Mary Montgomery

Obituary For Mary Montgomery

Mary Montgomery
January 10, 2026

Mary Martha Montgomery was born on Friday, February 23, 1945 in Chicago, IL to the union of Joseph Montgomery and Louise Cathey-Montgomery. Mary was the sixth of eight children born from this beautiful union - Mable Simmons, Robert “Sonny” Simmons (Deborah), LeRoy Simmons (Connie), Josephine Fulgham (Ralph), Marcia Harris (Robert), Zirlee Brown (Bobby) and Louise “Maria” Montgomery. Mary Montgomery grew up in Chicago, IL in the Altgeld Gardens (Block #4) and Morgan Park neighborhoods. Mary eventually made Harvey, IL her home and raised her children there - Anntionettea, Cathey and George. A true 1950s kid, Mary was raised during a time that demanded strength, resilience, and quiet determination and she carried those qualities, along with a deep spirit of service, throughout her entire life. A woman of intellect, grit, and purpose, Mary graduated from Thornton Township High School, Class of 1963. In 1975, Mary graduated from one of the nation’s early racially integrated nursing programs at Thornton Community College (South Suburban College). Mary attended on a full scholarship from Ingalls Memorial (Hospital). She went on to dedicate more than 40 years to the nursing profession and retired from Tinley Park Mental Health Center (better known as Tinley Park Mental Hospital) after 32 years of service. Nurse Montgomery was known for working triples and doubles and not being afraid to make a few extra dollars. Mary Montgomery dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and was a member of the First Pentecost Assemblies International Church where the congregation is led by Bishop Ernest Owens. Mary loved the Lord and lived by principles of self-respect, responsibility, and showing up when it mattered. She was a true woman of service. Whether she was tending to the ill, offering steady advice, or opening her home to a family member in need, Mary was a reliable pillar. Also, one cannot remember Mary without also recalling her love for a good card party or casino run. Mary Montgomery is preceded in death by: parents - Joseph and Louise Montgomery, lifetime partner - George “Joe” Moore Sr., sister - Mable Simmons, sister - Josephine Fulgham, brother - LeRoy Simmons, sister - Zirlee Brown and brother - Robert “Sonny” Simmons. Mary Montgomery leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy to her children Anntionettea Montgomery, Cathey Montgomery and George Moore Jr.; grandchildren Geoffery Montgomery Sr., Castin Montgomery, Candace Montgomery and Andrea Bonaparte (Gynarva); great grandchildren Maleah Montgomery, Geoffery Montgomery Jr., Elena Montgomery and Zaine Monroe; sisters Marcia Harris and Louise “Maria” Montgomery; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; nephews and nieces who knew her not only as an aunt but as a guiding hand William Brown, Mambu Fulgham, Ralph Fulgham, Jr., Joanne Fulgham, Angelo Montgomery, Anthony Montgomery and Tasha Williams; and bonus daughters Taji Thomas, Cherise Sisson and Nicole Payne. Mary’s legacy lives on in the lives she nursed, the family she raised, and the barriers she helped break. Her strength, service, and love will be felt for generations to come.

Service:
Friday, January 23, 2026
10:00AM - 12:00PM

1st Pentecostal International Ministries
14600 S Green
Harvey, IL 60426

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