Pauline Ferrell Monk, an 86-year-old resident of Sissonville, West Virginia, recently fulfilled a long-held wish when a Taco Bell opened in her hometown. Often referred to now as the ‘Taco Bell Queen,’ Monk spent years hoping her town, located just outside Charleston, would get a franchise. Her son ultimately brought news that the restaurant was finally coming. “My son…had been working trying to get one,” she shared with a smile.
As the restaurant neared completion, Monk received heart-wrenching news. After consulting a doctor due to a virus, she learned she had stage 4 cancer, with only months left to live. “Out of nowhere, we found out that I had stage 4 cancer,” she explained.
Despite this, construction of the Taco Bell continued. Monk frequently wondered if she would see the store’s opening. “As I went up and down the road in front of the Taco Bell…I’m just trying to guess and figure out,” she mused. Yet, she remained hopeful.
They were supposed to be for me, and now I may have to leave this world before I get to see it open,she pondered.
Eventually, the day arrived. The restaurant invited Monk to join the grand opening, and her son, who was instrumental in making the occasion happen, accompanied her. This event quickly elevated Monk to the status of local legend and internet sensation.
Reflecting on the experience, Monk said, “They all hollered. They said, ‘She’s the Taco Bell queen.’ So now I’m known everywhere I go as the queen of Taco Bell.” Her favorite orders are the Nachos BellGrande or a chicken quesadilla, with cinnamon twists as a dessert.
Beyond her newfound fame, Monk’s life is marked by a legacy of kindness and faith. Growing up with seven siblings in a small country town, she often baked pies for her community. “Since I’ve been a young girl, I’ve always attended church… I gave, and I was happy and joyous to give people pies,” she recounted.
Her generosity now returns to her as her community showers her with care. “Everybody at church, everybody I knew got pies,” she noted joyfully. Monk’s husband and family play a vital role in her care as well, with her husband being a devoted caregiver.
As Monk’s health declines, her faith remains unyielding. “I know the Lord and the Lord knows me,” she expressed. While the doctors advised against chemotherapy due to her age, Monk’s spirit stays strong. She cherishes the love from her community, her family, and even strangers who are touched by her story.
Monk remains grateful, aiming to spread goodwill and gratitude in her remaining time. “…while I’m here, I want to spread the word of God and be thankful,” she declared. Her life, encompassing dedication to faith and community, continues to inspire smiles and affection from those who hear it.