Matthew Moncrief (1895–?) by 1918. From this union, eight children were born, one of whom preceded her in death:

Willie L. Moncrief (1919–1954)
Mary Jane Moncrief (1922–2001)
Dyer Moncrief, Jr. (1924–1924)
Johnny Lee Moncrief (1925–?)
McNeil Moncrief (1927–1984)
Ozelle Moncrief (1930–?)
Angie Lee Moncrief (1934–?)

Newspaper accounts confirm that seven children survived her at the time of her death, consistent with the early loss of Dyer Moncrief, Jr.

Residence & Work

In her early adult years, Larcenia worked as a farm laborer on the home farm, contributing to the agricultural livelihood of her family. By 1930, following her divorce from Matthew Moncrief, she had returned to live with her parents, a transition also reflected in census records for her children.

Church Membership & Community Life

Larcenia was a member of Good News Baptist Church in her early life. She later joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for many years, working in multiple departments and maintaining a strong presence within the church community.

Death & Burial

Larcenia Wheaton Moncrief passed away at her home on October 31, 1970, following a brief illness. Funeral services were held on November 5, 1970, at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, with interment in the church cemetery. Funeral arrangements were handled by Mapp Funeral Home.

Historical Note

Larcenia Wheaton Moncrief’s life reflects the experiences of many African American women in Newton County—anchored in family, sustained by agricultural labor, and defined by deep commitment to church and community across generations.

Resting Place

Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard

Photos/Albums

Sources

1900 Federal Census
1910 Federal Census
1920 Federal Census
1930 Federal Census
1950 Federal Census
U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
The Newton Record, Thu, Dec 03, 1959 ·Page 1
The Newton Record, Larcenia Wheaton Moncrief Obituary, Wed, Nov 11, 1970 ·Page 11
U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947

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