The family of Mildred Ruth Hazelwood Montgomery announces the graduation of their mother – from earth to Heaven – Magna Cum Laude, on Monday, October 3, 2016, from Life Care Center of Elizabethton. She was 89 years old and was a charter member of Parkway Baptist Church in Bristol.
Mildred was born on March 16, 1927 in Hampton, Tenn. Her childhood was beset by the common issues facing rural families. Hunger, disease and poverty were daily struggles. But Mildred had a passion for life and was gifted with hope and a humorous temperament that lifted her above her circumstances. Her personal salvation added eternal significance to her life.
Mildred met and married Reverend Warren Montgomery. They ministered to congregations in Sullivan, Carter and Johnson counties for 50 years. Mildred was the model wife, mother and homemaker.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Warren Montgomery; three siblings, Ressie Hazelwood Lewis, Mary Hazelwood Potter and George Hazelwood; and a daughter-in-law, Martha Radford Montgomery.
She will be remembered by four sons, Dr. Larry Montgomery (Ginger), of Hampton, Dr. Gary Montgomery (Sherry), of Bristol, Jerry Montgomery (Jackie), of Mexico Beach, Fla., and Terry “Monk” Montgomery (Marlene), of Bowmantown; and eight grandchildren, Larry “Benny” Montgomery, Angela Montgomery Conley, Gary Montgomery, Marcye Montgomery, Brian Montgomery, Micah Montgomery, Jared Montgomery and Jerry Montgomery. Eight great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren are left to cherish her memory, as well as many nieces, nephews and a host of friends that will remember her positive influence on their lives.
A memorial celebration will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, at Parkway Baptist Church, 1253 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, with her sons, Dr. Gary Montgomery and Dr. Larry Montgomery, officiating. Music will be under direction of the church choir. The family will receive friends at the church from 5 until 7 p.m., prior to the service. A graveside service and burial will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, October 6, at Whitehead Cemetery in Butler, Tenn. Active pallbearers will be her beloved grandsons, Daniel, Gary, Brian, Micah, Jared and Jerry. Honorary pallbearers will be Rev. Bud Street, Rev. David Montgomery, Rev. Ronnie Campbell and her church family. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 2:50 p.m. Thursday. The family wants to thank Life Care of Elizabethton and Caris Hospice for their loving care of our mother. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Parkway Baptist Church, 1253 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620 in honor and memory of Mildred. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting our website www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Montgomery family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.