Mrs. Cora Smith Montague, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, departed this life peacefully on April 27, 2024.
Cora, affectionately called Cora Mae by her family, was born on July 13, 1924, in Roxboro, North Carolina, to Chester Arthur Smith and Essie Lawson Smith. She completed her education in the Person County School System and obtained a bachelor's degree in education from Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. After her graduation, she embarked on a teaching career in Emporia, Virginia. Later, she joined the Guilford County School System, culminating in 36 years of committed service to education. As an endeared educator, it was common for students to visit her at home during their summer vacations simply to spend time with her.
On June 25, 1950, she married Luther Martin Montague, Sr., and from that union two children were born —Luther Martin Montague, Jr. and Coretta Felicia Montague. Cora was very proud of and loved her four grandchildren- Robert Montague, Tnasheo Evans (Deandrea), Ameika Montague, and Shaela Montague-Kolawole (Ishola). She cherished each of her nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren deeply.
Cora's cherished memories will forever be held dear by her sisters, Mattie Edwards, Essie Frances Lee, Virginia Massey, and her sister-in-love, Arcelia Smith, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cora wasn't just any cook; she was a "southern country cook" who took great joy in preparing meals for her family and friends. Among her favorite dishes were corn pudding, egg custard pie, country ham, chicken salad, and grated sweet potato pudding. Shopping was her passion, especially for hats and handbags, and her ability to match her hats with her outfits earned her the endearing nickname "hat lady."
Cora had been a member of Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, for more than fifty years.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the caregivers who have provided love and care for our mother over the years.
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, a funeral service will be held at Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, located at E. Florida St., Greensboro, NC 27406, to celebrate her life. The viewing is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., followed by the service at 1:00 p.m.
The family will be at Cora's home on Friday, May 10, 2024 to receive friends.
The burial will take place at Lakeview Memorial Park, located at 3600 O' Henry Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27405.
Lisa Lee sent The New Sunrise Bouquet for Cora Smith Montague - May 10, 2024
Felicia,Junior and family,thinking of you and wishing you love and peace. Praying the fondest memories of your mom help bring you comfort. Our condolences. Eric, Lisa and family
Angela Watson sent Ocean Devotion for Cora Smith Montague - May 09, 2024
Felicia, Luther and Grandchildren, Our hearts are full with loving memories of Aunt Cora Mae and prayers of comfort for you during this time. Angela and Vernell
Peace & Serenity Dishgarden was sent for Cora Smith Montague - May 08, 2024
VICKI FRANCIS sent Heartfelt Memories for Cora Smith Montague - May 07, 2024
With fond memories and affection. Aunt Cora, you will be greatly missed.
Love Lou and Vicki Francis.
To the family of Cora Smith Montague, I offer my deepest sympathy.Mrs Montague was my third grade teacher at Florence School back in the late fifties. She was such a sweet lady and it was through her encouragement and other teachers during that time that I also became a teacher.I still have pictures of her as she attended many of our reunions. May God Bless and keep you, love Georgia Lane Marshall
My condolences to Felicia, Luther Jr and family on the passing of Aunt Cora Mae. She left us with a lifetime of precious, loving memories. Peace and comfort be with you all. Love, your cousin Patricia
Q, my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.May God continue his watch and care over you and your family. Golas "Chuck" Hayes Providence Baptist Church Deacon Board
Praying for you all. With Love, Shana and the Summers' Family.
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. The joy and love Ms. Montaque gave to everyone will never be forgotten. Thank you, Ms. Montague, for the friendship you extended to my mother, Ethel Garrett, for so many years. Blessings to Coretta and Junior Yolandra "Pinky" Garrett Shipp, Myha, Faith from Savannah, Ga
To my cousins Felicia and Luther, I pray for strength and comfort during this time. Her special smile, personality and so many things about her will be missed, but may we all find a blessed reassurance in the knowledge that she is at peace and resting in God's arms. She was loved and we will continue to celebrate her. Angie (Lee-Watson)
Heartfelt Condolences are extended to the family of Cora Smith Montague.Know that GOD'S Grace and Mercy will continue to embrace the family for years to come.
Eunice Bass Gist and Family
Dear Cousins Felicia and Luther Jr., Please know Ken and I extend our sincerest sympathy towards each of you. Just know, God allowed your Mom; my Aunt Cora, 99 years to embrace His many blessings with thanksgiving. Therefore, try to find peace and comfort in knowing that your Mom and Dad are now sitting together in Heaven with other loved ones. Again, our sympathy is with each of you, the grandchildren, great grandchildren and the great-great grandchildren.
Love, Freda and Ken Decatur, GA
Sending our deepest sympathy. We did not know Mrs Montague personally,but we knew of her many wonderful things she excelled in through our friend Virginia. May God continue to hold you close.
Grady and Rose Burns Matthews,North Carolina
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My sympathy and condolences to your family. Praying that God will comfort you all during this time giving you peace and heal your hearts. Your friend and Neighbor Dinah Marshall
"Q" as you grieve know that others are praying for and the Family as you face difficult days!!! WITH LOVE, THE STIMPSON FAMILY
Sending my deepest condolences to my cousin Luther Jr. and the rest of the Montague & Smith family for the loss of your beloved matriarch. May you find peace and comfort knowing that she no longer suffers. Jonathan Rochelle
We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy upon hearing of the passing of Aunt Cora.
Father God, we call upon You in our time of sorrow. Give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life's hardships.
Keep us in Your everlasting arms, that we may once again have light hearts and renewed spirits.
Love,
Cecil & Sabrina Ragland
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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