Pauline Ferrell Monk, an 86-year-old resident of Sissonville, West Virginia, has long wished for a Taco Bell in her hometown. Her dream recently came true, marking a significant moment in her life.
Monk expressed her excitement about the restaurant opening in the suburb of Charleston. “I was always wanting a Taco Bell here in this little town of Sissonville,” she explained. Her son played a pivotal role in realizing this dream. “He came to me one day and said, ‘Mom, I finally got them to come,’” she recalled.
Sadly, around the same time, Monk faced a health challenge. A virus prompted a doctor’s visit, which led to a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. Doctors informed her that she had months to live.
“Out of nowhere, we found out that I had stage 4 cancer,” Monk shared.
As the new Taco Bell took shape, Monk wondered if she would live to see its doors open. “I’m just trying to guess and figure out, is the Lord going to let me stay here long enough to be able to see that Taco Bell open?” she questioned.
Fortunately, Monk saw her wish fulfilled. On the restaurant’s opening day, her son, who had advocated for the location, brought her early to celebrate. This moment elevated her to local legend status, earning her the nickname ‘Taco Bell Queen.’
“They said, ‘She’s the Taco Bell queen.’ So now I’m known everywhere I go as the queen of Taco Bell,” Monk laughed. Her favorite orders include Nachos BellGrande or a chicken quesadilla, with cinnamon twists for dessert.
While the Taco Bell story brought unexpected attention, there is more to Monk’s life than her fondness for the fast-food chain. She grew up in a large family and spent years baking pies for her church and community. “Everybody at church, everybody I knew got pies,” she said.
As kindness returns to her, Monk receives support from family and friends during her health battle. Her husband provides care and affection, a testament to their strong bond. “My husband has been so good to take care of me,” she noted.
Monk’s faith offers her peace amid her illness. She chose not to undergo chemotherapy due to her age and learned the cancer had spread to her lungs. Yet, she remains steadfast in spreading her faith and gratitude.
“I feel like when he’s ready for me to come home, he’ll take me, and I’m ready to go,” she stated.
As her story inspires smiles, Monk appreciates the outpouring of love she receives from family, community, and even strangers aware of the ‘Taco Bell queen.’
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